Seo Kang Joon Returns in “Undercover High School”
The highly anticipated K-drama Undercover High School, starring Seo Kang Joon, Kim Ji-eun, Kim Shin-rok, and Kim Min-ju, is shaping up to be a must-watch drama blending action, comedy, mystery, and romance!
Undercover High School follows top National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent Jung Hae-seong (played by Seo Kang Joon), who goes undercover as a high school student to track down a missing stash of gold once owned by Emperor Gojong. Along the way, he crosses paths with the passionate stand-in teacher Oh Soo-ah (played by Kim Ji Eun), leading to a series of hilarious high school misadventures. The storyline bears resemblance to Fight Back to School <逃學威龍>, a beloved classic among Asian audiences, but with a uniquely Korean touch and a more refined aesthetic.
Discharged from military service in May 2023, Seo Kang Joon reportedly received over 100 script offers. However, fans have been eagerly awaiting his return, as no projects had been confirmed—until now. After carefully selecting Undercover High School as his comeback drama, Seo is taking on an action-comedy role for the first time, showcasing a new side of his acting prowess.
From Romance Icon to Elite Secret Agent
With roles in Cheese in the Trap, Are You Human Too?, and When the Weather is Fine, Seo Kang Joon has built his reputation as a leading man in romance dramas and gained recognition with his solid acting skills. This time, however, he breaks away from his romantic lead image to play an undercover agent who infiltrates a high school. Initially focused on his mission to recover the missing gold, he gradually becomes immersed in student life, and even uncovers various issues within the school. This puts him at odds with school director Seo Myung-joo (played by Kim Shin-rok), who grows increasingly suspicious of him.
Known as a “baby-faced beauty,” Kim Ji Eun had a diverse career before entering the entertainment industry—working as an IT consultant for Samsung and even trying her hand at journalism before becoming an actress through a modeling competition. Though she faced multiple rejections early in her acting career, her unwavering passion kept her going, a trait she shares with her Undercover High School character, Oh Soo-ah. In the drama, Soo-ah is a passionate and idealistic stand-in teacher who deeply cares for her students, whose intolerance for injustice often lands her in trouble.
Forbidden Teacher-Student Romance
The recently released teaser trailer hints at a unique romance between Jung Hae-seong (Seo Kang Joon) and Oh Soo-ah (Kim Ji Eun). Their first encounter leaves Soo-ah flustered, as she is instantly drawn to Hae-seong. However, she is soon taken aback when he transfers into her school as a student, making her question his true identity. His overly casual and cheeky attitude frustrates her to no end, but as they spend more time together, an undeniable chemistry develops, blurring the lines between teacher and “student” in a heart-fluttering romance.
Veteran stage actress Kim Shin-rok has successfully transitioned into television, starring in several hit dramas, including The Cursed, Beyond Evil, and You Are My Spring. Her standout performance as the greedy aunt in Reborn Rich even earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Now, she takes on another villainous role as Seo Myung-joo, the chairwoman of the prestigious Pingmun High School. She and Jung Hae-seong will engage in a tense battle over school corruption, adding a gripping layer of conflict to the story.
Kim Min-ju’s Successful Acting Transformation
Former IZ*ONE member Kim Min-ju has been actively pursuing acting, and her role in The Forbidden Marriage even won her the Best New Actress award, proving her successful transition from idol to actress. In Undercover High School, she plays Lee Ye-na, the only daughter of chairwoman Seo Myung-joo. A model student who excels academically and is the most popular girl in school, Ye-na seemingly has it all. However, beneath her perfect exterior, she is desperately seeking her mother’s approval, pushing herself to the limit in a lonely battle for recognition.
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