tvN’s presence in the K-drama ratings battle of 2025 was impossible to ignore. The network achieved the highest ratings of the year among all miniseries on all channels featuring fusion historical romance Bon appetit, Your Majestywhich averaged 17.1% nationwide, peaked at 19.4% and even reached 20% in the Seoul metropolitan area, setting a new benchmark for 2025 viewership. It led all 2025 drama series in average household ratings and was also the best in the key 2049 demographic (viewers aged 20-49).
tvN’s momentum didn’t stop there. The medical-human drama Manual for residents captured both ratings and buzz as one of the network’s biggest hits earlier in the year. Other works such as fantasy romance Head to head and youth drama Our unwritten Seoul it also attracted considerable attention. In the second half of the year highly anticipated titles such as Typhoon family AND Law and city achieved solid results in both popularity and viewership, showcasing a diverse array of successful genres and tones.
Riding this strong wave, tvN’s new Saturday-Sunday drama Miss Hong undercoverwhich will premiere on January 17, 2026, has already become a major talking point. The great expectations created by the network’s recent success are naturally transferring to this next series.
Miss Hong undercover is a retro office comedy set in the late 90s. It follows Hong Geum‑bo, an elite securities inspector in his thirties who goes undercover as a young clerk in his 20s to investigate suspicious financial activity. The series stars Park Shin-hye, and its central narrative centers on her journey between drastically different identities – from authoritative inspector to new recruit – creating both comedic and dramatic tension.
Viewers are also curious about the chemistry between Park Shin‑hye and tvN, given the network’s strong track record. Other cast members include Go Kyung‑pyo, Ha Yoon‑kyung and Cho Han‑gyeol, with direction from Park Seon‑ho, known for hits such as Wok of Love, Commercial proposalAND Suspicious partner. The blend of romance, comedy and workplace dynamics aligns with genres that have performed well for the network recently.
Character teasers released on December 19 highlight Hong Geum‑bo’s dramatic shift in identity and determination, highlighting how his attitude toward structural injustice drives the story forward. These teasers have already sparked enthusiastic responses online.
Park Shin‑hye’s character, Hong Geum‑bo, leaves her position as a top financial official to infiltrate an investment firm as a rookie employee. His transformation from sharp, professional inspector to smart, engaging debutant adds layers of depth and anticipation to his story arc. Far from being a typical ’90s female character, Hong stands up to unjust systems, uttering lines such as: “Work is done with skill” and directly address problematic figures. Audiences are curious to see how her undercover mission will unfold and how it will reshape the workplace culture around her.
The main cast further fuels the excitement for the series. Thanks to tvN’s proven strength in capturing diverse viewer segments, a broad genre strategy and a stable weekend time slot, Miss Hong undercover is well-positioned to attract moviegoers who choose home streaming over theaters in January.
Set against the dynamic and nostalgic backdrop of 1990s Yeouido, a crucial era of transformation and ambition.Miss Hong undercover will premiere on January 17, 2026 at 9.10pm on tvN. With its ensemble cast, sharp concept and historical momentum behind it, many are wondering if tvN will once again dominate the drama landscape in the new year.
Sources: Wikitree
