Not many dramas come along with an excerpt so heart-grabbing that they pull you in before you even finish their synopsis. That is what happened with Undercover High School. The premise sounded so delicious—an elite NIS agent having to become a high school student to try and capture King Gojong’s missing gold bars—that I pressed play. My initial reaction was that the show was unlike any typical youth drama. After dedicating three days and hours of my life to the show, I had thoroughly enjoyed it.
The entirety of the Undercover High School review of the drama is without a doubt spoiler-free and integrated with my close-to-personal experience of watching it for the first time. The review will cover the drama’s plot, the performances by the actors, the overall themes, the cinematography, as well as the background music and the ending of this 2025 drama.
Undercover High School Kdrama: Plot Overview
Undercover High School primarily centers on Jung Hae Seong, an elite NIS agent who experiences a setback that leads to an abrupt demotion. In the hopes of reclaiming his position and proving his worth, he accepts an unusual assignment: infiltrate Byeongmun High School under the alias Jung Si Hyeon and locate the legendary stash of King Gojong’s missing gold bars rumored to be hidden somewhere on campus.
There he meets Oh Su A, a contract Korean history teacher determined to secure a permanent position. Her passion for teaching and tireless devotion to her students stand in stark contrast to the corruption festering within the school. As Hae Seong digs deeper into the mystery of the gold, he uncovers criminal networks, power struggles, and the rotten roots holding the school captive.
While the drama centers on action and uncovering secrets, it never forgets the essence of youth—second chances, friendship, and learning to embrace vulnerability again. Watching Hae Seong navigate midterms with a sense of urgency, particularly his determination to rank in the top 10, was my favorite arc. That blend of seriousness and absurdity is precisely why the story remains so memorable.
Undercover High School Review: Characters & Performances
Jung Hae Seong (Seo Kang Jun)
Seo Kang Jun delivers an effortlessly charismatic performance as Hae Seong. From the beginning, I enjoyed how naturally he carried the duality of his role—the elite agent with razor-sharp instincts and the clueless “student” trying to figure out where to sit during group projects. He plays Hae Seong with quiet depth, portraying him as someone who has spent years hiding behind duty. As the story progresses, cracks form in his carefully built emotional armor, allowing humor, frustration, and genuine attachment to seep through.
Oh Su A (Jin Ki Joo)
Oh Su A is one of the drama’s most relatable characters. Her determination stood out to me instantly—she dreams of becoming a full-time teacher, yet the system keeps pushing her down. Jin Ki Joo’s acting brings warmth and subtle strength to the role. Whether she’s passionately teaching Korean history or standing her ground against corruption, she radiates resilience.
Seo Myeong Ju (Kim Shin Rok)
Every good suspense drama needs a powerful villain—and Undercover High School has one of the best. Kim Shin Rok is phenomenal in this role. Her mastery of micro-expressions, cold intensity, and controlled power make Seo Myeong Ju a villain worth remembering. She’s intimidating without ever tipping into mockery. Every scene she appears in tightens the tension instantly.
Hae Seong & Su A’s chemistry is effortlessly natural: teasing, supportive, cautious at first, and gradually comforting. Their chemistry is strong even in scenes where nothing too romantic is going on. The drama doesn’t rush their bond; instead, it lets connection grow slowly through shared danger, awkward school moments, and unexpected vulnerability. That slow-burn quality is precisely what makes their relationship satisfying.
Kdrama Action and Youth Drama: Themes, Cinematography and OST
Even with its suspense-driven plot, the drama never forgets its emotional center. The themes that stood out to me the most were
- Second Chances: Hae Seong and Su A are engaged in personal struggles, each yearning for a fresh start. Watching them rebuild themselves made the drama feel more human.
- Youth & Rediscovery: Hae Seong’s undercover mission becomes an unintentional invitation to relive youth—friendship, rivalry, exams, and small joys he never allowed himself to experience properly.
- Corruption & Justice: The school setting is a brilliant example of systemic corruption. The drama explores power dynamics, intimidation, and how the vulnerable are silenced.
These themes blend seamlessly without feeling forced. Instead, they deepen the narrative and make moments feel emotionally anchored.
Cinematography & OST
While the aesthetic is pleasing, I would not say it is the main selling point of the show. I liked the action scenes best, not just for the slow-motion punches’ skill and timing, but also for their overall cohesion. The overhead classroom views and empty hallways are examples of shots that show how isolated young people are and add emotional depth to the show as a whole.
My preferred tracks on the playlist are “Love Is You,” “I’m In Love With You,” and “Call My Name,” not solely due to the emotions they convey, but also because of how effectively they complement the overall narrative; they serve as an ideal soundtrack. Music elevates the most poignant scenes, while the upbeat instrumentals perfectly complement the lighter school scenes.
The Ending (Spoiler-Free), Overall Thoughts and Rating
A K-drama’s ending is crucial, considering that the one with action and mystery will leave a larger impact. Luckily, Undercover High School ties up the story and closes it off perfectly, fulfilling the emotional impacts of the story. With no spoilers, all I can say is that this Korean high school suspense series ended satisfactorily, the emotional impacts of the story were fulfilled, the story was nicely tied up, and the character development felt complete and whole.
The cast, especially Seo Kang Jun, Jin Ki Joo, and Kim Shin Rok, embodied their roles with outstanding passion and significantly contributed to the core of the story. This drama is really enjoyable, with some seriousness sprinkled throughout, and offers a lot to the people watching and taking in the drama.
If I had to assign a star rating to this drama, I would not even think twice about going with a 4.5 rating. I recommend this K-drama to:
- High school drama fans
- Suspense lovers
- Comedy watchers
- Anyone who enjoys a good undercover mission
And honestly… everyone, because this is a story worth experiencing at least once
If you’ve watched Undercover High School, we’d love to know what your favorite moment, character, or OST track is. If you haven’t seen it yet, what part of the plot made you add it to your watchlist? Share your thoughts below. we’d love to hear your perspectives!
Image Credits & Disclaimer:
K-drama posters and stills used in this post are sourced from official platforms (e.g., tvN, SBS, Netflix, Viki) and are used under fair use for review and commentary. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you wish to request credit changes or removal, please contact us.
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