Im Chul-soo Joins tvN’s ‘Undercover Miss Hong’: A Strategic Move for K-Drama’s Next Big Hit! 🚀
Hello Korea Fam! Alex Kim here, your eyes and ears on the future of Korean entertainment. We’re always looking for the next big wave, the disruptive talent, and the projects set to redefine the industry. Today, we’ve got some intel that’s got the industry buzzing: the incredibly versatile actor Im Chul-soo is officially joining the cast of tvN’s highly anticipated new weekend drama, ‘Undercover Miss Hong’! This isn’t just a casting announcement; it’s a strategic play that signals a compelling new era for retro-themed K-dramas.

Set to premiere on January 17, 2026, at 9:10 PM KST, ‘Undercover Miss Hong’ promises to transport us back to the vibrant and chaotic late 1990s. The drama centers around Park Shin-hye’s character, Hong Geum-bo, an elite securities supervisor in her 30s. Her mission? To infiltrate a suspicious securities firm by going undercover as a fresh-faced 20-year-old entry-level employee. Get ready for a riotous retro office comedy filled with unexpected twists and turns!
Meanwhile, Im Chul-soo is set to play Cha Jung-il, the Head of the Research Department at Hanmin Securities. His character profile alone is enough to pique our interest:
- ✨ A genius at flattery, making him the unofficial “speaker” of Hanmin Securities.
- 🗣️ Known for being sly and incredibly talkative, embodying a quintessential figure from that era.
- 🔥 Expect some hilarious rival chemistry as he constantly refers to Hong Geum-bo as “Miss Hong.”
- 👀 A major viewing point will be his dynamic as part of the ‘Hanmin Securities Fire Truck Trio’ alongside veteran actors Seo Hyun-chul and Kim Do-hyun. Talk about an ensemble power-up!
Editor’s Comment: “Im Chul-soo’s casting is a masterstroke. His ability to blend comedic timing with nuanced character depth ensures that ‘Undercover Miss Hong’ won’t just be a nostalgic trip, but a robustly acted, commercially viable series. This move highlights tvN’s strategy to bolster strong scripts with proven, versatile talent, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster that transcends generational appeal. The ‘Fire Truck Trio’ alone hints at a well-calculated comedic core.”
Global K-Fans will recognize Im Chul-soo Sunbae’s incredible range from a diverse portfolio of works. From his memorable roles in dramas like ‘Unknown Seoul,’ ‘My Sweet Mobster,’ ‘Alchemy of Souls,’ and the massively popular ‘Vincenzo,’ to his impactful performance in the film ‘Target,’ he has consistently showcased a unique ability to inhabit any character. Whether it’s a humorously witty persona or a weighty, serious figure, he infuses each role with his distinctive color, firmly cementing his status as a truly renowned actor in the industry. His addition significantly raises the bar for ‘Undercover Miss Hong’, and we at Hello Korea are ready to watch him shine once again.
Editor: Alex Kim 💻
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