Kim Tae Ri has emerged as one of the most compelling talents in the K-drama landscape, consistently showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft. Her selective approach to roles—often appearing in only one or two projects each year—creates a buzz that resonates with audiences and critics alike. In 2023, she captivated viewers in the horror thriller Revenant, sharing the screen with Oh Jung Se. Now, in 2024, she takes on a fresh and challenging role as Yoon Jeong Nyeon in the period drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, which premiered on October 12 on Disney+ Hotstar. Portraying a country girl with dreams of stardom, Kim seamlessly embodies the spirit of her character, further solidifying her status as a standout performer in the industry. This review is of first two episodes.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born Review: Kim Tae Ri hits all the right notes exploring a young woman’s quest of greatness in musical period K-drama
Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born is set in post-war Korea and tells the story of a small-town girl named Yoon Jeong Nyeon. She lives with her widowed mother Seo Yeong Rye and her elder sister Yoon Jung Ja. Jeong is a naturally gifted pansori singer. She often sings in the marketplace to attract customers for her fish-mongering business. Her mother sternly refuses to let Jeong Nyeon sing and also resorts to beating her when she sings.
Jeong Nyeon’s talent is discovered by Moon Ok Gyeong (played by Jung Eun Chae), a star of the theatre troupe. Ok Gyeong invites her to audition for the next trainee program at her theatre group. Jeong Nyeon runs away from home to achieve her dream of becoming a singer. She auditions for the role and is selected as an understudy. Her talent in singing is unmatched but her social status comes in the way. Ok Gyeong picked her and this does not sit well with other trainees. Her immediate competition is Heo Yeong Seo (played by Shin Ye Eun), a talented pansori singer. Kang So Bok (played by Ra Mi Ran) is the director of the theatre troupe and is quite stern in her approach.
Jeong Nyeon is a talented singer with a natural gift for singing pansori. In the first two episodes, we see the challenges that she faces because of her family and her social status. She loves singing more than anything and takes a leap of faith to audition for a theatre troupe in Seoul. She hopes to earn good money with her talent.
Even though the story is set in the old times, the struggle of an upcoming artist resonates with the modern audience. Any artist who rises from rock bottom faces immense struggle and opposition for it is often believed that art would not help with a sustainable future. Ask any artist, and they would say that they care less for the material world and more for the fire that ignites their passion.
We also come to know that Jeong Nyeon’s mother might have been a pansori singer in her youth, and a tragedy led her to leave that life behind. We can assume that her mother would have thrown a fit after she came to know about Jeong Nyeon’s daring step. So, Bok might be connected to that past somehow. From a short flashback about So Bok’s past, we can assume that So Bok might have stepped over Yeong Rye to get into the spotlight.
Each cast member delivers a fine performance. Kim Tae Ri has already raked up points in her favour with her portrayal of the outspoken, timid, and talented Jeong Nyeon. Jung Eun Chae surprises us with her portrayal of Ok Gyeong, almost fooling us all into believing that she is a man. With Ok Gyeong’s character, we see a woman dressing up as a man and playing male roles in the stories. It makes one wonder if this double life would lead to issues about her identity as the story progresses. There might be a queer angle to the story but nothing can be said with full confidence at the moment.
As for the rest of the supporting cast, we already know whom to expect to be in Jeong Nyeon’s support and not. The language used in the show is reminiscent of the tongue spoken all those years ago. The difference between the rough country-side lifestyle and the polished city-side lifestyle is starkly seen as Jeong Nyeon finds her place at the theatre group practice session.
Each episode is about 70 minutes long which gives the cast ample time to breathe life into the story. There is painstaking detail involved in recreating the bygone era and the hard work shines through splendidly. The golden-hued frames, illustrated with the glamour of the theatre stage create a vibrant visual palette. Another interesting aspect of the show is the opening sequence. The main cast is announced in an introduction style seen in theatre, breaking the fourth wall.
Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born tells a beautiful story about a promising artist, the struggles she has to face, and the support she has. Anyone with an unmatched talent has to face envy and jealousy from others. The story is set in an era when performing arts were seen with both admiration and envy. Those in the spotlight were loved but families did not easily consent to their children joining the performing arts. The few who did have to face the double-edged sword of the society’s hypocrisy as well. With its compelling storyline and a focus on the emotional bonds that define us, the drama is poised to be both a heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit of the Korean people and a celebration of the universal quest for voice and belonging.
Also Read: From Kim Tae Ri starrer Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born to Kim Sung Cheol-led Hellbound 2, 8 K-dramas to watch in October 2024
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