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After only two episodes, "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" proved its undeniable appeal with ratings soaring from 4.8% to 8.2%. What captivated viewers so much? Perhaps it's the emotionally charged story of a talented young woman who dares to dream and is willing to face any difficulty to reach the pinnacle of her artistic career. Kim Tae Ri's outstanding performance breathed life into the character of Jeongnyeon, making viewers empathize with and be moved by her arduous yet brilliant journey.
It's not just a story about feminism and gender identity.
Set in the 1950s, after the Korean War, during South Korea's reconstruction period, Jeongnyeon is a poor girl from the port city of Mokpo, harboring a dream of becoming a traditional stage actress. Despite lacking formal education, the young girl possesses a natural talent for singing, especially in the pansori genre.
Despite only joining the Korean drama race last week, Jeongyeon: The Star Is Born has quickly proven its irresistible appeal with a surge in ratings.
From a young age, Jeongnyeon displayed an independent and strong personality, completely different from her mother and older sister. Her emotional singing voice and personality both helped and challenged her, because in the society of that time, women were confined to the image of humility, submissiveness, and acceptance of fate.
After witnessing her father's death, the fire within her burned even more intensely, driving Jeongnyeon to seek a way out of poverty and provide a better life for her family. Her burning ambition led her from the ancient town of Mokpo to the vibrant city of Seoul, where she embarked on a journey to realize her dream of performing on the stage of a traditional national opera troupe.
Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, the drama depicts the growth and career of musical prodigy Jeongnyeong.
The encounter with Moon Ok Kyung, a star of the Maeran theater troupe, played a crucial role in Jeongnyeon's development. Ok Kyung's encouragement and support not only helped her realize her potential but also empowered her on her artistic journey. The relationship between the two, alongside their rivalry with Heo Young Seo, creates a vivid picture of friendship, shared understanding, and the aspiration for perfect artistic beauty.
Overcoming many difficulties, she gradually shone from a "rough gem," proving her abilities and spreading her passion.
Jeongnyeon's character, with her androgynous appearance and naive, rebellious personality, brought a breath of fresh air to Korean television. She was not only a talented young woman but also a symbol of freedom and liberation. Through the character of Jeongnyeon, the drama skillfully raised questions about gender and gender identity, while also sparking profound dialogues about the role of women in society.
Her journey to achieving her dreams is also a journey to affirm the value of women.
Her relationships with her friends not only bring laughter but also help the audience better understand the difficulties and pressures that young girls face. It opens up an opportunity for a deeper dialogue about gender identity, reflecting the aspirations and struggles of women in a still conservative society.
Traditional Korean art is celebrated on screen for the first time.
In the context of Korean society in the 1950s, when forms of entertainment were limited, Pansori truly shone and became an indispensable source of spiritual nourishment for the people. With its soulful melodies, touching stories, and the skillful performances of the Gukgeuk performers, Pansori provided precious moments of relaxation.
Pansori is a long-standing traditional art form of Korea.
More than just a form of entertainment, Pansori plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting national cultural identity. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Pansori has affirmed its position as a unique cultural symbol of Korea.
South Korea in the 1950s and 1960s witnessed rapid modernization and urbanization. Western influence, along with the development of new musical genres like pop and rock, led to the gradual decline of traditional art forms. The younger generation, captivated by modern musical trends, paid no attention to the lengthy stories and traditional melodies of pansori.
The film skillfully tells the historical story of this art form in order to honor and preserve its traditional values.
In the film, Heo Young Seo, Jeongnyeon's rival, despite being one of the most talented members of her generation, struggles to gain family recognition for pursuing traditional Korean drama instead of opera and contemporary pop music like her older sister. This creates a significant generational gap, making the transmission and preservation of this art form challenging.
Furthermore, after the Korean War, as South Korea focused on rebuilding the country and building a modern national image, Pansori—a symbol of traditional culture—suddenly fell into oblivion. The government prioritized the development of modern industries, causing traditional art forms like Pansori to receive the attention they deserved.
The film's setting serves as a foundation for evoking a deep appreciation for the core values of the nation.
This art form has ample opportunity to shine in the film, a successful tribute to pansori when the protagonist's dream comes true.
Pansori artists, including many talented Gukgeuk performers, face numerous difficulties. Opportunities to perform are scarce, and unstable income forces many to abandon their passion in order to make ends meet. Even trainees in the film, like Ju Ran, Jeongnyeon's friend, have to take on various other jobs to make ends meet. The decline of Pansori is a great loss to Korean culture.
In the context of Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, pansori not only serves as a backdrop for the protagonist's talent but also symbolizes aspirations and cultural identity. The musical elements evoke a time when traditional theatrical arts played a significant role in the spiritual life of the Korean people. The melodies and stories in pansori express human pain, joy, dreams, and aspirations, allowing the audience to connect with their own history and culture.
There was a time when this type of theater played an important role in the lives of the Korean people.
Each episode of Jeongnyeon has broken its own previous highest viewership ratings, promising a strong surge in popularity in the near future. It's highly likely it will become one of the rare dramas this year to join the club of dramas with ratings above 20%. Of course, the future is uncertain, but with four episodes already aired, Jeongnyeon has already received high praise, even being considered by viewers as one of the strongest contenders for Best Drama of 2024.
