Actress Park Shin-hye is set to return with a bold transformation in tvN’s upcoming weekend drama Undercover Miss Hong, where she leads a thrilling undercover mission wrapped in nostalgic late-1990s retro charm.
Scheduled to premiere on January 17, 2026, the new Saturday–Sunday series is a retro office comedy set against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent financial scene at the end of the millennium. Park stars as Hong Geum-bo, a sharp and elite financial supervisor in her 30s who goes undercover as a 20-year-old entry-level employee at a securities firm to investigate suspicious money flows.
A High-Stakes Mission with a Retro Twist
Undercover Miss Hong follows Hong Geum-bo’s double life as she disguises herself as “Hong Jang-mi,” a young rookie employee at Hanmin Securities. What unfolds is a chaotic yet heartwarming story filled with workplace mishaps, identity confusion, and the unmistakable atmosphere of late-’90s Yeouido.
The drama blends investigative tension with lighthearted comedy, promising a fresh take on the undercover genre through a distinctly retro lens.
Park Shin-hye’s Long-Awaited tvN Return
This project marks Park Shin-hye’s return to tvN after eight years, raising anticipation among fans. Known for her versatility and strong screen presence, Park once again reinvents herself — shifting from an authoritative professional to a wide-eyed newcomer navigating corporate life.
Joining her is a strong supporting cast including Go Kyung-pyo, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Jo Han-gyeol, all of whom are expected to create dynamic chemistry with Park and enrich the drama’s ensemble storytelling.
The series is directed by Park Sun-ho, known for hits such as Business Proposal, Suspicious Partner, and Wok of Love, with the script penned by Moon Hyun-kyung. Production is led by Studio Dragon in collaboration with Celltrion Entertainment, signaling a high-quality production.
Retro Aesthetics That Spark Nostalgia
Alongside the announcement, tvN unveiled an “undercover poster” highlighting Park Shin-hye’s secret double life. In the image, Hong Geum-bo appears calm and confident in a tailored suit, holding a newspaper — while a smaller, softer version of her undercover persona peeks out from her hand, creating a striking visual contrast.
The poster also teases the drama’s immersive retro atmosphere, featuring old-school computer monitors displaying financial indicators reminiscent of 1990s trading floors. This nostalgic setting adds emotional depth and visual charm, appealing to viewers drawn to vintage aesthetics.
Anticipation Builds for a Retro Office Comedy Hit
As Park Shin-hye teams up with her co-stars to bring humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments to the screen, Undercover Miss Hong is shaping up to be one of tvN’s most anticipated dramas of early 2026.
With its blend of undercover intrigue, late-’90s nostalgia, and a beloved leading actress in a dual role, the series promises a refreshing and entertaining start to the new year.
Undercover Miss Hong premieres January 17, 2026, at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN.
Editor’s Insight
The premiere of Undercover Miss Hong on January 17, 2026, marks a significant strategic pivot for Park Shin-hye, moving from the intense “Judge from Hell” persona into a sophisticated “Retro-Office Comedy” space. By leaning into late-1990s Yeouido aesthetics, the production is tapping into a powerful Nostalgia Marketing trend that appeals to Gen X viewers who lived through the millennium’s financial shift and Gen Z viewers captivated by “Y2K” vintage styles. This dual-generation appeal is a classic Studio Dragon tactic to secure high viewership ratings in the competitive Saturday–Sunday slot.
From a Topical Authority perspective, the “Undercover” trope combined with a 10-year age-gap disguise (30s elite vs. 20s rookie) allows Park Shin-hye to showcase her range in a way that feels fresh yet grounded. The involvement of director Park Sun-ho (Business Proposal) suggests that while the backdrop is the “turbulent financial scene,” the core execution will likely favor high-energy comedic timing and romantic chemistry. As we head into early 2026, keep a close eye on the “Hong Jang-mi” office fashion—it is highly likely to spark a new retro-trend in the K-fashion market.