
Set against the turbulent backdrop of the late 1990s, just as South Korea was grappling with the aftermath of the IMF financial crisis, "Undercover Miss Hong" delivers a spirited and bold tale of transformation within the cutthroat world of finance. The story centers on Hong Geum-bo, a legendary figure in Yeouido's financial district and an elite supervisor at the Financial Supervisory Service. At 35, she has clawed her way to the top of a deeply conservative, male-dominated industry through sheer competence and steely determination. However, her flawless career takes a sharp turn when she detects suspicious capital flows and deep-rooted corruption within Hanmin Securities, a major brokerage firm. To uncover the truth that lies buried beneath cooked books and corporate power plays, she makes a shocking decision: she abandons her prestigious identity, cuts her hair, and infiltrates the company disguised as a clumsy, 20-year-old entry-level employee. The drama masterfully captures the unique atmosphere of the late 90s, utilizing the period setting to fuel a hilarious and poignant workplace comedy. It was an era when female employees were often reduced to "Miss" followed by their surname, tasked primarily with making coffee and running errands regardless of their potential. Watching Hong Geum-bo, a woman accustomed to wielding absolute authority, suddenly forced to navigate the bottom of the corporate food chain creates endless comedic situations. She must bow to supervisors far younger than her real self, feign ignorance over simple tasks, and endure the daily indignities of being a "lowly" female staffer. Yet, within this humiliation lies her awakening. Assigned to the perpetually underfunded and ignored Crisis Management Division, she begins to form genuine bonds with the misfit colleagues she would have once overlooked. Beyond the laughs and the retro aesthetics, the series explores profound themes of justice and solidarity. The narrative drives toward a thrilling confrontation between the "ants"—the ordinary retail investors and workers—and the corrupt founding family of Hanmin Securities, who view the company's funds as their personal piggy bank. In 2026, as the world navigates the economic uncertainties following the pandemic, the struggles of the late 90s resonate with renewed relevance. The drama challenges the modern mantra of "every man for himself," offering instead a story where empathy and collective action become the ultimate weapons against systemic greed. Hong Geum-bo's journey from a solitary elite to a leader of the underdog creates a powerful emotional arc that speaks to viewers across generations. Starring Park Shin-hye in a dynamic role that requires her to toggle between a charismatic executive and a rookie office worker, the series promises a tour de force performance. She is joined by a stellar ensemble cast including Ko Kyung-pyo, Ha Yun-kyung, and Jo Han-gyeol, who bring the vibrant and chaotic office dynamics to life. Directed by Park Seon-ho, known for his stylish and witty storytelling in "Business Proposal," and written by Moon Hyun-kyung, the production blends nostalgic visuals with sharp social commentary. Airing on tvN and streaming globally on Netflix starting January 17, 2026, "Undercover Miss Hong" is not just a crime procedural; it is a heartwarming tribute to the resilience of ordinary people fighting for their place in a changing world.