Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born kdrama – Episode 2 Recap and Spoilers.
As ‘Jeongnyeon,’ Kim Tae-ri finally joins the national theater troupe, the announcement of a drama hit unfolds with a confrontation between her elite rival, Shin Ye-eun.
In the second episode of the new tvN Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born,’ which first aired on the 13th, the main character, Yoon Jeong-nyeon (Kim Tae-ri), comes to Seoul with the singular dream of becoming a national theater actress. She successfully auditions for the ‘Maeran National Theater Troupe,’ the best national theater troupe of the time, but immediately faces one crisis after another.
The second episode of ‘Jeongnyeon’ recorded an average viewership rating of 8.9% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 10.0%. This broke its own record for the highest viewership rating and achieved double-digit ratings in just two episodes. Additionally, the nationwide viewership rating showed a significant upward trend, averaging 8.2% with a peak of 9.5%, securing first place in its time slot among cable and comprehensive programming in both the metropolitan area and nationwide (based on paid platforms integrating cable, IPTV, and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea).
After many twists and turns, Jeongnyeon was finally able to participate in the Maeran National Theater Company’s new trainee audition. Nervous but determined, she faced the audition. Jeongnyeon struggled during the dance test due to an injured shoulder but surprisingly excelled in acting. When asked to portray sadness, she immersed herself in her emotions, thinking of her father who passed away during the evacuation, and shed genuine tears. This truly set her apart from the other contestants who merely ‘acted’ sadness. The highlight, of course, was her voice.
Choosing to perform ‘Chewolmanjeong,’ Jeongnyeon dominated the atmosphere of the audition venue with just her voice. So-bok (Ra Mi-ran), one of the judges, thought of her childhood friend and pansori genius Chae Gong-seon (Lee Ga-eun), who had intimidated her in the past. So-bok was the young disciple of pansori master Im Jin (Kang Ji-eun), visited by Gong-seon and her daughter in 1931.
Jeongnyeon’s audition result was unexpectedly as an understudy. While she thought it was due to her dancing skills, there was another reason. So-bok called Jeongnyeon aside and revealed, “If I accept you, all the members of Maeran will think that you entered because of Moon Ok-kyung.” She urged Jeongnyeon to “prove yourself,” emphasizing that she needed to convince the Maeran members that she had entered based on her own skills, not Moon Ok-kyung’s reputation. So-bok even inquired about Jeongnyeon’s mother’s name, curious about her connection to Gong-seon, but was puzzled when Jeongnyeon replied, “Seo Yong-rye.”
Filled with confidence in her singing, Jeongnyeon began her life in the national theater troupe, alongside envious classmate Cho-rok (Hyun Seung-hee) and the Maeran members. During this time, Jeongnyeon became close to her new friend Ju-ran (Woo Davi), who introduced her to the systematic practice system and discipline of the national theater troupe, the refined and skilled performers, and the fan culture, helping her adapt to Maeran.
Amidst this, she met Yeong-seo (Shin Ye-eun), who would become her destined rival. Jeongnyeon was drawn to the exceptional singing coming from a corner and, upon seeing Yeong-seo practice, realized she had been a frog in a well. Jeongnyeon and Yeong-seo were later called to the front during singing class, where they had a singing competition, establishing themselves as official rivals among the students.
Jeongnyeon reached out first, hoping for a friendly competition, but Yeong-seo coldly set a boundary. When it was revealed that Yeong-seo was Jeongnyeon’s roommate, their relationship took on an interesting dynamic.
Meanwhile, Cho-rok’s schemes against the popular new trainee Jeongnyeon began. Cho-rok failed to give Jeongnyeon her trainee uniform, resulting in Jeongnyeon being kicked out of class due to So-bok’s reprimand for not wearing the practice uniform. Infuriated, Jeongnyeon confronted Cho-rok, who provoked her by saying, “If you bring me the regular performance audition script, I’ll do anything you ask. But if you don’t, you’ll admit that you came in under Moon Ok-kyung’s wing without any skills and leave Maeran on your own.” Jeongnyeon accepted the challenge.
However, this was Cho-rok’s cruel scheme. The audition script was managed by her senior, Do-aeng (Lee Se-young), who would never give a script to a new trainee like Jeongnyeon. Jeongnyeon, determined, approached Do-aeng for the audition script. Unsurprisingly, Do-aeng was furious at the reckless request. Jeongnyeon argued that it was unfair to deny her an audition opportunity simply because she was new, which turned out to be an effective strategy with Do-aeng, a principled figure.
Do-aeng agreed to discuss with the director about granting Jeongnyeon the audition script for the regular performance if she could prove her skills on stage during the charity performance “Chunhyangjeon,” which the trainees were preparing. Thus, Jeongnyeon’s fate hinged on this upcoming performance.
The trainees performance was being organized under Yeong-seo’s leadership. However, as a new trainee, Jeongnyeon had no role. When she asked Yeong-seo for a part, Yeong-seo shocked everyone by assigning her the main role of ‘Bangja.’ Jeongnyeon, faced with the responsibility of this pivotal role in her first national musical performance, struggled to interpret the character, ultimately hindering her practice.
Yeong-seo simply repeated the word ‘again’ to Jeongnyeon, humiliating her. When Jeongnyeon began to cry, Yeong-seo showcased her own acting as if it were effortless, crushing Jeongnyeon’s spirit. Yeong-seo had not given Jeongnyeon the role as an opportunity, but rather to assert her dominance.
From that point on, Jeongnyeon and Yeong-seo clashed fiercely, escalating the tension. Yeong-seo taunted, “If you’re not confident, you can just leave now,” and provoked, “You’re foolish for biting off more than you can chew. Choose: either embarrass yourself on stage or recognize your place and step down now.”
Ultimately, Yeong-seo snickered at Jeongnyeon’s frustration, saying, “The only ending left is for you to be booed by the audience and leave the stage.” Jeongnyeon gritted her teeth and shouted, “You should open your eyes and see what I can do.”
Yet, Jeongnyeon, unable to grasp ‘arrogance,’ turned to Ok-kyung with desperation. To her surprise, Ok-kyung offered an unexpected solution. Handing Jeongnyeon a ‘regular performance audition script,’ she urged her to skip the trainee charity performance and prepare for the regular performance audition. “I didn’t bring you to Seoul to stand on the trainee stage,” Ok-kyung explained. “I brought you because I believed you could succeed me—or rather, compete for my position. You will rise faster and higher than anyone else. You just have to do what I say,” she added, stirring Jeongnyeon’s ambition with sweet words.
While everyone questioned her qualifications, attention now turned to what choice Jeongnyeon would make in response to Ok-kyung’s tempting offer, which could be her shortcut to becoming a national theater actor.
Meanwhile, ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’ airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM.
Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born Korean drama main page
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