tvN’s upcoming drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” has given fans a glimpse of its first script reading!
Based on a popular webtoon, the drama is directed by Jung Ji In, known for “The Red Sleeve.” Set in the 1950s, shortly after the Korean War, the series follows Jeong Nyeon, a young vocal prodigy who dreams of becoming a top traditional theater actor. The show explores Jeong Nyeon’s journey through competition, teamwork, and personal growth amid the era’s poverty and romance.
Director Jung Ji In and writer Choi Hyo Bi were present at the script reading along with cast members Kim Tae Ri, Shin Ye Eun, Ra Mi Ran, Jung Eun Chae, Kim Yoon Hye, and more. The group created vibrant chemistry, highlighted by a thrilling moment when the cast playing the top female troupe, the Maeran trainees, practiced the pansori (Korean genre of musical storytelling) “Love Song” (literal translation).
Kim Tae Ri kept practicing her vocals during breaks, impressing everyone with her portrayal of the Mokpo-born prodigy Yoon Jeong Nyeon and often bringing laughter with her charming dialect.
Shin Ye Eun showed her dedication by participating in the script reading while holding a fan, a traditional symbol for singers.
Ra Mi Ran, Moon So Ri, and Lee Deok Hwa added weight to the production with their strong charisma.
Jung Eun Chae and Kim Yoon Hye, who play the leading stars of the Maeran Women’s Gukguek-dan in the show, also stood out with their presence.
Additionally, Hong Ju Ran (Woo Davi), Park Do Aeng (Lee Se Young), Park Cho Rok (Oh My Girl’s Seunghee), Seo Bok Sil (Jung Lael), Jin Yeon Hong (Jo Ah Young), Manager Go (Ryu Seung Soo), Han Gi Joo (Jang Hye Jin), Yoon Jeong Ja (Oh Kyung Hwa), Heo Young In (Min Kyung Ah), Park Jong Guk (Kim Tae Hoon), and Patricia Kim (Lee Mi Do) contribute freshness and acting talent to the production.
Kim Tae Ri shared her excitement, saying, “I enjoyed the original webtoon and was fascinated by the significance of women’s traditional theater in popular culture, which made me want to be part of this project. I’m working hard on my vocal and dance practice and also practicing the dialect with my character’s mother (Moon So Ri).” She added, “It will be interesting to see the appeal of women’s traditional theater from that era and how we can bring that charm to life with the faces and voices of today’s talented women. I think viewers will find it captivating.”
Shin Ye Eun said, “I was really captivated by traditional theater and hope you will be too. I’m proud to be part of ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born’ and ask for your support.”
Ra Mi Ran humorously noted, “I chose ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born’ because Kim Tae Ri is in it.” Moon So Ri also revealed, “I studied traditional singing in my 20s and went to Mokpo with Kim Tae Ri and Oh Kyung Hwa for language training to learn the Jeolla Province dialect.”
Watch a clip from the script reading below!
“Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” premieres on October 12 at 9:20 p.m. KST.
source: Soompi