Jeongyeon: The Star is Born kdrama – Episode 1 Recap and Spoilers.
tvN’s New Sat-Sun Drama ‘Jeongnyeon’: Kim Tae-ri Takes Her Fateful First Step into the World of Gugak with a Successful Premiere
Episode 1 of tvN’s new Sat-Sun drama Jeongnyeon, which first aired on Saturday the 12th, tells the compelling story of Yoon Jeong-nyeon (Kim Tae-ri), a naturally gifted singer living an ordinary life selling fish in her hometown of Mokpo. Her journey into the gugak world begins with a fateful opportunity.
Jeongnyeon recorded an average viewership rating of 5.7% and peaked at 6.8% in the metropolitan area, while achieving 4.8% on average and 5.9% nationwide. It took first place in its time slot among cable and comprehensive programming channels, marking a strong debut. (These figures are based on a paid platform integrating cable, IPTV, and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea.)
Jeongnyeon, who struggled in Mokpo with her mother Yong-rye (Moon So-ri) and older sister Jeong-ja (Oh Kyung-hwa), worked hard at sea and selling fish. Although she knew her singing talent could bring her financial success, she refrained from pursuing it due to her mother’s disdain for singing. One day, after becoming enraged by the bullying of a thug named Chang-ho (Oh Dae-hwan) who threatened her in the market, she used her only weapon: her voice. Amid the chaos of thugs destroying her stall and merchants panicking, Jeongnyeon passionately sang “Namwonsanseong.” Captivated, the crowd gradually forgot the commotion, including Chang-ho, who, after her performance, left without a word, promising to return.
Among the onlookers were Moon Ok-kyung (Jung Eun-chae) and Seo Hye-rang (Kim Yoon-hye), stars of the prestigious Maeran National Theater Troupe, who were in Mokpo for a tour. Ok-kyung recognized Jeongnyeon’s talent and invited her to perform, intending to introduce her to the world of national theater.
Intrigued by Ok-kyung, a celebrated figure in the national theater and known as the “Prince of Maeran,” Jeongnyeon learned that becoming a successful national theater actor could lead to a wealthy life. When she visited the Maeran National Theater Troupe’s performance hall, hoping to see how much money actors made, she was overwhelmed by the charisma of Ok-kyung and the splendor of the national theater.
While Ok-kyung completed her Mokpo performance, she faced a scandal involving an anonymous article alleging opium use by a prominent actor in her troupe. Kang So-bok (Ra Mi-ran), the troupe’s director, declared that they would deny the allegations but insisted that Ok-kyung remain in Mokpo until the situation calmed down before returning to Seoul.
This unexpected stay in Mokpo became a turning point for Jeongnyeon. Unable to sleep, consumed by thoughts of national theater, she sought out Ok-kyung the next morning. Ok-kyung encouraged her, stating, “You’re a natural singer.” Although thrilled by the compliment, Jeongnyeon struggled with her mother’s opposition to singing. Nevertheless, after witnessing more trouble from Chang-ho and his gang, she decided to pursue her dream. She approached Ok-kyung, pleading, “Even if I face my mother’s wrath, I want to make money with my talent. If I leave Mokpo for Seoul, please teach me.”
With this resolve, Jeongnyeon began secretly training with Ok-kyung to audition for the Maeran National Theater Troupe. As she worked on her dance and acting skills, her vague aspirations became clearer.
However, just before the audition, a crisis arose. Yong-rye discovered Jeongnyeon’s script for Chunhyangjeon and learned of her ambitions to become a national theater actress. Furious, she locked Jeongnyeon in a warehouse to prevent her from leaving. Despite the impending audition, Jeongnyeon was trapped. Worried about her absence, Ok-kyung visited Jeong-ja before departing for Seoul. Jeong-ja, heartbroken over her inability to help Jeongnyeon in the past, resolved to protect her sister’s dream. She opened the warehouse door, allowing Jeongnyeon to escape into Ok-kyung’s arms. Episode 1 concluded with Jeongnyeon, tears in her eyes, embarking on her journey to the Maeran National Theater Troupe, leaving viewers eager to see what lies ahead for her.
The episode also introduced Chae Gong-seon (Lee Ga-eun), a young singer in Gyeongseong in 1931. After following her father (Lee Deok-hwa) into the singing world, Gong-seon found refuge at the home of famed singer Im Jin (Kang Ji-eun) to escape the winter cold. Despite her father’s objections, she expressed her desire to become Im Jin’s disciple, showcasing her natural talent in front of Im Jin and her young disciple (Choi Jung-woon), raising questions about Gong-seon’s true identity. Meanwhile, Yong-rye, distressed by Jeongnyeon’s choice to pursue singing, was shown holding a photo of Gong-seon with Im Jin’s disciple, hinting at a deeper connection.
Jeongnyeon skillfully presents the actors’ performances against the vibrant backdrop of the 1950s, complete with stunning traditional Korean music and a captivating narrative.
Kim Tae-ri embodies Jeongnyeon with remarkable expressiveness, bringing the webtoon character to life. Her visuals, reminiscent of a clay potato, perfectly capture Jeongnyeon’s unique charm and her confidence in the bustling market.
In particular, Jeongnyeon’s sparkling eyes, filled with excitement after her first encounter with national theater, resonated with viewers, enhancing their immersion in the story. In the latter half of the episode, she delivered a poignant performance expressing gratitude and regret to her supportive sister, further showcasing her range.
Thus, tvN’s Jeongnyeon, which aims to revive the charm of 1950s national theater on television in 2024, depicts the competition, camaraderie, and growth of Jeongnyeon—a ‘natural voice genius’ striving to become the best national theater actor in the post-war era. Episode 2 is scheduled to air tonight (the 13th) at 9:20 PM.
Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born Korean drama main page
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