Gong Hyo-jin returns to MBC after 15 years, takes on action comedy in 'Yubunyeo Killer'

Actor Gong Hyo-jin is set to return to MBC dramas after roughly 15 years through the network's new Friday-Saturday series, 'Yubunyeo Killer.'

On July 3, MBC began full-scale promotion for the drama by releasing still cuts of lead actor Gong Hyo-jin. The new series is scheduled to premiere on July 31.

'Yubunyeo Killer' is an action-comedy drama about a working mother with what is described as the most dangerous job in the world, and the events that unfold as she tries to balance her workplace and family life. The series centers on the heroine's double life as she attempts to maintain work-life balance, combining a realistic family narrative with the entertainment value of genre storytelling.

Gong plays Yoo Bo-na, a legendary killer who once operated under the codename 'Kingfisher.' After carrying out sniper missions and eliminating vicious criminals, she leaves the field following childbirth and parenting, then lives as an ordinary office worker.

In the drama, Yoo Bo-na works as a department head on Sales Team 3 at Durumi Electronics and is recognized as a highly capable employee. At the same time, she is a woman living while concealing her former identity. At work she is a skilled career woman, while at home she moves between sharply different lives as a wife and mother who manages relationships with her husband Kwon Tae-sung, played by Jung Joon-won, her daughter Kwon Yul, played by Hwang Bom-i, and her in-laws.

Built on the contrast between ordinary daily life and a secretive past, the drama blends action, comedy and family-drama elements. It is adapted from the Kakao Webtoon of the same name, drawing attention to how the original work's distinctive fictional world will be translated to the screen.

The project is also attracting notice because it marks Gong Hyo-jin's return to MBC. Gong built a strong filmography through a series of successful MBC dramas including 'Thank You,' 'Pasta' and 'The Greatest Love.' In particular, in 'The Greatest Love,' which aired in 2011, she played Gu Ae-jung and received wide affection as the drama recorded a peak nationwide rating of 21.0 percent, according to Nielsen Korea.

Expectations are now focused on the new character and acting transformation Gong will show as she returns to MBC's home-screen lineup after about 15 years. Having shown a singular presence in romantic comedy, Gong is drawing attention over whether she can reveal a fresh side once again through a working-mother character that combines action and comedy.