While the storyline about women uniting and growing together amidst conflict and competition has been praised, the character’s repeated “annoying” actions are seen as a disruption to the story’s immersion.
In “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born“, the character Jeong-nyeon often comes across as irritating. With her meddlesome and self-centered personality, she frequently causes trouble for those around her—yet she’s portrayed as a natural genius. While her departure from her rural home, leaving her mother heartbroken, is part of her journey, her rocky path as an actress in the Gukgeuk (Korean traditional opera) troupe is less easy to cheer for.
In her quest to find her own way, she skips a week of group practice before a performance, disregards guidelines by demanding the audition script and even overshadows the lead, disrupting both the narrative flow and the balance on stage. If such a person existed in real life, she would likely be widely criticized.
In recent episodes, Jeong-nyeon is hurt when her best friend picks someone else as her audition partner, and she struggles to focus. Ignoring warnings about straining her voice, she practices in a cave, ultimately collapsing from vocal strain. Her journey seems closely tied to her disruptive behaviors.
Industry experts believe that changing social attitudes contribute to viewers’ discomfort with the character. “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” follows a classic growth arc, depicting an unruly protagonist’s path to maturity, a trope popular in the past. However, standards have shifted over time. Characters who lack consideration for others are no longer as widely embraced.
Nevertheless, the show’s popularity can largely be credited to the actors’ exceptional performances and the captivating depiction of the Gukgeuk stage. Kim Tae-ri’s portrayal of Jeong-nyeon, complete with a heavy dialect and singing skills, is flawless, bringing the character to life so vividly that some viewers find her even more irritating.
The immersive Gukgeuk scenes, which span considerable screen time each week, have also captivated viewers, especially with performances of classics like “Chunhyangjeon” and “Ja Myung Go”, becoming weekly talking points.
However, the character’s “annoying” traits make it difficult for viewers to empathize, leading to mixed reactions and even comments labeling her as a “stress-inducing character”. Adding to this challenge, SBS’s “The Fiery Priest 2” is set to premiere on November 8, potentially affecting the show’s viewership further.
With only four episodes left, the final chapter of Jeong-nyeon’s journey awaits. It’s also time for the production team to grow in their portrayal and editing of the character.
Source: Naver
