ENA’s latest sensation Ms. Incognito is quickly becoming a ratings juggernaut, positioning itself as a potential successor and competitor to the network’s record-breaking drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
Since its premiere on September 29, Ms. Incognito has gained traction at lightning speed. The series debuted with a strong 2.4% viewership rating, immediately surpassing Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s modest 0.9% launch. By its fifth episode, the drama soared to a peak of 5.9%, with episodes 7 and 8 stabilizing at 5.6%, a clear sign of sustained viewer interest and positive word-of-mouth.
The most recent episode, aired October 21, left viewers reeling with a shocking twist. Lead character Kim Young-ran (played by Jeon Yeo-been) was brutally attacked by a hired killer, Gil Ho-se (Yang Kyung-won), sent by Ga Sun-young (Jang Yoon-ju). Disguised as a kindergarten shuttle driver, Gil infiltrated Young-ran’s home with weapons and drugs, sparking a terrifying encounter that also endangered Baek Hye-ji (Joo Hyun-young).
Jeon Yeo-been delivered a powerhouse performance, balancing complex emotions from emotional detachment to vulnerability and anger in a scene where her character drops off her intoxicated mother at a police station. Her teary confession to Jeon Dong-min (Jinyoung) added further depth, signaling a pivotal character transformation ahead of the drama’s final arc.
The production team is confident in the drama’s continued rise. At a press event on September 22, director Park Yoo-young declared a bold goal: “If the buzz spreads, I want to reach 10%.” Actor Seo Hyun-woo ambitiously added, “I’m aiming for 17% or higher.” Jang Yoon-ju didn’t hold back either, stating, “If we’re saying it, let’s go big I want to beat Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”
Jang also revealed the emotional weight of her character, sharing that she cried alone in a restroom after filming wrapped. “In 10 years of acting since Veteran (2015), I’ve never felt such empathy and affection for a role. Whether or not the viewers connect, I truly loved Ga Sun-young.”
Director Park described the drama as genre-blending: “Viewers might be surprised at first. We start with crime, transition to romance, and finish with heartfelt human drama. Compared to The Kidnapping Day, this ending will be even more emotional.”
The story follows a terminally ill chaebol chairman and his bodyguard, who enter a contract marriage. To survive, the bodyguard must hide her identity for three months. Ms. Incognito airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 PM on ENA, with episodes available for free on KT Genie TV immediately after broadcast and also on TVING. Episode 9 airs October 27, promising a dramatic reveal of Kim Young-ran’s fate.
Ratings by Episode (Nielsen Korea, Nationwide):
- Episode 1 (Sept 29): 2.4%
- Episode 2 (Sept 30): 4.0%
- Episode 3 (Oct 6): 4.5%
- Episode 4 (Oct 7): 5.1%
- Episode 5 (Oct 13): 5.9%
- Episode 6 (Oct 14): 5.8%
- Episode 7 (Oct 20): 5.6%
- Episode 8 (Oct 21): 5.6%
With strong performances, escalating drama, and industry confidence, Ms. Incognito looks poised to challenge ENA’s crown jewel and perhaps, surpass it.
Sources: wikitree
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