Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born Episode 5 Review: Protagonist and Antagonist Plan to Battle

In the previous episode, Jeongnyeon’s mother, Geongseon, returns to bring her daughter back home, leading to a heartfelt confrontation with So-bok, head of the Maeran troupe. Through their exchange, Geongseon’s past as a celebrated pansori singer and the heartbreak of her downfall are revealed. Geongseon is moved by her daughter’s talent but ultimately leaves when Jeongnyeon decides to stay with the troupe. However, Jeongnyeon’s independence lands her in trouble when she sings publicly at a coffee shop, violating the troupe’s rules.

So-bok, angered by the breach, expels Jeongnyeon, leaving her alone and desperate. Seeking a new start, she contacts a TV producer, Jong-guk, who introduces her to Ms. Kim, a former pop star who becomes a mentor, teaching Jeongnyeon about fame, image, and resilience. Meanwhile, Yeong-seo struggles with jealousy as her younger sister, Youngin, returns home to their mother’s approval—something Yeong-seo has always longed for.

Family tension escalates during a dinner where Yeong-seo proudly discusses her work in gukgeuk, against her mother’s wishes. Amidst these conflicts, Yeong-seo’s disdain for Jeongnyeon grows, and an overheard argument culminates.

Directed by Jung Ji-in, this series offers a glimpse into the post-war theatre world, capturing the ambition, rivalry, and personal struggles of its characters.

– Contains Spoilers –

Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born Episode 5 Recap

The episode begins with unresolved tension as Jeongnyeon and Yeong-seo continue their fight, both deeply affected by the challenges they’ve faced. After their heated exchange, Jeongnyeon walks away, leaving Yeong-seo simmering with anger. The following day, Jeongnyeon visits Jong-guk at his office, noticing him quickly hiding some documents. When she spots a photo of her mother, Geongseon, among his papers, she’s stunned. Despite Jong-guk’s initial lies, he finally confesses: he knew all along that Jeongnyeon was Geongseon’s daughter and intended to use her to lure Geongseon back into the spotlight.

Jeongnyeon is further devastated to learn Jong-guk was also the one who informed So-bok about her side job at the coffee shop, leading to her punishment. When she tries to leave, Jong-guk pulls her back, reminding her of the contract and the penalties if she doesn’t comply. Heartbroken, Jeongnyeon wanders into an old CD shop and requests one of her mother’s records. As Geongseon’s voice fills the room, Jeongnyeon is overcome with emotion, reflecting on her mother’s sacrifices and words. Meanwhile, Ok-gyeong playfully shocks Hye-rang by suggesting she might quit gukgeuk, only to embrace her and reveal she was joking.

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The next day, Jong-guk approaches Jeongnyeon again, and this time, to his surprise, she agrees to perform—not out of fear, but for the audience’s sake. However, during rehearsal, her performance is spirited yet unorthodox, which enrages Jong-guk as Jeongnyeon uses a masculine tone and defiant gestures, refusing his demands for a more “feminine” performance. Ms. Kim encourages Jeongnyeon to stay true to herself, advising her to perform with authenticity for her audience.

When Jeongnyeon’s performance airs, viewers are both surprised and amused as she breaks traditional norms, singing in her unique gukgeuk style. Even the Maeran troupe members watch in awe and laughter, captivated by her unconventional rendition. So-bok, secretly pleased, watches with satisfaction before retreating to her room. Meanwhile, Joo-ran confides to So-bok that she had actually been working at the coffee shop, not Jeongnyeon, to pay for her ill sister’s medication.

Back at the station, Ms. Kim congratulates Jeongnyeon, admiring her courage to embrace her own style, but Jong-guk, furious, demands compensation for the “damage” to his reputation. So-bok steps in to pay the price and takes Jeongnyeon back to the Maeran troupe, encouraging her to show the world her true talent. The troupe girls warmly welcome her, thrilled to have Jeongnyeon back.

That evening, Jeongnyeon attempts to apologize to Yeong-seo for her earlier harsh words, but Yeong-seo coldly dismisses her. So-bok gives Jeongnyeon and Joo-ran a lighthearted punishment for singing at the coffee shop, assigning them extra chores as they prepare for the troupe’s upcoming main audition. Determined to prove herself, Jeongnyeon practices hard, spurred on by Yeong-seo’s mocking comments. But the night before the audition, someone locks Jeongnyeon in the prop room, leaving her in a tight spot.

The next morning, as the audition begins, Yeong-seo stuns the group by auditioning for the coveted antagonist role, a position traditionally held by Do-aeng. Both Yeong-seo and Do-aeng deliver impressive performances, leaving the troupe buzzing. Joo-ran notices Jeongnyeon’s absence and rushes to find her but is called for her own audition. She pleads with Yeong-seo to cover her place, and Yeong-seo reluctantly agrees, allowing Joo-ran to free Jeongnyeon just in time for her turn.

Jeongnyeon’s decision to audition for a humble “soldier” role catches So-bok by surprise. Yet Jeongnyeon’s sincere, powerful performance impresses So-bok, who sees her true potential. After deliberation, So-bok announces the casting results: Ok-gyeong is named as the prince, Hye-rang as the princess, Yeong-seo as the antagonist, Joo-ran as the precious character, and Jeongnyeon as one of the soldiers. Whispers spread throughout the troupe as Yeong-seo’s name is called, leaving her feeling self-conscious.

Later that evening, So-bok offers Do-aeng a new role as her assistant director, acknowledging her incredible skill and vision. The next day, during rehearsals, Yeong-seo’s character portrayal bears a strong resemblance to Do-aeng’s, catching everyone’s attention. Jeongnyeon finds her practicing alone and suggests that she bring her own interpretation to the role. This well-intentioned advice sparks another intense argument, as the two rivals confront each other, laying bare their personal struggles. The episode closes with the two making a bold promise: one day, they will stand on stage as protagonist and antagonist, competing head-to-head for their place in the spotlight.

Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born Episode 5 Review

This episode dives deep into the personal battles and evolving dynamics between Jeongnyeon, Yeong-seo, and the world of gukgeuk. The narrative is packed with emotional twists, starting with Jeongnyeon’s discovery of Jong-guk’s manipulation and her mother’s hidden past, which profoundly reshapes her motivations. This conflict is balanced by moments of introspection, as Jeongnyeon’s raw connection to her mother’s music fuels her defiance against societal expectations. The episode also subtly contrasts this with Ok-gyeong and Hye-rang’s playful banter, showcasing the contrasting ways each character navigates the demands of their unique roles in the troupe.

The episode shines in its exploration of identity and authenticity, especially when Jeongnyeon boldly chooses to perform in her distinctive style, despite Jong-guk’s attempts to control her image. Her return to the Maeran troupe feels like a triumphant homecoming, reinforced by So-bok’s surprising loyalty. Additionally, the audition scenes highlight the intense rivalry between Yeong-seo and Jeongnyeon, setting up future confrontations as each woman commits to proving her worth on stage. With these intricate layers, this episode keeps viewers emotionally invested while expanding on the characters’ ambitions and deep-seated insecurities.

Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

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