A new Korean drama airing on cable television and streaming globally has quickly emerged as an unexpected ratings success, doubling its audience in just two weeks and sparking widespread discussion among viewers. "Undercover Miss Hong," a tvN series also available on Netflix, has shown rapid growth since its January debut, signaling strong word-of-mouth momentum in a competitive drama landscape.
Set in Seoul in 1997, the drama centers on Hong Keum Bo, an elite securities inspector who goes undercover as a 20-year-old junior employee at a questionable investment firm. Blending workplace comedy with suspense and social commentary, the series follows her attempts to uncover financial misconduct while navigating office politics and personal mishaps.
Since premiering on Jan. 17, the show has aired Saturdays and Sundays at 9:10 p.m. local time and has steadily gained traction among domestic viewers.
According to Nielsen Korea figures cited by Koreaboo, the drama opened with a nationwide rating of 3.512 percent for its first episode. By Episode 4, ratings had climbed to 7.408 percent, marking the highest viewership for the series so far and representing a near doubling in audience size within two weeks.
Koreaboo reported that the consistent rise reflects growing interest driven by the show's pacing, premise and performances. While ensemble acting has been praised, particular attention has focused on lead actress Park Shin Hye, whose portrayal of the undercover inspector has resonated strongly with audiences.
Online reactions gathered from TheQoo highlight the enthusiasm surrounding her performance. Introducing viewer feedback, commenters repeatedly singled out her acting and delivery.
One user wrote, "Park Shin Hye acts amazingly, and her diction is spot on too. Love it." Another praised the show's entertainment value, stating, "Seriously, this is crazy fun. I watched all the recent dramas, and this is by far the best. I should have waited until it finished to binge."
Additional reactions emphasized both tone and cast chemistry. One viewer commented, "It's fun, and Park Shin Hye's voice is so well-controlled that it's easy to listen to." Another added, "Everyone's acting is amazing, and Park Shin Hye is just too cute lol." Reflecting broader sentiment, a final post read, "Super fun! It's been a while since a drama grabbed me like this."
The drama's availability on Netflix has also expanded its reach beyond South Korea, contributing to international interest alongside domestic ratings growth. Industry observers note that while not every cable drama achieves such rapid gains, strong audience engagement early in a run can help sustain momentum.
With its rising ratings, nostalgic setting and favorable viewer response, "Undercover Miss Hong" is quickly establishing itself as one of the season's standout K-dramas, according to Koreaboo and reactions circulating on TheQoo.
READ MORE: Park Shin Hye's Honest Admission About 'Undercover Miss Hong' Is Turning Heads
