What happens when a top spy is forced to relive his teenage years? MBC’s latest gamble, ‘Undercover High School,’ throws espionage into a high school hallway—and it might just be 2025’s most unique K-drama ride yet. MBC is set to bring an exciting new drama, Undercover High School, to Friday and Saturday nights.
This 12-episode series will premiere on February 21, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST. The show follows a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down Emperor Gojong’s missing gold bullion. With a mix of action, comedy, and drama, this series promises to be a fresh addition to the lineup.
Seo Kang-Joon’s Highly Anticipated Comeback
Seo Kang-joon, known for his roles in ‘Are You Human Too?’ and ‘Watcher,’ returns with his trademark mix of charm and intensity. Jin Ki-joo, last seen in ‘My Perfect Stranger,’ brings depth to even the lightest scenes. Their pairing alone promises fire.
tvN’s drama “Undercover High School” features exciting casting news. Seo Kang-joon returns to acting after military service. He plays Haesung, a secret agent posing as a high school student. His character is energetic and deeply curious. Set in an elite high school where grades rule and gossip spreads faster than fire, the backdrop becomes more than scenery—it’s a battleground for secrets, teenage drama, and unexpected friendships.
Seo shared his feelings about returning. He felt nervous after three years away. But that anxiety vanished on set. He felt happy filming again. He also talked about his character. Haesung is outgoing and playful. Seo sees himself as quieter in real life. Yet he feels every role has a piece of him. Haesung mixes reality and fiction for himself.
Early stills showing Seo Kang-joon in a school uniform have already gone viral, with fans calling his transformation ‘the ultimate dual role fantasy.
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Jin Ki-Joo’s Transformation into a Dedicated Teacher
Actress Jin Ki-joo joins the cast too. She plays Oh Soo-ah, a temporary history teacher. Soo-ah dreams of becoming a permanent faculty member. She eagerly follows her vice principal’s orders.
Her character is cheerful and bubbly. But she also has a strong sense of justice. This often gets her involved in school issues. Expect funny and dramatic situations! New stills show Jin Ki-joo in action. She stands confidently at the classroom podium. Fans are already buzzing about her transformation. She brings warmth and energy to the role. Her character will form a dynamic with Haesung. He’s the mysterious new student. She’s a dedicated teacher. Their interactions promise great chemistry. This pairing feels fresh and fun!

A Unique Blend of Action, Comedy, and Mystery
A great team makes this show. Director Choi Jung-in leads. Fans know her work. She made “Without Being Crazy”. She also did “Flowers That Bloom At Night”. Writer Im Young-bin pens the story. His past hits include “Sketch” and “Jin Geum Seung Bu”. Together, they promise something special.
Expect a fun mix. Suspense meets laughs. The story should feel real. It explores fitting in and seeing things differently. Friendships change everything, even for spies. This isn’t just about finding treasure. It’s about finding yourself, too. Definitely one to watch!
Analysis
As both a fan and reviewer, Undercover High School stands out not just for its high-concept premise but for the refreshing way it handles familiar tropes. Sending a secret agent back to high school could easily veer into cliché territory. Still, with Seo Kang-joon’s grounded performance and Jin Ki-joo’s warm, justice-driven character, it feels more like a clever genre remix than a gimmick.
What makes this drama intriguing is the way it fuses national intrigue with teenage angst. Haesung isn’t just tracking down Gojong’s gold—he’s also navigating schoolyard politics, awkward group projects, and adolescent identity crises. That duality sets the stage for poignant commentary hidden beneath the action and laughs.
The series also smartly uses its supporting cast to reflect modern high school dynamics, highlighting everything from academic pressure to social hierarchies. It’s not just Haesung who’s undercover—the show itself disguises deeper themes of belonging, trust, and second chances under the sheen of espionage. If the writers can maintain this balance of heart and humor, Undercover High School could become one of 2025’s most surprising K-drama hits, not just for its concept, but for its execution. Keep an eye on this one.
Can a spy survive high school politics? And can gold lead to something more valuable, like identity and connection? ‘Undercover High School’ isn’t just playing undercover—it might be your next obsession. Will you be watching?
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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