Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR : A wholesome exploration of theatre and art!!!!

"Jeongyneon: A Star is Born" is set in the 1950s and follows a Mokpo girl named Jeongyneon, who has a remarkable talent for singing. She dreams of using her gift to explore the world, achieve fame, and lift her family out of their underprivileged circumstances.

Despite her mother's opposition, she seeks help from her sister and a lady she meets, who turns out to be a renowned theater performer. This mentor recognizes Jeongyneon's talent and helps her move to Seoul, where she joins an all-women's theater group. Throughout her journey, she faces various challenges, adjusts to her new environment, and encounters different competitors and individuals who shape her path toward her dream.

This drama is truly a masterpiece, and I want to share my thoughts on it from the perspective of someone who hasn't read the webtoon. My review is based solely on what I've experienced in the show, and I must say, I'm genuinely impressed.

The story is refreshing and unique, taking us on an inspirational and emotional journey that really tugs at the heartstrings. The acting is exceptional, with the cast showcasing a wide range of raw emotions. It's not just the main characters who shine; the entire ensemble brings depth and authenticity to their roles.

The characters are fascinating, from Jeongyneon, our vibrant female lead, to Moon Okyeong, the renowned theater performer she encounters. We also have Yeoseong, her current rival, and Jooran, her loyal best friend. Each character has distinct personalities that add to the series' charm. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their interactions are both engaging and dynamic. I particularly admire how Jeongyneon embodies a carefree spirit while also displaying a strong determination to achieve her dreams. Her character development is evident as she navigates various life lessons throughout her journey, making her story even more relatable and inspiring.

I developed a craving for theatre while watching this drama, as it beautifully tells the story of a performing arts group and features many of their plays throughout the series. I'm genuinely impressed by how the characters brought these plays to life. It's fascinating to see them act while already performing, and the plays were not only fun to watch but also an amazing addition to the overall narrative.

The character development is another highlight; each character undergoes visible growth, making their emotional journeys incredibly rewarding to experience. The pacing of the drama is perfect—nothing feels rushed or slow, allowing viewers to fully appreciate this wholesome piece of art.

Overall, this drama is simply amazing. It's artistic, original, inspirational, and emotional—a complete journey.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely! It's a breath of fresh air, and its originality truly shines through in both the plot and the characters.

Read More

Mea culpa!

I wasn't going to write this missive (I'm not going to call it a review), but it has been  on my mind for some time so I'm just going to put it out there.

As you can see from my scores, I don't hate the show.

On many levels, it is an excellent production. However, I just can't get into it. There are too many barriers to entry for me. 

This show is set in the 1950's so there is more a near history than a historical drama. It is a very turbulent time in Korean history. The Korean War has just ended and the whole society is in flux. Added to that, the traditional female only theatre trope is uniquely Korean. I appreciate their skills and artistry but it is largely opaque to me. 

I tried to enjoy the show purely as entertainment but the nuanced historical backdrop and subtle cultural mores have me foundering. There are some familiar tropes but it is a trap for the unwary. I find it unsettling as I struggle to get a toehold. I think some viewers might be in the same boat. That is why I decided to write this. Your level of enjoyment is definitely subjective in this case. Much more so than I expected.

It is on me that I can't understand and enjoy the show to the fullest. Maybe one day I will do the necessary research and tackling it again with more confidence. Peace.

Read More

Probably one of the best drama/production of the year

I haven’t read the original webtoon and I honestly didn’t know that much about Pansori before watching Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, so I’ve started watching it without any prejudices.

Firstly, I want to say that I’ve literally felt in love with the art of Pansori and Gukgeuk throughout this kdrama. And it is all thanks to the production team for filming it very flawlessly and sublimely which brought us feeling that we were literally into the theaters, watching passionately the performances.
I got emotional and really charmed by listening to all these Pansori songs, watching all the marvelous acting from the cast. I can’t even imagine all the work and practices they went through for achieving such a perfect stages like this.

Talking about the cast members, it was very refreshing having a women-only cast as it is rare in this kdrama industry. And what a great cast!
Kim Tae-ri’s supremacy is not even to be proven, she has shown once again that she can carry and lead a drama to the highest level with her character of Jeong-nyeon. The character was really passionate and touching that we had no choice to be cheering for her pursuing her dream to become a pansori's master. Shin Ye-eun wasn’t leftover and she succeed of embodying Yeong-seo as both the rival and best friend of Jeong-nyeon, but also as a young woman which have many doubts in her capacities, inferiority complex with her sister and a child lacking recognition and love from her mother.
And finally we can’t not talk about Woo Da Vi which played Joo-ran, which was the main relatedness character between this trio. Joo-ran played a big part in the relationship between Yeong-seo and Jeong-nyeon switching from enemies to best friends, but also in the awakening of these two as pansori’s masters.
The line between the friendship and love is really tight and well written in this story. Many of us won’t easily forget the heartbroken plot of the impossible love between Joo-ran and Jeong-nyeon, literally becoming a forbidden love at the moment that Joo-ran being dragged back to his family to fullfill her duty as a woman. This is not only a heartbroken love story but also an assumed criticism of the society, both in 1950s and today. Woo Da Vi perfectly embodyed the touching and lovely character of Joo-ran, who has ingrown the essence of love in the softness way ever.
Finally, I have to congratulate all other actresses, from Ra Mi-ran as the kindness director Kang So-bok, Jung Sun-chae and Kim Yoon-hye as the best prince and princess duo Ok-gyeong and Hye-ran and a special coup de coeur for Hyun Seung-hee as the research student Cho-rok which had a really good character development all along the show.

More than the plot, Jeong-nyeon The Star Is Born greatly open the door for discovering the world of Pansori and Gukgeuk which is not well known in the world as an authentic and beautiful part of the Korean culture.
I did not have heard much about it before (I barely known just the name) and thank to this show, I did some research to learn more about it. Pansori is a real art of singing and acting which required a lot of work. Even by watching all the research students learning and training hard to masterize all the skills of this art, we can tell that not everyone can do Pansori. The level of details in the facial expressions and the gestures in addition to the singing part, while being able to be perfectly united and merged with his fellow troops mates.
I was fascinated and really touched all along the show by watching each Pansori’s performances, crying and laughing while watching all these ancestral and magical stories.

Jeong-nyeon: The Star Is Born si surely one of the best drama and exceptional production of the year in several ways. We cheered and followed the chatacter of Jeong-nyeon achieving her dream, but we also were delighted by the lovely mood in the Maeran Pansori’s troop. The whole cast carried the show that well, breaking all audience records.
I highly recommend this kdrama, it’s basically for discovering this kind of gems that I keep watching Korean dramas.

I’m truly grateful for these six last weeks.

Read More

Queer Longing in a World of Pansori

Jeongnyeon is the kind of drama that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go especially when it sings. The combination of powerful acting and breathtaking pansori performances made me cry more than once. Every time a scene shifted into song, it felt like I was watching something sacred. The raw emotion, the vocal strength, the tradition it was honestly overwhelming in the best way.

The acting is equally incredible. The cast doesn’t just perform they embody. There’s a deep sorrow and love in the characters' eyes that feels too big for the screen. And maybe that’s part of the problem this drama is bursting at the seams with feelings it’s afraid to name.

What frustrated me, though, was how Jeongnyeon seemed to shy away from its own truth. The chemistry between certain characters especially Jeongnyeon and her close companions felt like so much more than friendship. It lingered, it tugged at you. And when I looked it up and realized the original webtoon features a lesbian relationship? Everything clicked. The drama clearly tried to straighten that out, both literally and figuratively, and the result was a narrative that felt emotionally stunted.

Even the family relationships were confusingly subtle. It’s only eventually made clear that Seo Hye-rang is Eun-Jae's mother not her aunt which changes everything about their bond. I also couldn’t shake the feeling that Seo Hye-rang and Moon Ok-gyeon were in a romantic relationship, raising Eun-Jae together. But the show dances around this so cautiously, it almost feels like erasure rather than nuance.

Jeongnyeon could have been groundbreaking. Instead, it’s a beautiful, heartbreaking piece of television weighed down by fear of fully embracing its queer roots. Still, it’s worth watching for the music, the emotion, and the silent stories that speak louder than words.

Read More

a Masterpiece! every episode leaves you Mesmerized!

I don’t even know where to start. I binge-watched this drama not because I had time but because I was completely bewitched by it! Every aspect of this masterpiece—the Acting, Storyline, Plot, Music, and Production—left me utterly speechless.

I was screaming in excitement, jumping and clenching my hands throughout the whole series. Not a single episode is boring! It keeps you thrilled and glued to the screen!

First and foremost, I watched this because of Kim Tae Ri. She was absolutely phenomenal! The fact that she trained for three years for this role truly shows. It’s evident in every movement, every emotion she poured into her character. Her portrayal of Jeongnyeon wrapped the audience in a tight embrace, making us feel every single emotion her character experienced. Jeongnyeon’s journey, from someone who came from nothing to becoming the prince who never gave up no matter what life threw at her. I felt every ounce of her pain, her determination, and her triumphs. I ended up crying every time Jeongnyeon cried. Kim Tae Ri’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. She is truly a gem of an actress.

The second reason I watched this was because of a TikTok I saw featuring Moon Ok-Gyeong, portrayed by Jung Eun Chae. Oh my goodness, she nailed this role so perfectly that I often found myself thinking of her as a man. Her transformation and the conviction she brought to her character were simply amazing!

I also cannot overlook Shin Ye Eun’s incredible performance. She left me speechless, particularly during the Bangja scene. That moment caught me off guard and continued to do so throughout the drama. Her acting was so raw and so powerful.

Woo Da Vi’s portrayal of Jooran deserves special mention as well. Her farewell performance scene with Jeongnyeon was breathtaking. It was filled with such emotion and authenticity.

Kim Yoon Hye and Ra Mi Ran’s portrayals of HyeRan and Director Kang were equally mesmerizing. Their acting made every scene believable and impactful. I could understand and connect with each of their characters because of how deeply they embodied their roles.

The music was another standout element of this drama. Each performance left me stunned. I watched every musical scene as if I were sitting in the audience of a grand theater hall, utterly captivated. The cinematography complemented the performances beautifully, making every shot feel magical and immersive.

The script was brilliant. There were no cliché moments, every scene and line felt essential to the plot. It was refreshing to see a drama where every moment held weight and significance.

One aspect I absolutely loved was the focus on a predominantly female cast. It’s rare to see such a dynamic, woman-centered story, and it was absolutely amazing! The strength, resilience, and complexity of these characters were inspiring.

What struck me most about this drama was how the main character never gave up, no matter what obstacles life threw her way. I’ve often felt beaten down by life, but watching her unwavering determination gave me hope. She held on to her dreams, and that inspired me to hold on to mine.

Quotes from the drama resonated deeply with me:

“Some might call me crazy for chasing after the stars when I should be busy finding a way to live. But to me, those stars are my dreams that help me survive.”

“I’ve got a team to perform with and an audience to watch me. So why should I be anxious?”

“You can chip away at the stone all you want. But without inspiration, you are only left with a piece of boulder.”

This drama wasn’t just entertainment.
It was a heartfelt journey that left me inspired, emotional and in awe.

It truly is the definition of a MASTERPIECE.

Read More

A Masterpiece in many ways but had missed opportunities

“The path of an artist doesn’t always involve glory.” –The Host
“My voice is my earth and sky! It’s my everything.” – Yoon Jeongnyeon
“You have to take full responsibility for your choice, even if you regret it later.” – Moon Okgyeong
“I’m not here because I wanted to see you off. I had to see you leave with my own eyes to forget you completely.” – Yoon Jeongnyeon

I came in watching this drama knowing absolutely nothing and right away was hooked. The characters, music, production and design was breathtaking and every episode I felt like I was part of a live audience, watching the traditional Korean opera. This did feel like it should have been at least 16 episodes, towards the end the story felt rather rush and I couldn't feel the passion anymore. The ending itself left me wondering if that was really it and what did I just spend the past few days binge watching if this was gonna be the ending, which is why I cannot give this story 10 out of 10.

Story: This is one of the things that drew me in, the story of some country girl going to the big city with nothing but her voice and then we realize she's a very talented actress at that. Her stubborn yet bright personality along with Moon Okgyeong who is known as The Prince of traditional Korean Opera but have become bored with her position until she stumbles upon Yoon Jeongnyeon. I was also interested about an all female troupe during the 1950s, the society pressure that comes with it and how they were going to overcome it. Overall it was good, especially since we were given different performances to judge how much the characters have grown but what ruined the perfect score, once more, is how rush it got towards the end, leaving a rather unsatisfying feeling and I am not too happy with just how much they deviated from the Webtoon.I also wish we had more backstory about Jeongnyeon's family, they gave hints but sometimes it got confusing and overall it left me frustrated that there wasn't more.

Characters and Acting: This is one of the parts that made this drama a masterpiece in my opinion and this might be my longest part;
Kim Tae-Ri did such a phenomenal job playing our loveable 'prince' Yoon Jeongnyeon, everything from the micro expressions like lips trembling slightly, to those bright eyes that could easily turn sorrowful, slipping into different characters while still maintaining the essence of its YJN acting not Kim Tae-Ri and the singing, I truly hopes she wins the equivalent of a Grammy or Oscar in Korea for this role.
Jung Eun Chae who plays the role of Moon Okgyeong, our tragic 'Prince' thats bored of being on the top and comes back to life after meeting YJN deserves another award, I literally kept forgetting that she was a female and would only snap out of it when they'd refer to her character with female pronounces, I thought her portrayal of the tragic genius who seem weighted down by the role was perfect and honestly Moon Okgyeong became my favorite character even though she felt like a mystery to me even at the end.
Kim Yoon Hye played Seo Hye Rang, the 'Princess' of traditional Korean Opera and one who can't let go of her crown no matter what. I love the chemistry with Okgyeong and while I wanted to hate her character, all I could feel was pity. Her voice was beautiful to listen to.
Ra Mi-Ran played the director of the troupe, Kang So Bok who felt like a firm mother trying to handle all those girls, and while she could come off as rather strict, we also got to see what she was willing to sacrifice for her girls. This is my other favorite character.
Woo Da Vi played Hong Ju Ran who from the beginning was one of my least favorite character because she always felt wishy-washy. I think Da Vi did an amazing job portraying such a complex character that is weak yet strong in her own way, I just wish more had been done with this character.
Shin Ye Eun did an amazing job playing Yoon Jeongnyeon's rival, Heo Yeong-Seo who comes from a famous opera singer mother and sister, which leaves her feeling inferior even though she's actually quite talented. I thought her acting was really good but I can't say its one of my favorites, sometimes I wish she would put more emotions or expression instead of the open mouth, wide eyes that she'd do. I just wasn't able to get fully into this character but she's very talented singing.
My other favorite character was Park Cho Rok played by Hyung Seung Hee, at the beginning she was one of those characters that I would roll my eyes at and grumble over but I adore her character development and the singing was absolutely beautiful, I wish she would have gotten more spotlight, its another reason the ending felt so rush.

Music and Cinematography: I love the music in this drama and how everyone interpreted the same song in a different way, even how certain characters portrayed the same exact song in numerous way according to the emotion needed for the scene, it felt like I was watching it live and left me crying many times, I am looking forward to more traditional Korean Opera. Overall the scenery, costume designs, audio and stage was beautiful but there were some times that the lights felt too sharp and the make up a bit too heavy (especially the last episode where at one point Kim Tae-Ri looked like she had a double chin and bloated face due to the make up, but then it cuts, same scene, and her face looks really feminine.)

There was a lot of hint of girl-love, especially between Moon Okgyeong and Seo Hye Rang who honestly seemed like an old married couple, a kid and big house included but its so subtle that one might think they are imagining it, the other GL hints was with Juran x YJN, Juran x Heo Yeong-Seo, YJN x Chorok, YJN x Okgyeong, YJN x Heo Yeong-Seo, the webtoon is supposed to be GL and this is where the drama drop the ball, even deleting two very important characters from the webtoon, one was Yoon Jeongnyeon's love interest named Bu-yong and the other was Mr.Go who is a women that dresses like a men and is frustrated by the patriarchal and gender discrimination, she ends up teaching YJN the nuance of how to perform male roles, I suppose the closest we got to that character was Moon Okgyeong. The ending of the drama was also a massive letdown, it felt abrupt and like they just ran out of time. Many things felt unfinished, like the story of YJN mother.

Overall I'd give it an 8.5, I'll probably re-watch it in a few years for the beautiful music and amazing acting.

Read More

What "The Devil Judge" is to BLs, "Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born" is to GLs

My heart stopped so many times I might actually have to see a doctor. If you like it, you should read The Ballet Ships by Noel Streatfeild. It has a similar vibe. There is an old lesbian couple too. Although it is just a kids' book.


It's a beautiful, heartwarming and tearjerking story about women's friendship, love and rivalry. Watching this will make you want to scream at the characters, laugh and cry with them, cheer for them and wish them all the worst. It'll make your head feel dizzy, your heart skip a bit and your stomach clench.

Jeongnyeon is a perfect protagonist for that kind of story. Joyful, kind of naive but well-meaning, passionate and loving, always there for her friends and dramatic when the plot needs her to be. But damn, when she is acting like a boy, let me tell you, she could turn a straight woman into a lesbian for sure. She just has that perfect masc energy. Honestly, the best example of healthy masculinity I've seen in a drama in a very long time. When she was practicing with Jooran, when she held her chin up- my heart stopped. Like for real. Kim Taeri the woman you are.

No wonder Jooran panicked. Our poor closeted lesbian, forced into marriage with some guy. She truly deserved better. What do you mean they didn't kiss in the 11the episode? I'm sure as hell they did. Someone needs to go on ao3 and write fix-it when they meet after that last performance. Also, she looked so cute like that crybaby princess.

Yeongseo was just so good as rival turned friend. That scene when they hugged after Jeongnyeon won the audition? Lovely, just lovely. Her sister was amazing too. I'm glad our girl finally got to hear some nice words. Deserved.

Okay, when it comes to Okgeyong, I support women's rights and women's wrongs. I know she acted selfishly leaving like that, but hell it's always 'your mental health matters' until someone does stupid shit because they are depressed and suicidal. Her last performance, when she stopped acting before the dying scene, telling Hyerang all those things? And then dying, going away to that prince is going over song? Ohhh, I love some good symbolism.

The same could be told about Hyerang, but making Jeongneyon lose her voice was a step too much. Feminine women are often antagonized, so I was going to cut her sluck, not after that thought. It was sad seeing our lesbian marriage falling apart, like they had a kid together and everything, but there are so many girls like Hyerang, not ready to let go, possessive and manipulative. Crazy, really. As someone who was in a similar to Okgeyong situation (minus the kid obvi), I understand and support the decision to leave. It was for the best but maybe, just maybe, help your old coworkers, hmm, Okgeyong? How about that? [they totally uhauled]

What I really love about it is the music, but I don't know shit about music, so I can't say much about that besides it was good.

Read More

STAR is not born, but MADE by connections, NEPOTISM

Cutting lead character from Original Web toon
Bu-yong is cut from drama adoption
Her character was cut just to suppress LGBTQ represtation
Devloped nation with undeveloped society.




FL is ungrateful
Ill mannered
Arrogant because she can seduce another crossdressing Woman
and FL is shameless for denying she doesnt come because of connection when she knows she has become a sugar baby
FL is Sugar baby of Moon Ok Gyeong

everything those people say about her is true but then she is FL so
people who question Nepotism are evil idiots
people who question promoting someone by Connection then talent are evil people in this garbage show

i don't see any skill in FL in acting like person who can sing can act to ?
Just like all OLD idols forcing themselves to become actors 🙏🙏
she got in the troupe by her connection through Moon Ok Gyeong but shamelessly denies it
FL is person with NO Morals or respect for others
And is encouraged by her rich sugar Mama


doesn't have any respect toward her seniors or teacher
but she will get private teachinh from Moon Ok Gyeong.

Read More

Kim Tae Ri deserves a Daesang Grand Prize this year for her performance on this drama

Just finished watching this drama. All the actors are superb and show amazing acting skills. They also took on the painstaking task of learning Gukguek and pansori. I also learnt a lot of history from this drama. The script was so well written, every phrase, every line that is spoken shows so much emotional depth and character. I love how Jung Eun Chae portray the role of Ok-gyeong with such gusto and style. She is so handsome as a guy and I believe many girls are smitten by her charm and acting. I like the character of Heo Yeong Seo. Although born rich, she is not a spoilt brat. She is a loyal friend, and willing to admit defeat when others are better than her. Lastly, I would like to give the highest applaud to Kim Tae Ri for her portrayal of Jeong Nyeong. She played the character so well, and is so immersed not only in her character, but the character she is portraying in the Gukguek. This was an extremely difficult character to play, and she did it flawlessly. I am speechless.

Overall fantastic drama!

Read More

Best drama of 2024

This drama is surely going to sweep the awards. From acting, to set design to the music... everything is just top notch. The acting especially wow... Every one of the actors, including the extras showed out. I would say that this genre of dramas require the most of actors; the musical scenes where it is essentially a show within a show requires multi-layered performances that not anyone can pull off. And yet Kim Taeri, Shin Yeeeun and the rest of the cast have done it. Singing (with their REAL voices, might I add) dancing, and the commitment to learn the techniques of the traditional art form...I would be shocked if Kim Taeri does not get a Daesang for this. She absolutely deserves it.

This is one of the rare few dramas where I actually wanted MORE of. 12 eps is simply not enough to do tie up all the lose ends and it shows. The last episode was horribly rushed and left me with more questions than answers. I'm seeing calls for a season 2 but as much as I like this show, I'm not sure another is necessary. The ending, while less than desirable, does paint a historically accurate picture of Yeosong gukgeuk. Its popularity died down in the 1960s after the advent of film/tv. It seems like there was a revival after but it was short-lived (please correct if I'm wrong). Part of the reason was also due to the fact that it wasn't designated as a "National Intangible Culture Heritage" like pansori and changgeuk was, which probably led to the lack of funding and successors. I can't imagine what story a season 2 would tell. The overaching plot of the rise and fall of Yeosong gukgeuk has mostly been covered. The traditional 16 ep length would have been perfect though, and would have allowed more time for all the loose ends to be tied up.

This show is largely based on the webtoon of the same name, though with rather significant changes to the plot. I have not read the original webtoon, but a central character, Buyeong - Jeongnyeon's original love interest was removed. In the drama, it has been largely replaced by Jooran, though the GL elements have been toned down significantly. There is subtext hinting at their "more than friends" relationship but at the same time its not overt enough and there's still a degree of plausible deniability. To me, it also seems more like a one-sided love from Jooran. Jeongnyeon does not seem to reciprocate in a romantic way. The relationship between Okyeong and Hyerang is more overt with them literally pressing their foreheads together in ep 2(?) and in general being more touchy feely. However, if you're expecting more than that, you would be disappointed.

I was honestly thisss close to giving it a 10/10, but I really felt like the the last episode was a letdown. I'm personally NOT a fan of leaving unanswered questions, and did not like the fact that the director/scriptwriter decided to write out Okyeong and Jooran, giving them 0 scenes at the end while at the same time dropping the fact that Hyerang actually is a mother. The existence of her niece/daughter was inconsequential to the plot and was only brought up sporadically so I'm not sure what kind of point the director/scriptwriter was trying to highlight right at that last moment with this reveal. Whereas Jooran and Okyeong had huge parts to play in driving the plot forward but they basically drop off the face of the earth. Hell, even PATRICIA, Jeongnyeon's jazz singing teacher turned up to watch her, and Okygeong/Jooran didn't? I honestly couldn't fathom it. On a side note, I also didn't like how the whole Hyerang/accountant embezzling money plot was explained and wish they had gone down another route to explain Maeran's financial downfall instead.

With that being said, these are just somewhat minor grouses in the grand scheme of things. I haven't seen a drama so well thought out and beautifully acted in ages, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's interested in musicals, or learning more about traditional korean gukgeuk. and of course, fans of Kim Taeri should not miss this as well! On a side note, I do want to see Kim Taeri in another GL after the handmaiden, too bad they toned it down so much in this show...

Read More