“Undercover High School” is a thrilling South Korean action-comedy spy series that is currently airing, sure to engage viewers with its distinctive mix of genres. Crafted by writer Im Young-bin and helmed by director Choi Jung-in, the show features standout performances from Seo Kang-joon, Jin Ki-joo, and Kim Shin-rok in the main roles.
Plot Synopsis
The drama centers on Jeong Hae-seong, an NIS agent demoted after a major incident during an operation. His new assignment is to track down the whereabouts of Emperor Gojong’s missing gold bars, a fictional plot device driving the narrative. To accomplish this, Hae-seong hides his identity and enrolls as a student at Byeongmun High School, one of Korea’s elite private institutions. There, he meets Oh Su-a, his homeroom teacher and a contract Korean history teacher with a strong sense of justice. Su-a begins to see Hae-seong as overlapping with her childhood first love, adding a layer of emotional complexity.
Key Details
- Director: Choi Jung In
- Screenwriter: Im Young Bin
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance, Crime
- Episodes: Scheduled to air from February 21 to March 29, 2025
- Broadcast Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 9:50 PM KST
- Streaming Platforms: Available on Wavve (for South Korea) and Viu (internationally)
Cast and Characters
The cast is led by:
- Seo Kang-joon as Jeong Hae-seong, marking his first MBC drama comeback since “Splendid Politics” (2015) and his return to the small screen after completing military service in May 2023.
- Jin Ki-joo as Oh Su-a, confirmed as the female lead in June 2024, bringing depth to the role of the teacher with a past connection to Hae-seong.
- Kim Shin-rok as the Chairman of Byeongmun Foundation and Byeongmun High School, and Ye-na’s mother, confirmed in July 2024.
Supporting characters include a range of NIS agents, students, and teachers, such as:
- Jeon Bae-soo as the Head of Domestic Team 4, a father figure to Hae-seong.
- Kim Min-ju as the student council president, Myeong-ju’s only daughter.
Themes and Genre
“Undercover High School” adeptly intertwines action, comedy, and drama within its storyline. The high school context allows for a wealth of comedic situations, while the spy mission injects an element of excitement through action-packed sequences. Moreover, the series addresses important themes surrounding identity, trust, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
Reception and Audience Response
- A review by Zogitt gave it a 7.0 overall, noting a strong start but waning momentum after the initial action.
- Another review by Suzuka rated it 9.0, praising its blend of action, comedy, romance, and suspense, calling it “pure treasure”.
- An article from India Today noted fans’ positive reactions on X, with comments like “Haesong and Sooa’s interactions are chaotic and always fun to watch”.
The series has a current rating of 8.4/10 on MyDramaList, ranked #845 with 13,960 watchers, indicating strong viewer engagement.
Production Insights
Principal photography began in the first half of 2024, with MBC confirming the premiere date in February 2025. Cast interviews provide additional context:
- Seo Kang-joon described the drama as a “gift set” of genres, blending comedy, crime, and heartfelt moments, hoping viewers would focus on Hae-seong’s journey from isolation to connection.
- Fans on AsianWiki compared it to the Hindi film “Main Hoon Na,” noting the similar undercover school setting, adding an international flavor to its reception.
The production team aimed to create a series that entertains while exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the challenges of high school life, making it a notable entry in the 2025 K-drama lineup.
Comparative Context
A surprising aspect is the drama’s ability to connect with international viewers, especially when compared to “Main Hoon Na,” a 2004 Hindi film featuring an officer who goes undercover in a school. This link emphasizes the widespread attraction of undercover school stories, merging Korean drama features with global narrative styles.
Conclusion
“Undercover High School” stands out as a compelling 2025 K-drama, offering a mix of action, comedy, and romance with a unique undercover premise. Its strong cast, led by Seo Kang-joon and Jin Ki-joo, and positive fan reception make it a must-watch. As it concludes its run, viewers can anticipate a satisfying resolution to Hae-seong’s mission and personal growth, potentially setting a benchmark for future K-dramas in this genre.