Compelling drama with strong performances, unique cultural element, and uplifting message.
If you enjoy well-crafted dramas with strong characters, culture, and tradition this drama is definitely worth checking out.My thoughts about the drama:
The story unfolds like a thrilling rollercoaster, evoking many emotions with each episode. It spins a mesmerizing tale, blending a gripping story with breathtaking performances that transport viewers through time. Each time Kim Tae Ri's character, Jongnyeon, engages in the soulful art of "pansori" it becomes a breathtaking spectacle, captivating me. I find myself completely absorbed in the whirlwind of feelings that each act evokes. The Korean tradition of "pansori", a unique form of musical story telling, presents an unforgettable auditory experience. While reactions may vary, some may find it enchanting, and some may not.
The cast excels in delivering exceptional performances, infusing their characters with authenticity and passion. True to form, Kim Tae Ri never fails to impress; She breathes life into her role with a depth of feeling that is both real and heart-wrenching. Similarly, Shin Ye Eun's interpretation of Heo Yeong Seo stands out, showcasing a broader emotional range than I've seen in her previous work.
I truly cherish the profound lessons woven throughout the story: even when faced with overwhelming adversity, hope and perseverance can triumph. Embrace challenges, confront countless obstacles that may come, and don't lose yourself.
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Wasn't going to write a review but this was too good not to be talked about even for a little
If there was a rating more than ten I would give it. It was WHOLESOME, that's what we call a masterpiece, a hidden gem. It lives for its name. Even words can't describe the feelings we lived through while watching this show.Great acting, great chemistry, great cast or rather ARTISTS, great producing, and great story. That's REAL art. Many don't like female centered dramas as they don't have the classic couple falling in love with each other and the repetitive events, even here they showcased this as the prince/princess story. The amount of life lessons this show gives is really amazing; family, friendship, camaraderie, fame, money, love (svt xD, don't mind me), pride, loyalty, confidence, perseverance, determination........ Whatever comes in the way there will always be a solution.
I know this isn't much but I don't have any words left.
"Life is long, thus the stage is forever"
"The stars have merely dispersed not disappeared, and they will shine on the vast night"
-YOON JEONGNYEON
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This review may contain spoilers
Love this story about women in the arts. Kim Tae Ri is phenomenal.
This drama deserves accolades! I love how in the world of kdramas (where admittedly a lot are about the oppas/males), they managed to make this female centric kdrama with no principal male actors! It will not fit this story anyway, as it is a story of the art form gukgeuk (korean theater art form where all actors are women whether their characters are male and female). One thing I enjoy about kdramas is discovering art forms from Korea through these shows. Various gisaeng dances performances (including the one where the gisaeng dances on top of a hanging rope) in the 2006 drama Hwang Jini, paintings, instruments like the gayageum, and additional gisaeng dances in the 2008 kdrama Painter of the Wind, art of cooking in Jewel in the Palace/Dae Jang Geum, and now Gukgeuk in Jeongnyeon.Kim Tae Ri is excellent in this, not only as Jeongnyeon but she's also excellent in portraying Jeongnyeon who is portraying her characters. Such skills required to portray a character who herself is playing a character. Another thing noteworthy of her performances is her chemistry with all the other actresses in this show. This seem to be Kim Tae Ri's strength, her strong chemistry with actresses, as shown in other works from Handmaiden, Mr. Sunshine and 2521.
Kim Tae Ri's costars are also excellent. Shin Ye Eun is great portraying Kim Tae Ri's rival turned friend. She is so good in portraying a young woman wanting to overcome a rival due in order to please her mother. I love Woo Da Vi as Hong Joo Ran as well. At first she seems like the sweet friend who is there just to show support, but I love that in her own way, she tried to work on her own dreams and even managing to get her own role in their gukgeuk performances. She and Kim Tae Ri have excellent chemistry, from their sweet friendship to the obvious attraction that they have for each, especially from Joo Ran's side. And of course, Jung Eun Chae deserves a mention. In real life, she is so beautiful and feminine, but in this show she is so appealing as someone who always play the male lead in gukgeuk performances, you'd wish she was a male. She is the closest the show has for a male lead. The other actresses are also believable in their roles.
In an era where the chauvinism of some Koreans are still apparent (based on my observation from social media), it is important that Korea continue to make female centric dramas like this, showing women stories where they are able to work on achieving their dreams and life's passions.
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What Becomes A Legend Most ?
Jeongnyeon has been one of the most anticipated K-Dramas of the year and it does not disappoint. Four episodes in, this amazing drama seems destined to become an instant classic. Every aspect of this production is of the highest quality,simply put, it dazzles. The final few minutes of episode 4 will forever be etched in the minds of K-Drama viewers as Kim Tae Ri and Shin Ye Eun put on a master class in acting.Was this review helpful to you?
Ps: Even if it you read the webtoon previously, I still believe its worth a watch, it’s different from the source, and yes an important character was cut out, but honesty, I don’t care, it’s still wonderfully made. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a drama that touched me at such a deep level like this one.
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Great story, Amazing cast, Impeccable acting
I can't believe this drama isn't getting as much hype as the others, but I love this story. The drama showcases all different aspects of Korean culture and that leaves the viewers mesmerised. Kim Tae Ri is a very versatile actress who embodies her characters so well, and she brought it 100% like she did in Mr. Sunshine. Shin Ye Eun, Ra Mi Ran, and Jung Eun Chae are other faces I was delighted to see. I love pansori and everything else about this movie.Not your typical Kdrama and I love to see it!
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I almost never got to praise a kdrama production, this one is an exception! it was beautifully made, visually it felt like a movie and the vibes reminded me of old anime films like Rail Of The Star.
As suggested in the tags this is a heavily female centred cast so if you're looking for an oppa or ahjussi, this isn't for you.
However, the actresses really did an amazing job portraying masculine roles! I'm pretty sure they could pass as a kpop boy group member lol especially Okmyeong.
I wasn't familiar with Gukgeuk and I'm surprised Korea didn't flaunt this until now unlike Takarazuka Revue which I was well aware of. The Pansori singing was so beautiful and I'm amazed to learn Kim Tae Ri sang it herself! Wow! on Disney+ the osts were translated.
If you like fashion this one was pleasant, it wasn't like a costume party, it was very subtle and fitting of the time period. I couldn't stop thinking about the white hanbok with the veil wedding dress! I'm shocked Koreans don't wear it today, it's so pretty!
The story is quite straightforward and focuses a lot on Pansori and Gukgeuk, this repetition can make it a bit boring sometimes and despite the great production, this made the scenery limited to the same places, noticeably towards the end.
Unusual of a Kdrama of this time period, it was not political at all!
The drama is short but I believe some parts would've been better condensed, allowing other important parts to flesh out while still sticking to 12 eps.
I didn't like how the characters exited the story, it was anticlimactic but oddly felt realistic. The timing for character development was sometimes a bit off but that could be because it's a short drama. Also the antagonists were not well written, they didn't leave an impact, which some people might like but also can contribute to the boredom for others.
The OP was really cute and matched the story.
Despite the original webtoon, this is not a girls love, a few parts alluded to it but that's about it.
Overall, I recommend it if you want to watch a non-political time period drama with cute friendships and want to listen to Pansori and learn a bit about Gukgeuk.
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Masterpiece -awesome production, storyline and fenomenal action of Tae Ri!!!
To be honest, I wasn't going to watch it as it is all female-centered, and the description of the story did not interest me. But after reading so many good reviews, I'm so happy I did. Not a single minute I was bored.Wow, I did not feel this connection with characters in a long time. I was crying with them and laughing with them. I was hooked and felt the emotions of the story from the first minute and could not stop watching it. It is a beautiful story with exceptional production and awesome screenwriting. Also, it is one of the few dramas I thought was too short and wished for more episodes.
The acting of Tae Ri is just on a different level; not that the other actors haven't done a great job, but she is just fire. I wish she would have more projects lined up.
It is truly a masterpiece and one of the best dramas I have watched! I still can't get over it.
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A Drama That Captures the Heart: 'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born'
Wow, this drama is truly a masterpiece!With stunning visuals and a gripping storyline, each episode feels like a cinematic experience.
The cast is incredible—every character brings something unique to the table, but I especially adore Kim Tae Ri and Jung Eun Chae. Kim Tae Ri’s talent shines brightly, while Jung Eun Chae has a captivating charm that elevates every scene. I find myself fully immersed, feeling every emotion they portray.
I’m so glad I discovered this drama, but I can't believe it’s only 12 episodes! Don’t miss out on this gem—I'm already counting down the days to the next episode! 🌟❤️
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All rounder 10/10 artwork that i am going to miss deeply - A Masterpiece in cultural storytelling
Kim Taeri NEVER fails.It’s been a while since I watched a drama that immersed me this deeply. Every single episode felt like a fully produced movie. Before starting Jeongnyeon, I watched interviews about the show and learned that it took more than four years to complete—four years for Kim Taeri to perfect her pansori skills. You can feel that dedication in every scene.
The storyline is beautifully written, set in a specific period when female gugak (traditional theater) was at its peak, right before the rise of cinema. It brilliantly showcases Koreans' long-standing passion for the entertainment industry, a theme often reflected in sageuks (historical dramas) as well. Gugak feels like an evolved form of gisaeng performances—where the era of women being seen merely as objects of entertainment ended, and their artistry was finally acknowledged as true performance art.
Every performance was breathtaking. The acting within the performances made it feel as if you were part of the audience, fully engaged in the show.
I absolutely LOVED the rivalry between Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo, how they pushed each other to grow, and the heartwarming friendship between Jeongnyeon and Jooran.
I HIGHLY recommend this drama to anyone interested in cultural depth, history, theater, and performance arts. It’s an experience, not just a show.
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This is that kind of thing you have to experience it once in a lifetime.
An Amazing Show! It's more than just a drama, you'll be transported to different world.World of Pansori and Gukgeuk.
I'm so in love with the world they crafted. I don't know pansori (Korean traditional singing) and gukgeuk (Korean traditional theatre performance of only female) in real world, but in here, in this show, pansori and gukgeuk really catch my attention. It's an immersive world like we see a recorded live theatre performance. The sing, the song, the wardrobe, the stage performances are all really beautifull!
Female powers.
The casts of course delivered top notch acting especially the main star, Kim Tae-Ri. We're watching a legend in the making, her works like this show will be immortalized. Another actress like Jung Eun-Chae have little screentime, but her presence will always captivating. Young actress like Shin Ye-Eun, sure she have good track record, and in this series she show her amazing talent. Another casts also doing their very best, Woo Da-Vi as Joo-Ran, Ra Mi-Ran as Kang So-Bok, and many other i can't mention. You will feel it that they're doing their best.
Change is inevitable.
The story it self not so complicated, or nothing new. It's simple but added a world we never knew, world of pansori and gukgeuk. Overall we see a journey of a girl with amazing talent, fight her best to achieve her dream. Speak of the story, i can't put sideway the original source, the webtoon's story. Many webtoon fans outcrying their frustation because many aspects been changed. I have some experiences too with another show when a story i liked been adapted to another format or version. Change is inevitable.
If webtoon fans keep being frustrated with the changes, they will miss many amazing things in this adapted version.
Easier for us to enjoy any adapted version, as different universe, or maybe different story at all, watch it as a blank slate. I know it's hard, many other show butchered my beloved story, and it's hard not to compare. But then i realized, live action movie or series can reach wider audiences, means many more people will love a story that i also loved, eventho we each love different version.
Romance.
Once again it'll be related with original source. It'll be different, but present. Webtoon fans probably don't liked it, but for me as general audience who didn't read the original works, it's so fun and entertaining to guess what is happening along the show. I won't spill much about this, because like i mentioned before, it is fun to guessing along the show.
The Music.
Pansori really catch my attention, its a Korean traditional way of singing. The way they sing is like poetry that read outloud with melody, my apologize, it's hard to deliver this expression in another language. Original Sound Track have plenty of pansori in it list. One of the song that catch my attention is the song title bird performed by Leenalchi.
Turns out Leenalchi is a pansori pop band, so of course they have performed many pansori in modern ways, you can go to their Youtube and enjoy more of pansori.
In the end, JeongNyeon is an amazing show. It's more than just worth your time, it's a show that we have to see once in a lifetime.
Wish you all good day.
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Breathtaking and affecting.
Kim Tae Ri as Yun Jeong Nyeon ate this role. In every scene she captured attention.Her character was very flawed, arrogant, headstrong, prideful and joyous, and generous. Awestruck with her singing ability, she remained true to herself throughout.
Ultimately Jeong Nyeon was on a mission and her voice was her ticket to freedom from mediocrity and her determination was the candle she had fired up. At times it was painful to watch and I kept hoping someone would save her from her actions. There are others in this story and I felt that all of them let her down in their own way.
This was so unlike any other drama I had watched and this female lead was truly a hero, if only onstage. She starred in her own life production as the star.
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