Are you now ready for a rom-com whereby office politics meet some heart-fluttering romance? Ever thought of what becomes of a flighty boss and a demoted ace forced to work together? And what if there is a side dish of past history, unexpected twists, and quite delightful chemistry?
Poised for a 2026 broadcast, tvN’s “Secret Audit” is almost set to plunge you right into this perfect concoction. The series will have Shin Hye-sun and Gong Myung headlining, bringing with them witty dialogues, office intrigue, and just a little bit of rom-com magic.
Everything You Need to Know About Secret Gratitude
Secret Gratitude is poised to become one of tvN’s most awaited romantic comedies of 2026. Set in the frenetic world of business and commerce, the drama combines biting office politics with soaring romance. With its debut on tvN, viewers should anticipate lots of witty repartee, emotional highs and lows, and a whole discussion of adorably charming characters. While the actual episode count hasn’t yet been announced, we can expect the same K-drama formula as before with its share of plot twists, heartfelt confrontations, and consumption-worthy watch facs.
Plot Summary – Love, Secrets, and Office Shenanigans
The premise of “Secret Gratitude” centers around Joo In-ah-who is the courageous head of the audit office-and Noh Ki-joon, a former ace, who is suddenly demoted to a lower position. What begins as a personality clash terrorizes wit, heart, and incipient romance.
The drama investigates razor-sharp office politics, the slow-building charm of workplace romance, and most importantly, comedic chaos as the duo tries to weather secrets, power plays, and unspoken feelings. Just like the intense drama seen in Taxi Driver Season 3, Secret Gratitude also blends thrilling moments with heartfelt scenes that take the viewers away until the very last minute.
Main Cast & Characters – Faces Behind the Drama
- Shin Hye-sun as Joo In-ah – The no-nonsense, charismatic head of the audit office who hides a personal secret. Known for her sharp mind and uncompromising work ethic, she’s nicknamed “Joo In-ah, out if caught” and “crushed if rebelled.”
- Gong Myung as Noh Ki-joon – Once the ace of the audit team, his smooth career takes a wild turn when he’s demoted to handling in-house scandals. Smart, charming, and unexpectedly tangled in Joo In-ah’s plans.
- Kim Jae-wook as Jeon Jae-yeol – A third-generation chaebol who hides his inner loneliness behind a perfect exterior. Caught between love and the ruthless battle for succession.
- Hong Hwa-yeon as Park Ah-jung – The stunning and poised secretary to Jeon Jae-yeol. Beneath her flawless appearance lies a guarded heart—until she experiences unrequited love for the first time.
Supporting Cast – Adding Depth to the Story
Though the spotlight belongs to the main leads, Secret Gratitude would never shine without a fair share of supporting actors comprising an equally talented bunch. These characters bring humor, tension, and heart into this office drama:
- [Name TBD] as the eccentric but gifted junior auditor who stumbles into awkward scenarios yet manages to find key clues.
- [Name TBD] as the company chairman, feared and yet sought for approval by all.
- [Name TBD] as Joo In-ah’s best friend outside of work, offering guidance and a safe haven from office chaos.
- [Name TBD] as an attractive rival who thickens business politics along with the romantic tension.
Once we have the official list of supporting cast members, we can fill in the actors’ names and tweak these descriptions to suit them while maintaining this enjoyable and informal tone.
Production Team – The Creative Minds Behind Secret Gratitude
A behind-the-scenes top-tier creative headache forms the ensemble of Secret Gratitude, specializing in high-quality romantic comedies.
- Director: Lee Soo-hyun – a celebrated director of stylish visuals and pacing who has directed hits like He’s a Black Dragon and A Beneficial Fraud. Being so deft at juxtaposing hilarity with touching moments makes him the ideal choice for this office romance.
- Writer: Yeo Eun-ho – characterized by delicate storytelling and collaboration on Ilta Scandal. She builds real characters and witty dialogues that connect with the audience.
- Creator: Yang Hee-seung – a heavy hitter in the rom-com sphere, with cherished ones like Ilta Scandal, Familiar Wife, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo to her credit. Her usual recipe of warmth, humor, and touching moments assures that this drama will remain etched deep in memory.
Cast Statements
The leading cast members have already expressed their excitement about Secret Gratitude:
- Shin Hye-sun commented, “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll prepare hard so that I can come back with a good performance.”
- Gong Myung said, “It’s such an honor to be part of this drama. I’ll be back with a different side of myself so please watch out for it.”
- Kim Jae-wook said, “I hope this drama will be entertaining to watch at every episode. I will prepare hard.”
- Hong Hwa-yeon said, “I want to greet you with a more developed image and express the fun and various sides of my character.”
Release Date & Broadcast Details
Secret Gratitude is set to air in 2026 on tvN. While an exact premiere date hasn’t been revealed yet, the drama will follow tvN’s signature high-quality production style and is expected to be available for international viewers via major streaming platforms once it airs in South Korea.
Why Secret Gratitude is Highly Anticipated
K-drama fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about Secret Gratitude:
- A Star-Studded Cast – With Shin Hye-sun, Gong Myung, Kim Jae-wook, and rising star Hong Hwa-yeon leading the story, viewers can expect strong chemistry and top-tier performances.
- An Experienced Production Team – Directed by Lee Soo-hyun (He’s a Black Dragon, A Beneficial Fraud) and written by Yeo Eun-ho with creator Yang Hee-seung (Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Familiar Wife), the drama is backed by a powerhouse creative team.
- A Fresh Spin on Office Rom-Coms – Blending sharp corporate politics, secret agendas, and unexpected romance, the plot promises both witty banter and heartfelt moments.
Conclusion
With a perfect concoction of focus on just the right aspects of romance, comedy, and workplace intrigue, Secret Gratitude is surely poised to enter and remain one of 2026’s must-watch K-dramas. The talented cast, a proven production team, and an original storyline give it all the properties for success.
If lighthearted yet meaningful romantic comedies featuring cutting dialogue and unforgettable characters appeal to you, then this must surely be among your top picks for viewing. Prepare to be treated to a heartwarming and overly entertaining experience.
