Actress Park Shin Hye is heading back to 1997. In her latest role, she seamlessly shifts between a 35-year-old elite financial regulator and a 20-year-old high school–educated office worker, delivering a performance that demanded everything from her—physically and emotionally.
“I think in my 20s, I was more focused on expressing things without having truly lived them,” Park Shin Hye said. “Now, I understand every line of dialogue as I say it. Acting feels much more comfortable.”
The production press conference for tvN’s new weekend drama 'Undercover Miss Hong' (written by Moon Hyun Kyung, directed by Park Sun Ho) was held on January 12 at The Link Hotel in Sindorim, Guro District, Seoul. Cast members Park Shin Hye, Ha Yoon Kyung, Jo Han Gyeol, and director Park Sun Ho attended the event.
A 1990s Office Comedy with a Twist
'Undercover Miss Hong' is an office comedy set in the late 1990s. The story follows Hong Geum Bo (played by Park Shin Hye), a sharp and accomplished financial supervisor in her 30s who goes undercover as a 20-year-old entry-level employee at a securities firm after suspicious fund movements are detected. Her mission: expose the corruption of a powerful brokerage family that siphons off small investors’ money for personal gain.
To pull it off, Hong Geum Bo voluntarily sheds her elite credentials and infiltrates the company from the bottom.
Park Shin Hye explained her decision to join the project: “After 'The Judge from Hell,' I wanted to find a character I could express in a more fun and playful way. The premise was interesting, and the chemistry between the characters felt strong.”
Revisiting 1997
Although the drama is set in 1997, Park Shin Hye said she didn’t find the era difficult to portray. “Our company’s CEO actually entered this industry after leaving a major corporation around that time. I’ve heard so many stories that the period already felt familiar,” she said.
She added, “Even though I was in elementary school back then, you could feel the social atmosphere very clearly, even at school. I naturally wove in the discomfort and emotions I remember from that time.”
Two Ages, Two Personas
Park Shin Hye takes on the challenge of portraying both her present-day character and her younger undercover self. “I debuted at a young age, so many people remember what I was like at 20,” she said. “To create a clear contrast, we focused heavily on differences in hairstyles and costumes.”
As the 35-year-old Hong Geum Bo, she sports straight hair and a polished career-woman image, favoring sharp three-piece suits. In contrast, her undercover 20-year-old persona features hip-hop pants, short hair with playful hairpins, and a completely different tone of speech to heighten the contrast.
Director Park Sun Ho praised her transformation, saying, “We talked a lot about how to express the gap between the two versions of Hong. She brought it to life beautifully, both visually and through her acting.”
More Than Period Accuracy
While the drama shares a similar time frame with tvN’s earlier series 'Typhoon Family,' the production team was careful not to let the visuals skew too far back. “If we weren’t careful, it could have looked like the 1980s,” the director noted. “We focused on key details: styling, landline phones, pagers, to capture the overall vibe.”
Still, storytelling remained the priority. “Period accuracy matters, but we focused more on character relationships and solidarity,” he emphasized. “I hope viewers watch how the story evolves within the framework of a comedy.”
Why the Name ‘Hong Geum Bo’?
The protagonist’s name evokes memories of Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, a legendary figure from the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema. Director Park explained the choice: “At the time, there were rigid expectations of femininity. This is a story that boldly overturns those norms. The name Hong Geum Bo felt perfect. It carries a sense of justice and strength while still allowing room for comedy.”
“I Truly Gave Everything”
Even from the teaser alone, Park Shin Hye’s commanding presence stands out. The drama portrays her character’s growth as she confronts corruption and entrenched power in a ruthless, competitive society, all with bold, upbeat energy.
“This is a project where I really let myself go,” Park Shin Hye said. “I used both my body and my heart without holding back.”
She reflected on her career, adding, “I started working at 13, and in my 20s, I just kept running forward. As my body of work grew, as I built a family and got older, I began to understand emotions I hadn’t before. I have so many more ways to express myself now, which makes acting more comfortable.”
She also referenced her previous role in 'The Judge from Hell': “I remember wondering if I was overdoing it with how exaggerated the performance was. But people related to it and found it cathartic. If audiences can connect with this character too, I think they’ll enjoy it.”
Park Shin Hye closed with a message to viewers: “It’s not just me—there are incredible senior actors and exciting new faces all coming together. The mix of generations works really well, and every relationship has its own fun, engaging story. I hope you enjoy watching.”
'Undercover Miss Hong' premieres on January 17 at 9:10 PM KST on tvN.
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