Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng

Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng (2026)



수능, 출제의 비밀

7.0 2026 100 min —

Director: Lee Yong-jae

Cast: Lee Sun-bin, Yoo Jae-myung, Kim Young-min, Choi Si-won, Jun Seok-ho

Comedy
When small-town teacher Ms. Maeng is unexpectedly recruited to help develop South Korea’s most important exam, the College Scholastic Ability Test, she expects academic prestige and scholarly debate. Instead, she finds herself sealed inside a spy-level security lockdown, phone confiscated, surrounded by office politics. Can this unlikely underdog turn intense exam pressure into a national success—or will she push everyone’s patience to the limit?

More About This Film

Maeng Bo-Ram is a dedicated but unassuming Korean language teacher in a small town who never expected her quiet life to be upended. Her ordinary existence takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally becomes involved with the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) committee, one of South Korea's most critical and secretive educational bodies. This high-stakes environment is typically shrouded in mystery and handled by top-tier civil servants, making her accidental inclusion an anomaly that disrupts the established order.

The film chronicles Maeng Bo-Ram's turbulent journey as she navigates the intense pressure and political intricacies of creating the nation's most important exam. As a 'Ugly Duckling' among elite experts, she must prove her worth while uncovering secrets and dealing with the chaotic dynamics of the second-level state secret committee. The story blends workplace drama with suspense, highlighting the contrast between her humble background and the grand scale of national education policy.

Set for release in 2026, this project has generated significant anticipation due to its unique premise involving the inner workings of the CSAT. The narrative promises to explore themes of competence, identity, and the hidden pressures within South Korea's rigorous academic system. While specific plot details remain under wraps to preserve the suspense, the core conflict revolves around Maeng's struggle to survive and thrive in a world where mistakes are not an option.

  • The film stars Kim Hee-sun in the lead role of Maeng Bo-Ram, marking a notable comeback to the big screen after her acclaimed television performances.
  • Director Lee Jin-woo brings his signature style of character-driven thrillers to this production, known for his work on other popular Korean cinema projects.
  • The script focuses on the rare behind-the-scenes look at the CSAT creation process, which is treated as a matter of national security in South Korea.
  • Production began with extensive consultations with former exam committee members to ensure accuracy in depicting the high-pressure atmosphere.

Where to Watch

The movie Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng is scheduled for theatrical release in South Korea starting in 2026. Streaming availability will depend on regional licensing agreements post-theatrical window.