Actress Park Shin-hye has opened up about her decision to star in tvN’s upcoming drama Undercover Miss Hong, revealing that she was drawn to the project as a refreshing tonal shift from her previous work.
Park Shin-hye shared her thoughts on January 12 during the drama’s production press conference, held at The Link Hotel in Sindorim, Seoul, where the cast and creators gathered ahead of the show’s premiere.
From Dark Intensity to “Sweet and Salty”
Following her intense role in The Judge from Hell, Park explained that she found herself craving a different kind of character.
“I started looking for something ‘sweet and salty’,” she said. “After The Judge from Hell, I wondered what kind of role I could portray in a more fun and expressive way.”
She added that the premise of Undercover Miss Hong immediately stood out to her, especially the contrast between the protagonist’s background and her undercover mission.
“Among many scripts, the idea of a so-called ‘Yeouido witch’ going undercover as a 20-year-old entry-level employee felt really interesting,” Park said. “I thought the situations she would face and the chemistry with various characters would create great synergy.”
A Retro Office Comedy With a Twist
Directed by Park Sun-ho and written by Moon Hyun-kyung, Undercover Miss Hong is set in the late 1990s. The story follows Hong Geum-bo, an elite financial supervisory officer in her mid-30s who disguises herself as a 20-year-old high school graduate to infiltrate a securities firm suspected of illegal financial activity.
Known as the “Yeouido witch” for her sharp reputation and uncompromising attitude, Hong Geum-bo must lower her age, credentials, and pride to survive office life as the youngest and lowest-ranking employee leading to a series of chaotic, comedic, and suspenseful situations.
Director Park Sun-ho shared why he chose the project:
“The script was clean, concise, and comedic, yet very solid in how it told the story. I also had a message I wanted to deliver through this drama, and with Park Shin-hye and such a strong cast joining, it was a very happy experience for me as a director.”
A New Side of Park Shin-hye
In Undercover Miss Hong, Park Shin-hye takes on a role that blends sharp intelligence with comedic vulnerability, marking a clear contrast from her previous darker, more intense characters. The drama promises a mix of undercover tension, workplace comedy, and nostalgic late-’90s vibes.
Premiere Details
Undercover Miss Hong is set to premiere on January 17 at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN. With Park Shin-hye leading the charge, expectations are high for a drama that balances humor, heart, and high-stakes undercover action—delivering exactly the “sweet and salty” appeal she was looking for.