Promotions are rolling in for tvN’s upcoming period drama Jeongnyeon — The Star Is Born, highlighting its all-female lead cast. Playing the role of the titular heroine Yoon Jeong-nyeon is Kim Tae-ri (Revenant), and around her are the women who propel her towards a new life on stage.
The first teaser shows Jeong-nyeon’s future mentor Moon Ok-gyung, played by Jung Eun-chae (Your Honor), taking the stage as a prince in a play. Capturing the hearts of her adoring audience, Ok-gyung has carved her name in the women’s theater scene, yet even under the bright lights and cheers, she feels listless. Ok-gyung says that nothing is fun anymore, but that all changes when Jeong-nyeon literally bursts through her doors, demanding to be her student.
As Ok-gyung watches Jeong-nyeon entrance a crowd, she asks how she learned to “sing” like that, and Jeong-nyeon explains that she simply listened and picked it up. Ok-gyung recognizes her natural talent for the craft and chooses Jeong-nyeon as her successor, confident that she will soar faster and further than anyone else.
Next in Jeong-nyeon’s journey to the stage is Ra Mi-ran (Cold Blooded Intern) as troupe leader Kang So-bok. Right before the doors close, Jeong-nyeon runs in, arms flapping, and announces her desires to try out for the troupe. However, after she passes the test, it seems Jeong-nyeon has caught So-bok’s attention as she calls her names multiple times — though often not positively.
Once Jeong-nyeon sings, So-bok cannot deny the fact that she is skilled, and her hands tremble as she watches the new face who popped out from nowhere. For a student who wishes to be the best, there is only one thing a troupe leader expects from them: follow your own path to the very end.
Last but not least is Jeong-nyeon’s rival Heo Young-seo played by Shin Ye-eun (The Secret Romantic Guesthouse). Talented and connected, Young-seo is the star trainee amongst the students, and even Jeong-nyeon acknowledges her abilities. While our lead looks forward to challenging herself against her new rival, Young-seo scoffs at her arrogance, believing Jeong-nyeon to be beneath her.
Young-seo’s antagonisms fuels Jeong-nyeon to be better since they won’t know who will come up on top until they try, and the battle between the born-genius with no ties and the elite among the elite begins. While Young-seo vows to make her know her place, Jeong-nyeon stares her down and warns her that one day she may stand before her.
Directed by PD Jung Ji-in (The Red Sleeve Cuff) with scripts penned by Choi Hyo-bi (A Time Called You), the webtoon adaptation Jeongnyeon — The Star is Born is slated for twelve episodes and premieres October 12.