Kim Tae-ri takes center stage as Jeongnyeon

3 August 30, 2024August 30, 2024

Kim Tae-ri takes center stage as Jeongnyeon

by solstices

The theater beckons in the first teaser for tvN’s period drama Jeongnyeon — The Star is Born, in which a young girl strives to stand on the stage that spoke to her heart. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Seo Yi-re and Namon, the twelve-episode adaptation will portray an empowering coming-of-age story against the backdrop of a troubled time.

In the 1950s, amidst the arduous aftermath of the Korean War, the women’s theatrical troupe attained popularity through the romantic idealism of their tales. As for our eponymous heroine Yoon Jeong-nyeon, played by Kim Tae-ri (Revenant), she only has a vague impression of such an art. “I heard the actors take up roles, singing and dancing and acting,” Jeong-nyeon muses.

Then she attends a performance, and it changes the trajectory of her life. Upon the stage, Jung Eun-chae (Your Honor) commands a charismatic presence as Moon Ok-gyung, the troupe’s star who takes up the mantle of the leading man. Opposite her is Kim Yoon-hye (Goodbye Earth) as Seo Hye-rang, whose graceful movements are befitting of a prima donna. As the stunning spectacle unfolds onstage, woven through elaborate costumes and dynamic choreography, an enraptured Jeong-nyeon watches. “What I saw today,” Jeong-nyeon breathes, utterly transfixed, “was a whole other world.”

Captivated by the theater’s magic, an awestruck Jeong-nyeon aspires to rise onto that very stage. Stepping into a pair of traditional shoes, Jeong-nyeon spends her nights rehearsing in the front yard, honing her skills with a determined diligence. She’ll have to contend with the stoic and upright troupe leader Kang So-bok, played by Ra Mi-ran (Cold Blooded Intern), alongside Shin Ye-eun (The Secret Romantic Guesthouse) as the capable rival trainee Heo Young-seo.

But talent flows through Jeong-nyeon’s veins, and the spotlight soon welcomes her into its nascent glow. Dressed in embroidered robes, she finally walks upon the stage she’s dreamt of so fervently. “I speak of a reign of peace!” declares Jeong-nyeon, her voice resounding through the theater, as the audience breaks out into enthused cheers.

Helmed by PD Jung Ji-in (The Red Sleeve Cuff) with scripts written by Choi Hyo-bi (A Time Called You), Jeongnyeon — The Star is Born is slated for an October 12 premiere.