‘Jeongnyeon’ captivates viewers by redefining rivalry with respect

In the 1950s-60s female gukgeuk-themed TV series

The South Korean drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born,” currently airing on tvN, has quickly gained popularity for its fresh take on competition and rivalry, drawing viewers from different generations.

Based on a webtoon, the TV series delves into the lives of female performers in gukgeuk, the traditional Korean all-female opera. The story follows Yoon Jeong-nyeon, a naturally gifted singer from Mokpo, played by Kim Tae-ri, as she competes with her talented and wealthy rival Heo Yeong-seo, portrayed by Shin Ye-eun. With ratings soaring from 4.8% in the first episode to 13.4% by the sixth episode, the drama has struck a chord with audiences ranging from those who lived through the 1950s and 60s to younger viewers familiar with the webtoon.

What sets “Jeongnyeon” apart from typical dramas is its portrayal of rivalry, built not on animosity but on mutual respect and admiration. In the most recent episode aired on Nov. 3, a tense yet respectful moment unfolds between Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo. Feeling behind her rival, Jeong-nyeon pushes herself too hard in vocal training, straining both her voice and body. She says, “If I can’t perform on stage, you’ll have one less competitor. Isn’t that better for you? You worked yourself to exhaustion trying to beat me.” Yeong-seo, in turn, responds, “I want to win with skill, not tricks. I’ve been working so hard because I want to face you at your best and beat you.” This scene emphasizes the core of their rivalry—a drive for greatness fueled by respect and the desire to push each other to be better, not to destroy one another. It is a refreshing twist on the usual “success story,” where both characters are motivated by their admiration for each other rather than a desire to undermine the other.

The success of “Jeongnyeon” can also be attributed to the dedication of its cast, particularly their commitment to learning traditional singing. Kim Tae-ri, who plays Jeong-nyeon, studied singing for three years, while Shin Ye-eun, portraying Yeong-seo, trained for over a year to deliver credible performances. Hyun Seung-hee, of girl group Oh My Girl, also stands out as Park Cho-rok, a character who initially dislikes but later admires Jeong-nyeon. Known as a “prodigy in traditional folk songs” since childhood, Hyeon’s past experience adds depth to her role. According to the production team, “The singing is mostly performed by the actors themselves, with minimal post-production adjustments.”

The drama also highlights unexpected talents, such as Jung Eun-chae, who takes on the role of a nimai, the male lead traditionally performed by women in gukgeuk. Her performance has drawn praise for epitomizing the “handsome yet beautiful” standard admired in traditional theater. Jung, who gained fame from roles in OTT hits “Anna” and “Pachinko,” has solidified her reputation with Jeongnyeon. Shin Ye-eun also shines in her portrayal of Bang-ja in “Chunhyangjeon” (The Tale of Chunhyang), delivering a performance that has impressed audiences.

Each episode features carefully crafted gukgeuk productions, such as “Chunhyangjeon” in the third episode and “Jamyeonggo” in the sixth episode, with the production team spending over a year to perfect each. Director Jung Ji-in, known for the TV series “The Red Sleeve,” enhances every scene with vivid color and meticulous mise-en-scène, amplifying both the emotional depth of the characters and the drama’s visual richness.