Last weekend, the drama "Jeong Nyeon" (Jeong Nyeon: The Star is Born/Jeong Nyeon: The Star is Born) officially aired. After episode 1 recorded a dismal rating of 4.8%, episode 2 of the drama nearly doubled to 8.2%.
Commenting on "Jeong Nyeon", Korea Herald highly appreciated that this is the first Korean drama to explore the world of "gukgeuk" - a performing art form that was popular in Korea in the 1950s.
The film revolves around the female lead Yoon Jeong Nyeon (Kim Tae Ri) - who comes from a poor background but has a natural singing voice. She is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a gukgeuk - a female artist skilled in performing pansori (traditional singing and dancing) after a fateful meeting with Moon Ok Kyung (Jung Eun Chae).
Gukgeuk artists were all female. At that time, they were well-trained, praised and admired by everyone. Korean newspapers compared gukgeuk artists at that time to K-pop idols today.
Taking on the lead role in the film, Kim Tae Ri was surprised that an attractive topic like gukgeuk had never been explored on television.
"I was really curious why such an entertaining theme had never been used in a drama before, I realized it was probably because it was too difficult.
This drama is the result of many challenges. The filming process was difficult but fun, and the sense of accomplishment I achieved was as real as the feeling Jeong Nyeon experienced in the story."
The actress believes that, despite being set in the 1950s, the film can still resonate with modern audiences.
"The fandom surrounding gukgeuk troupes is very similar to today's idol fandom culture. I felt that the story would resonate with contemporary audiences. The system of trainees, reserve trainees, and aspiring stars joining companies and training reflects the current entertainment scene."
Meanwhile, Seo Ireh - author of the original webtoon said that the film adaptation will bring a new perspective to the audience.
"The drama seems to focus more on the relationship between Jeong Nyeon and Heo Yeong Seo (Shin Ye Eun). While the original webtoon explored many different aspects of Jeong Nyeon's character, the drama will focus more on the dynamic between the two characters."
According to the author, the main character of the film is based on the character Sook Hee (Kim Tae Ri) in the film "The Handmaiden" by director Park Chan Wook.
Seo Ireh confessed that she was shocked when she learned that Kim Tae Ri was cast as Jeong Nyeon.
"The character Sook Hee has slightly tanned skin, with bold and confident eyes. Initially, Sook Hee also does things she doesn't want to do, but in the end chooses to pursue her own desires.
This is a character who decides to pursue what she really wants, and I think that image of Sook Hee suits Jeong Nyeon very well."
