Set in the 1950s, shortly after the Korean War, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born tells the story of Yoon Jeong-nyeon (Kim Tae-ri), a young girl from Mokpo who possesses a rare talent for pansori (Korean traditional singing). Dreaming of becoming a famous opera actress, Jeong-nyeon leaves her hometown and joins the prestigious Yeoseong Gukgeuk troupe in Seoul. Along the way, she faces challenges, competition, and personal growth, while navigating her rivalry with fellow trainee Heo Yeong-seo (Shin Ye-eun), who is equally gifted in singing, dancing, and acting. Amidst her journey, Jeong-nyeon finds herself entangled in the struggles of the Maeran Theater Company, led by the strict director Kang So-bok (Ra Mi-ran), and accompanied by a host of colorful characters such as Moon Ok-kyung (Jung Eun-chae) and Seo Hye-rang (Kim Yoon-hye). Together, they face the challenges of post-war South Korea and the pressure to succeed in the world of traditional theater.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (Korean: 정년이) is an upcoming South Korean television series set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of historical drama, music, and personal growth. Written by Choi Hyo-bi, the show is directed by Jung Ji-in and stars an impressive cast, including Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, and Kim Yoon-hye. Based on the popular Naver webtoon by Seo Ireh and Namon, the series takes place in post-Korean War South Korea and explores the struggles and rise of a young girl with an extraordinary talent for singing.
The highly anticipated series is scheduled to premiere on tvN on October 12, 2024, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST). It will also be available for streaming globally on Disney+ Singapore and other regions after its local release.
Kim Tae-ri as Yoon Jeong-nyeon
A pansori prodigy from Mokpo, Jeong-nyeon ventures to Seoul to pursue her dream of becoming a traditional opera actress. Her journey of growth and determination forms the heart of the story.
Shin Ye-eun as Heo Yeong-seo
A multi-talented trainee with expertise in singing, dancing, and acting. Yeong-seo becomes Jeong-nyeon’s main rival within the troupe.
Ra Mi-ran as Kang So-bok
The strict and commanding director of Maeran Theater Company, Kang So-bok runs her troupe with an iron fist.
Jung Eun-chae as Moon Ok-kyung
A senior member of the Maeran Theater Company who plays a crucial role in guiding the younger members of the troupe.
Kim Yoon-hye as Seo Hye-rang
Known as the "princess" of Maeran Theater Company, Seo Hye-rang’s presence adds drama and tension within the group.
Woo Da-bi as Hong Joo-ran
A key supporting character who brings her own challenges and contributions to the theater company.
Seunghee as Cho-rok
Another member of Maeran Theater Company, contributing to the ensemble cast.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born is directed by Jung Ji-in, known for helming the popular period drama The Red Sleeve (2021), and written by Choi Hyo-bi, who gained acclaim for A Time Called You (2023). The drama is produced by Studio N, Management MMM, and NPIO Entertainment, marking a joint effort to bring the webtoon adaptation to life. Filming wrapped in 2024, with the production team placing great emphasis on accurately portraying the post-war era and the traditional performances that will be central to the story.
The show has been heavily anticipated since its announcement, not only because of its impressive cast but also due to its premise, which offers a glimpse into traditional Korean performance art, cultural history, and the emotional journey of a young girl chasing her dreams in a turbulent time.
The first teaser trailer for Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born was released in September 2024, highlighting the musical and theatrical aspects of the show. The trailer featured Jeong-nyeon’s rise from a small-town girl to a celebrated star, as well as the intricate dynamics between her and her rival, Heo Yeong-seo. Fans have already begun comparing the show’s tone to that of The Red Sleeve for its historical backdrop and emotional depth.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born will be available to stream on Disney+ Singapore from October 12, 2024, with a wider global release expected shortly after. The combination of a strong storyline, period drama aesthetics, and musical themes makes it a must-watch for fans of both historical dramas and coming-of-age stories.
Fans of Twenty-Five Twenty-One and The Red Sleeve will likely find Jeongnyeon compelling, especially with Kim Tae-ri leading the cast. Her portrayal of Yoon Jeong-nyeon promises to be a dynamic and emotional journey through the trials of the Korean traditional arts scene in the 1950s. The show’s blend of history, culture, music, and personal growth sets it apart, making it one of the most anticipated series of 2024.
The rivalry between Kim Tae-ri’s and Shin Ye-eun’s characters is also set to become a central dramatic point, sparking anticipation for their on-screen chemistry. With an ensemble cast of talented actors and strong production values, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born is shaping up to be a standout drama for the year.
The series will premiere on October 12, 2024, on tvN and air every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST).
The show will be available for streaming on Disney+ Singapore, with a global release expected to follow shortly.
The series follows the journey of Yoon Jeong-nyeon, a talented pansori singer who moves to Seoul to join a traditional theater troupe and faces fierce competition along the way.
The lead role of Yoon Jeong-nyeon is played by Kim Tae-ri, known for her roles in Twenty-Five Twenty-One and Revenant.
Yes, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Seo Ireh and Namon.
The series is directed by Jung Ji-in, who also directed The Red Sleeve.
Shin Ye-eun plays Heo Yeong-seo, Jeong-nyeon’s rival within the Maeran Theater Company.
The series is set in the 1950s, just after the Korean War, during a time when traditional theater troupes were popular in South Korea.
Pansori is a genre of traditional Korean musical storytelling, and Jeong-nyeon’s character is a gifted pansori singer.
Yes, the show will feature several traditional musical performances as part of its exploration of Korean theater culture.