ITZY's Yuna Makes Her Acting Debut: First Look at 'Undercover Miss Hong' Coming to Netflix January 17

The countdown is on! ITZY's Yuna is officially stepping into the acting world, and fans couldn't be more thrilled. With the premiere of "Undercover Miss Hong" just days away on January 17, 2026, first-look images from the script reading have given us an exciting preview of what's to come. The beloved K-pop idol is ready to showcase a whole new side of her talent in this highly anticipated Netflix and tvN drama.

About 'Undercover Miss Hong'

Set against the backdrop of 1997 Seoul during turbulent financial times, "Undercover Miss Hong" tells the story of Hong Geum-bo, portrayed by the talented Park Shin-hye. Geum-bo is a sharp 35-year-old financial supervisory officer who discovers suspicious activities at a securities firm. To investigate, she goes undercover, disguising herself as a fresh-faced 20-year-old rookie employee.

The series promises a delightful mix of workplace comedy, financial intrigue, and romance, all wrapped up in the nostalgia of late '90s Korea. Directed by Park Seon-ho, whose previous hits include "Business Proposal" and "Brewing Love," the show will air on tvN every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM KST, with simultaneous global streaming on Netflix.

Meet Hong Jang-mi: Yuna's Character

In her acting debut, Yuna takes on the role of Hong Jang-mi, the younger sister of protagonist Hong Geum-bo. This supporting role places her right at the emotional heart of the story, where she'll share the screen with some of Korea's most respected actors.

As the bright and cheerful younger sister, Jang-mi is expected to bring lighthearted energy to balance out her older sister's intense, mission-focused personality. The sibling dynamic promises both touching family moments and comedic relief, giving Yuna plenty of opportunities to display her range as a newcomer to acting.

First Impressions from Script Reading

When tvN dropped the script reading photos, social media immediately lit up. The images capture Yuna looking professional and engaged alongside her impressive co-stars: Park Shin-hye, Go Kyung-pyo, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Cho Han-gyeol, with director Park Seon-ho and writer Moon Hyun-kyung present as well.

Fans have been quick to praise not only Yuna's stunning visuals but also the focused, serious demeanor she brought to the table. It's clear she's approaching this debut with dedication and respect for the craft, learning from industry veterans while bringing her own unique energy to the project.

Why Yuna is Perfect for This Role

An Ideal Starting Point

Choosing a supporting role for her first major acting project shows smart career planning. As the main character's sister, Yuna gets substantial screen time without the pressure of carrying the entire series. She can grow into her acting abilities while working closely with seasoned professionals.

Natural Chemistry

Since debuting with ITZY in 2019, Yuna has captivated audiences with her charisma, stage presence, and natural charm. These qualities translate beautifully to the warm, youthful character of Hong Jang-mi. The role allows her to be herself while stretching into new emotional territory.

A Fun Challenge

Playing a character from 1997—before Yuna was even born—adds an exciting layer of challenge. She'll get to explore the fashion, culture, and attitudes of late '90s Seoul, immersing herself in a pivotal moment in Korean history just before the IMF crisis.

Learning from the Best

Working opposite Park Shin-hye, one of the most accomplished actresses in Korean entertainment, is a masterclass in itself. The supportive cast environment gives Yuna the perfect foundation to develop her acting skills.

The Star-Studded Ensemble

"Undercover Miss Hong" has assembled an exceptional cast:

• Park Shin-hye leads as Hong Geum-bo, the undercover financial investigator
• Go Kyung-pyo stars as Shin Jung-woo, the new CEO of Hanmin Securities with a mysterious past connection to Geum-bo
• Ha Yoon-kyung plays Go Bok-hee, an ambitious secretary with her own agenda
• Cho Han-gyeol brings life to Albert Oh, a free-spirited executive and film enthusiast

The production also features accomplished veteran actors like Lee Deok-hwa and Kim Do-hyun, ensuring depth and quality throughout the series.

What Makes This Drama Special

Beyond the engaging plot of an undercover investigation, "Undercover Miss Hong" stands out for its unique setting. The late 1990s backdrop isn't just visual nostalgia, it's a meaningful period in Korean history, capturing the nation on the brink of the financial crisis that would reshape its economy and society.

Expect workplace hijinks, hidden motives, romantic tension, and plenty of comedy as Hong Geum-bo tries to maintain her cover while investigating financial wrongdoing. The blend of serious stakes and lighthearted moments creates a compelling viewing experience that should appeal to a wide audience.

Yuna's Acting Journey Continues

This drama marks just the beginning of Yuna's acting career. She's already secured her second role in the upcoming series "My Favorite Employee," where she'll portray a top actress. The industry's confidence in her potential is evident, and it's exciting to see her follow in the footsteps of successful idol-actors like IU, Suzy, and D.O., who have proven that K-pop stars can excel in multiple creative fields.

For MIDZY (ITZY's fandom), this opens up a thrilling new dimension to supporting Yuna. She'll continue performing with ITZY while expanding her artistic horizons through acting—showing that she's a true multi-talented entertainer.

How to Watch

Premiere Date: January 17, 2026

Where: tvN (Korea) and Netflix (Global)

Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:10 PM KST

Episodes: 16 total, running through early March

International fans are in luck, Netflix will stream episodes the same day they air in Korea, meaning no waiting and no FOMO as you watch Yuna's acting debut unfold.

The Excitement is Real

With just days until premiere, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Park Shin-hye has already teased that the characters come alive beautifully and promised that the undercover mission will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of a proven creative team, a stellar cast, a fresh concept, and Yuna's much-awaited debut has made "Undercover Miss Hong" one of 2026's most buzzed-about dramas.

Whether you're an ITZY stan ready to see your bias in a new light, a devoted follower of Park Shin-hye's work, or simply hunting for your next K-drama obsession, "Undercover Miss Hong" has something special in store.

January 17 can't come soon enough—get ready to watch Yuna make her mark!