Edited by Kim Won Hee
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
The beloved webtoon Jeongnyeon has made its transition to the small screen. With Kim Tae Ri, long considered the fan-favorite choice for the lead role, alongside Shin Ye Eun, Ra Mi Ran, and Jung Eun Chae, all formidable actors, expectations were understandably high. However, fans of the original story expressed concerns over the omission of a key character, Kwon Bu Yong, whose role was pivotal to the plot. So, did Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born live up to the hype?
For Yoon Jeong Nyeon (Kim Tae Ri), money is her sole motivation as she struggles to make ends meet in Mokpo. Secretly singing at the market to earn some cash, despite her mother’s disapproval, Jeong Nyeon catches the eye of Mun Ok Gyeong (Jung Eun Chae), a famous actress in the Maeran Theater Troupe. Ok Gyeong offers Jeong Nyeon the opportunity to audition for the troupe, and with dreams of making enough money to provide a better life for her family, Jeong Nyeon eagerly follows her to Seoul.
It seems the drama has successfully captivated its audience, nearly doubling its viewership rates. One of the drama’s strongest points is its focus on gukgeuk, a traditional Korean theater form performed entirely by women. Much like a homegrown musical, gukgeuk blends singing, dancing, and acting, with female actors portraying all roles, from princesses to princes. The drama does a captivating job of showcasing the vibrant energy of this uniquely Korean performance style.
The actors, in particular, are standout. Kim Tae Ri delivers a powerful and distinctive vocal performance, adding a refreshing strength to her character. Just as her voice hits soaring highs, Jeong Nyeon’s determination to chase her dreams is equally dynamic and inspiring. Meanwhile, Shin Ye Eun, who plays Heo Yeong Seo, astounds with her versatility—effortlessly shifting from the serious and composed role of Lee Mong Ryong to the playful and mischievous Bangja. Both actors went the extra mile by training in pansori (Korean traditional vocal music) for their roles, even performing their own songs. But perhaps the most striking performance comes from Jung Eun Chae as Mun Ok Gyeong. With a commanding presence and a deep, resonant tone, Jung masterfully embodies the princely figure of Maeran Theater Troupe, presenting a dazzling portrayal not seen in her previous work.
For all its appeal, though, the drama also has its shortcomings—particularly when it comes to adaptation choices. While newcomers to the story may enjoy it without issue, fans of the webtoon might find the missing narrative threads disappointing. A prime example can be found in episode 3, where Jeong Nyeon learns to portray the role of Bangja. In the original story, Jeong Nyeon defends Bu Yong from bullying male students but ends up in danger herself, only to be rescued by the cross-dressing Mr. Ko. This encounter leaves a lasting impact on Jeong Nyeon, helping her break free from binary gender norms and inspiring her unique portrayal of Bangja. In the drama, however, this sequence is shortened to a brief scene where Jeong Nyeon learns dance from a dancer, emphasizing only her comedic performance. It’s hard to ignore the absence of crucial elements, like Bu Yong and Mr. Ko, whose guidance helps Jeong Nyeon realize that women in the 1950s theater troupe could defy gender roles and play any part, resonating with female audiences who found a sense of liberation through these performances.
Only four episodes have been released so far, and there’s still much story left to unfold. Yet, it already feels like the adaptation is treading the safest and most straightforward route, which raises some concerns. With Bu Yong’s arc—arguably the most striking depiction of the oppression and discrimination women faced during that era—diminished, the series risks being reduced to a simple tale of a poor but talented girl finding success in the arts. Hopefully, the remaining episodes will delve deeper into the lives and growth of Jeongnyeon and the other members of the theater troupe, providing a richer, more layered narrative. (6/10)
Edited by Kim Won Hee: I am a person who needs more than 24 hours in a day because there are so many things I love. I am amassing various genres in the jewelry box in my heart
