tvN’s weekend drama “Jeong Nyeon” (also known as “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born”), which sparked the “Jeong Nyeon Syndrome,” concluded with a brilliant curtain call, achieving its highest-ever ratings. The final episode broke records, peaking at 18.8% in metropolitan areas and 18.2% nationwide, while leading its time slot across all channels. Additionally, it dominated TVING’s real-time share with 91%, cementing its popularity.
A Resilient Final Performance Amidst Crisis
The final episode portrayed the “Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe” (Gukgeuk is a comprehensive theatrical form combining singing, dancing and acting, performed exclusively by women) overcoming financial hardship to stage the experimental The Legend of the Twin Pagodas. Through auditions, the role of “Asadal”, a stone artisan of Baekje, was given to Jeong-nyeon (Kim Tae-ri). Meanwhile, Young-seo (Shin Ye-eun), who gracefully accepted the result, took on the role of “Dalbi”, a fellow artisan who admires and envies Asadal’s talent.
Jeong-nyeon and Young-seo delivered their all on stage amidst the cheers of those who cherished Maeran, making it evident that Maeran’s legacy would not end here. Notably, Jeong-nyeon showcased a fresh take on a male role, portraying an artist consumed by madness, in stark contrast to Ok-kyung (Jung Eun-chae), who had reigned as “Maeran’s Prince”. This performance established her as the troupe’s new star and the most radiant figure on stage.
A Well-Made Drama That Defined the Second Half of 2024
Emerging as one of the best-crafted dramas of 2024, “Jeong Nyeon” closed its curtains to resounding applause both on and off screen. As the first-ever drama centered on women’s gukgeuk, it carved out a sensational legacy marked by bold challenges.
Reviving Women’s Gukgeuk and Gaining Global Popularity
“Jeong Nyeon” consistently shattered metrics, garnering immense attention. Its ratings tripled from the first episode, while it also topped numerous rankings: 1st on Kinolights’ integrated content rankings, 1st on Good Data Corporation’s TV-OTT buzz list, 1st in YouTube views among all domestic dramas, and 1st in Gallup Korea’s “Programs Koreans Loved in October” survey, among others.
Interest in the women’s gukgeuk genre surged as well. Beyond the drama, content related to gukgeuk experienced a revival, leading to renewed recognition of veteran gukgeuk actresses and a positive ripple effect in the performing arts scene. Online mentions of “gukgeuk” skyrocketed from about 600 in September to over 3,000 in October.
Internationally, the response was equally enthusiastic. The drama ranked in the top 6 of Disney+’s global TV shows and achieved 1st place in the TV show category in regions such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, while securing 4th place in Japan. Major foreign media outlets also highlighted the “Jeong Nyeon” phenomenon. Japan’s Oricon News recommended the show as a “must-watch of the season,” praising its unforgettable gukgeuk scenes, while Forbes described “pansori” as the true star of “Jeong Nyeon”, shedding light on the traditional art form.
A Tribute to Gukgeuk: Half of Each Episode Dedicated to Performances
The drama’s authenticity lay in its genuine dedication to gukgeuk, not merely as a backdrop but as a heartfelt homage. Episodes often devoted 15 to 30 minutes of runtime to gukgeuk performances, with the finale allocating half its length to “The Legend of the Twin Pagodas”. These intricate performances, crafted with the collaboration of drama and stage directors, delivered a cinematic spectacle that could be appreciated as standalone theatrical works.
A Stellar Cast Showcasing Masterful Performances
From Kim Tae-ri to Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, and Kim Yoon-hye, every actor in “Jeong Nyeon” delivered performances akin to seasoned artists. Kim Tae-ri, embodying the titular role, received high praise as “Yoon Jeong-nyeon herself,” while Shin Ye-eun shone as both rival and ally. Ra Mi-ran exuded the gravitas of a seasoned troupe leader, and Jung Eun-chae dazzled as “the Prince of Gukgeuk”, earning her re-discovery accolades.
A Complex Narrative About Dreams Without Villains
Without extreme villains or invincible characters, “Jeong Nyeon” captivated viewers with its layered storytelling. The drama explored the ambitions of women in the 1950s, shedding light on their struggles, solidarity, and resilience. Characters like Jeong-nyeon, Young-seo, and Sobok showcased diverse perspectives on dreams, leaving viewers deeply moved.
A Legacy of Gukgeuk
The drama concluded with its 12th episode, portraying Jungnyeoni’s journey to becoming the greatest gukgeuk performer amidst competition and camaraderie. “Jeong Nyeon” not only left an indelible mark on viewers’ hearts but also contributed to bringing Korea’s vibrant art culture, gukgeuk, to a global stage.
Source: Daum
