Original subtitles

It is the 1950s, following the devastating Korean War.

Female gukgeuk, or traditional theater, captures the heart of the public,

and many girls dream of becoming princes.

Playing the role of Yoon Jeongnyeon,

a pansori genius who dives into the world of stars,

is Kim Taeri.

Playing the role of Heo Youngseo,

an elite trainee skilled at singing, dancing, and even acting,

is Shin Yeeun.

Playing the role of Moon Okgyeong,

the undisputed Prince of Maeran, is Jung Eunchae.

Playing the role of Seo Hyerang,

the beautiful flower of Maeran, is Kim Yoonhye.

And last but not least

is the director of all the girls who dream of becoming princes,

Kang Sobok played by Ra Miran.

We want to thank you for your patience

as we proudly present the story of Jeongnyeon!

"Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born"

"Narrator: Cho Yeongsuk First-generation female gukgeuk actor"

All characters, places, organizations, and events in this show are fictional.

The show contains Japanese expressions to reflect the time period.

"Jamyunggo"

I actually called you here to give you this.

T-This is…

It's the audition script for the official performance.

You're now going to prepare for this audition.

I didn't bring you to Seoul just so you could perform with trainees.

I consider you as my successor...

No…

as my rival for male leads in the future.

But how could I…

I know you can.

You'll be rising to the top

higher and faster than anyone else.

So don't waste your time.

Trainee performances are for those who need to prove themselves.

But you've already proven yourself to me.

All you need to do is follow me.

You will, won't you?

I'm truly thankful for your words.

But I don't think I can take this.

Why not?

That's not my way of doing things.

Everyone already thinks I have no skills and don't deserve to be here.

And if I take the easy path now,

I'll only be proving them right.

Also, if I back out now,

that blasted Heo Youngseo is going to be gloating so much,

saying that she knew this would happen.

I'd rather die

than see that smug grin on her.

All right.

If that's what you want.

But remember…

You have to take full responsibility for your choices,

even if you regret it later.

What did I do just now?

You just gave up on the official performance audition script.

That was the right thing to do, right?

That was a crazy thing to do.

You said no to something others would kill to have.

No! I was right.

If I had taken that script,

I'd only be proving I got in the troupe solely through Moon Okgyeong.

That's exactly what I'm trying to prove wrong right now.

I'm…

…going to get that script with my skills alone.

You're amazing.

If it were me,

I wouldn't have been able to say no right away.

It's nothing. I just went for it.

But I still have no idea

how I'm supposed to portray Bangja.

You know what you need right now?

Shopping.

Act 3

-That scared me. - Come here.

Oh, wow, they're so pretty.

You'll need makeup to go on stage.

Let's get you some cold cream.

Here.

Oh, and some powder.

With this on, your face will look as fair as snow.

This is all the rage these days.

Is that so?

Hmm! It smells good.

-Here. - All right.

This is so cute.

-Jeongnyeon. - Hmm?

Ta-da.

It's a present.

One for you,

and one for me.

We'll keep one each to remind us of our oath.

Oath? What oath?

That we'll always be friends.

And that we'll continue doing gukgeuk until we're old and frail.

Oh, come on.

Isn't taking an oath a bit too much for that?

I'll get angry if you don't!

My goodness, you can be scary.

Fine, let's do it.

I'll take that oath.

I, Yoon Jeongnyeon, along with Hong Jooran,

vow to do gukgeuk until we become old and frail

and to remain good friends until the very end.

- Happy now? - Yeah, I'm happy.

Should we check it out?

They have these people in Seoul as well?

We had them in Mokpo.

They'd dance and perform for money during festivals.

He's not doing this for money, you know?

What?

He's doing this for himself.

He just loves to dance

and to make others happy with his performance.

All right!

- That's it! - Let's go!

He's amazing.

He's dancing so freely and everyone's loving it.

He's not just dancing freely.

- Hmm? - He knows exactly which moves

will make the crowd go wild.

He has everyone in the palm of his hand.

I wish…

I could also…

orchestrate the crowd like that on stage.

Didn't get much sleep?

No.

I was up all night reading the script.

That's what you get

when you cross the line and accept a role that's too much for you.

That's enough, Park Chorok.

Do you have a medical condition

where… you have to respond to everything?

I mean,

you must be so bored when I'm not around.

Don't worry, I'm not.

Oh my!

Goodness!

What's so funny?

Stop laughing!

Come on, let's go!

My goodness, that was the biggest laugh I've had in a while.

Wait.

Why didn't I think of this before?

What do you mean?

Bangja is someone who makes others laugh.

Hmm?

He's someone who keeps people entertained.

So in other words,

he's a jester.

Someone who makes everyone laugh.

Someone who can orchestrate the audience's reactions.

The jester of the whole show.

That's Bangja.

What?

I have to go somewhere, okay?

Tell them I won't be at rehearsal today!

Jeongnyeon! Where are you going?

This is the schedule for the upcoming audition.

And those who are participating all got their scripts?

Yes.

I actually have something to tell you about the audition scripts.

One of the new trainees has asked if she could get one.

How brazen.

Who was it?

Was it…

Yoon Jeongnyeon?

Yes.

Huh.

Where's Yoon Jeongnyeon?

She's not here today.

I need to talk to you.

I hear she also missed the final rehearsal yesterday.

She did.

Are you trying to ruin the whole show just to drive her out of the troupe?

What will you do when the show starts tomorrow…

and Jeongnyeon still isn't here?

This may be a trainee performance, but it's hosted by Maeran nonetheless.

I can't let you taint our name.

That will never happen.

I'll take Jeongnyeon's role.

How could you when you're playing the lead role?

You mean…

you'll play both roles at the same time?

Yes.

Then show me what you're trying to do.

♪ My dear Chunhyang ♪

♪ How is remaining faithful ♪

♪ To one's husband a crime? ♪

♪ How could the heavens ♪

♪ Do this to you? ♪

♪ After I left you ♪

♪ I did nothing but study ♪

♪ To return as fast as I could ♪

♪ Back to your side ♪

♪ Only to hear of your plight ♪

♪ How could this be? ♪

♪ I am to blame for all this ♪

Hey!

You're getting the letter all wet.

But…

how do you know Chunhyang?

How do I know her?

I was simply heartbroken at her predicament.

And who wouldn't shed a tear…

at such a heartfelt letter?

Wait a minute.

You are…

Master Mongryong?

You're Master Mongryong, are you not?

My goodness, sir!

What in the world happened to you?

"Sold out"

Experience the love story between Yi Mongryong and Sung Chunhyang

here at the International Theater!

Come watch Chunhyangjeon as performed by future theater stars!

Oh, my goodness!

Thank you so much. Have a great night.

Oh, my goodness!

Cast

Heo Youngseo is going to dominate the whole show tonight.

She's on a different level from the rest of the trainees.

Is that so?

She must really be something for you to praise her like that.

Ah, ah, ah!

Is Jeongnyeon still not here?

No, she isn't.

She even missed the final rehearsal.

Maybe she ran away.

She didn't.

Why would she?

Then how are we supposed to perform without Bangja?

I'm talking to you, Youngseo.

If Jeongnyeon doesn't come on time,

I'll take her...

Sorry I'm late!

Jeongnyeon!

I'm really sorry.

I won't ever let this happen again.

- Come here. - Okay.

So she actually showed up.

But what's the point?

How is she going to perform when she missed the rehearsals?

We've got 40 minutes left.

Everyone, get ready.

I was so worried you weren't coming.

What kept you so long?

It took a while to find my own Bangja.

That's lights out. Mongryong and Bangja, you're on.

Okay.

You're so cool and handsome!

Youngseo's not intimidated by the crowd at all.

- What's going on? - She forgot her line.

She's frozen stiff.

Will she even be able to say her first line?

She must've forgotten her line.

Oh, my goodness!

Oh, my goodness.

Young Master!

Doesn't it just…

knock your socks right off?

Am I right?

So, Young Master…

this is what I was telling you about.

The most famous pavilion in all the land,

Gwanghallu Pavilion.

What do you think?

Oh, come now.

What do you think?

Isn't it as amazing as I said it'd be?

Well, would you look at that?

My young master must be so amazed that he's rendered speechless.

Is that grass I see on the roof?

Since you wouldn't stop talking about this Gwanghallu Pavilion,

I thought it'd be much grander than this.

But is this what all the fuss is about?

Ah!

What are you talking about?

It's just a bit run down, that's all!

Come, sir. Get up here.

Ah!

Take a look at this amazing view.

Hmm!

Hmm. I guess you may be right.

Right?

Nothing beats a good drink here when the weather's just right.

- Wait a minute. - Wow, that's good.

- Who is she? - Huh?

Who are you talking about?

Follow my fan.

- Who is that lady over there? - Hmm?

What are you talking about?

I don't see anything.

How could you possibly not?

How could you, Young Master?

Are you perhaps seeing a ghost in broad daylight?

♪ A fair maiden ♪

♪ Resembling the sun and moon ♪

♪ Her slender fingers ♪

♪ Grab hold of the swing ♪

♪ Her beauty… ♪

I'll just follow you for a week, my teacher!

"Teacher"?

There's nothing you could learn from me.

I'm just a nobody who knows nothing but dancing.

Exactly.

Dancing.

You know how to make others laugh with your dance alone.

I'd like to learn how to do that

by following you around for a week!

♪ Bangja is being sent over ♪

♪ To fetch Chunhyang ♪

♪ What a splendid, well-groomed And mannered man ♪

♪ What a mischievous, playful And cunning man ♪

♪ Just like the mythical messenger bird To the goddess ♪

♪ What an eloquent, witty And bright man ♪

♪ With his hat secured on his head… ♪

♪ With his tunic, socks, and sandals ♪

♪ With his robe tied around back ♪

♪ He places one foot here And one foot there ♪

♪ One step, then another ♪

♪ He's on his way over ♪

♪ He throws a pebble ♪

♪ Scaring away a bird Perched on a branch ♪

♪ Away it flies ♪

♪ He breaks off a tree branch ♪

♪ And drags it around like a staff… ♪

I've never seen that trainee before, but her acting's amazing.

♪ Then stops right in front of Chunhyang ♪

♪ And calls out to her To give her a fright ♪

♪ "Here" ♪

♪ "Chunhyang!" ♪

Hyangdan!

You can come play with me!

There you go!

♪ The birds have found their mate And sing of spring ♪

- ♪ They sing of spring ♪ - ♪ They sing of spring ♪

♪ Lady Chunhyang ♪

♪ Master Mongryong ♪

- ♪ They sing of spring ♪ - ♪ They sing of spring ♪

- ♪ They sing of spring ♪ - ♪ They sing of spring ♪

♪ A butterfly flies around ♪

♪ In search of flowers ♪

♪ And we find our mates… ♪

So this is Jeongnyeon's Bangja.

A jester who lets everyone forget their worries

and laugh their hearts out.

♪ Let's sing of love ♪

♪ On this hill filled with spring ♪

- ♪ Lady Chunhyang ♪ - ♪ Master Mongryong ♪

- ♪ Let's sing of love on this spring day ♪ - ♪ Let's sing of love on this spring day ♪

Let's go, Bangja!

What do we do?

The audience loves her.

I can't believe they're going crazy over just Bangja.

She's dominating the whole show.

Jeongnyeon.

That was just amazing.

I'm not ruining the show, am I?

Of course not.

Look how much they love you.

♪ Look how bright the moon is tonight ♪

♪ Look how bright ♪

♪ It shines its light on all the lands… ♪

Mongryong and Chunhyang, you're on after this scene.

- Okay. - Okay.

Hey, Youngseo.

I'll be in your care.

Let's have an amazing performance.

What do you mean, you'll be in my care?

What?

Once you're on stage, you're on your own.

If you think someone will take care of you,

you'll end up ruining the show.

Get a grip.

♪ Come here Let me give you a piggyback ride ♪

♪ My love, my love, you are my love ♪

♪ Oh love, you are my love ♪

♪ What do you wish to eat? ♪

♪ Shall I crack open a round watermelon ♪

♪ And drizzle honey on top? ♪

♪ Shall I remove all the seeds ♪

♪ From the red, red flesh for you? ♪

♪ Would you like that, my love? ♪

♪ No, I do not want a watermelon ♪

♪ Then what do you wish to eat? ♪

♪ Would you like some cherries? ♪

♪ Would you like some grapes? ♪

♪ Or some tangerine candies? ♪

♪ No, I do not want any of those ♪

- ♪ Dear moon that shines bright ♪ - ♪ Dear moon that shines bright ♪

- ♪ We plead with you ♪ - ♪ We plead with you ♪

- ♪ Please stay in the sky ♪ - ♪ Please stay in the sky ♪

- ♪ And do not let tomorrow come ♪ - ♪ And do not let tomorrow come ♪

♪ Oh love, oh my love ♪

♪ Oh my dearest love ♪

- The staff. I did good, right? - Yeah!

Hey.

Here.

Be careful with this scene.

What?

Be careful with this scene.

Something's up.

My goodness.

My back is killing me.

I've got a long way to go.

Let me just…

Goodness.

Ow, my nose!

Why are you standing in the middle of the road?

Uh?

Eh?

That's right, I fooled you!

Oh, come on!

Stop getting in my way!

It's customary...

for the messenger to check

the contents of the letter for any mistakes.

So how about you let me check it?

What?

What was all that just now?

You're really funny, you know?

I wasn't going to let you check it,

but you're quite impressive with your words.

So I'll let you.

Stay far away.

Be careful with it.

Then let's get some rest, shall we?

♪ My dear Chunhyang ♪

♪ How is remaining faithful ♪

♪ To one's husband a crime? ♪

♪ How could the heavens ♪

♪ Do this to you? ♪

♪ After I left you ♪

♪ I did nothing but study ♪

♪ To return as fast as I could ♪

♪ Back to your side ♪

♪ Only to hear of your plight ♪

♪ How could this be? ♪

♪ I am to blame for all this ♪

Huh?

What was that?

Hey!

I knew it! How could you get dirt all over my lady's letter?

It's all ruined!

You got the letter all wet with your tears and snot!

How disgusting!

But wait…

That voice…

I know that voice.

Hey, you.

Come on, turn around.

Really?

Let me see your face!

Young…

Young Master!

♪ Oh, my Young Master ♪

♪ Please let your lowly servant ♪

♪ Bid you welcome ♪

♪ I pray ♪

♪ That your father ♪

♪ Is in ♪

♪ Good health ♪

♪ And that you ♪

♪ Are sound ♪

♪ After a long ♪

♪ And arduous journey ♪

How could this be?

How could…

How long are you going to stay down?

Get up!

- Come on, get up! - Get up!

- Get up! - The show's going to end.

- Get up! - Come on, get up.

♪ Please save her ♪

♪ Please save her ♪

♪ Please save ♪

♪ Lady Chunhyang ♪

What?

She's going to keep going after that?

All right, Bangja.

Do not cry.

I will make sure to save Chunhyang.

Don't you worry.

How could you trick me like this?

You had your fun in Seoul, didn't you?

I mean…

Oops!

You were always so clumsy, dropping your things everywhere.

What's this now?

It can't be.

But this…

This is a government badge!

Young Master!

Oh my lady!

You're saved! You're saved!

Are you planning on telling the whole world?

Come here.

But, sir!

I'm just too happy!

Are you leaving?

That was all I needed to see.

- Make way for the royal inspector! - Make way for the royal inspector!

- Make way! - Make way!

- ♪ Make way ♪ - ♪ Make way ♪

- ♪ For the royal inspector ♪ - ♪ For the royal inspector ♪

- ♪ Make way ♪ - ♪ Make way ♪

We love you!

That was great!

We love your Chunhyangjeon!

- So fun! - Amazing!

That was so fun!

We love you, Bangja!

Chunhyang, you're so pretty!

So cool!

All right, attention!

Good work, everyone.

That was an amazing performance worthy of Maeran.

The pressure you felt on stage

and the experience of dealing with stage fright

will be beneficial for all of you.

Good work.

- Great work. - You did really well.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

- Yes? - Did you check your staff backstage?

No, I didn't.

Checking your costumes, makeup, and props before going on stage

is a given.

Yes, ma'am.

But I see that you've managed to find your Bangja

in a short amount of time.

Does that mean…

I heard from Doaeng.

Come to my office tomorrow morning…

for your script.

- Oh! - Oh my!

Why would you take so long to say that?

Good for you!

- Good night, ma'am. - Good night.

- Good work, everyone. - This is incredible.

- Guys, don't fight. - You stay out of this.

Apologize.

- For what? - We agreed that if I got the script,

you'd apologize for saying I've got no skills

and that you'd never say another word about me getting in through Moon Okgyeong.

So apologize right now!

In front of everyone.

- Sorry. - Come again?

I'm sorry!

All right.

I'll let you off the hook since you apologized.

But if you ever say such nonsense again,

I'll make you pay.

Yoon Jeongnyeon's singing and dancing were all over the place today.

If she did that in an official performance,

the director would have told her off.

But I'll admit it.

I never thought she'd be able to find her own Bangja…

in just 10 days.

After tonight's performance,

I get why Jeongnyeon refused my offer

and wanted to play Bangja.

Perhaps she'll become

a better actor than I ever could've imagined.

You're right.

Yoon Jeongnyeon's not bad.

But right now, there's no question that Youngseo is the best.

I agree.

She was able to entice the entire audience with her singing alone.

But it's pretty clear from her acting

why the director only let her play extras in official performances.

What I'm confused about

is that you should already know about Youngseo's limits.

But you've never once mentioned them

when you're the most critical when it comes to actors.

You guys messed with Jeongnyeon's staff, didn't you?

Don't try to deny it.

I saw you exchanging secret signals with each other.

This better not happen in the future.

But you also hate her.

She's right.

You also had her play Bangja so she'd leave the troupe.

- Yeah, you did. - Yeah.

You think I did that without thinking like you guys?

I was ready to play both roles if Yoon Jeongnyeon happened to run away.

But what were you planning to do

if she had ruined the show?

If you pull another stunt like this…

I'll report you to the director immediately.

Youngseo!

I wanted to thank you

for trying to help me out earlier.

Thanks.

I always thought you had an attitude problem,

but I guess I misjudged you.

You're wrong.

I wasn't trying to help you.

You could have ruined my performance.

I needed to make my mark with this show

to move on to the next level.

And I won't let anyone ruin my performance.

Aren't you curious

how you were so in sync with me when you've missed practice so many times?

Don't tell me you think it was because you're such a great actor.

Get out of your head.

It was only possible because I matched your performance.

It was my skill, not yours, that saved our show tonight.

Then what about you?

You should also have realized Yoon Jeongnyeon's limits by now.

So why aren't you touching on that?

What everyone considered her strength tonight

will only hinder her in the future.

I'm sure of it.

Her next performance…

is going to be her downfall.

Run!

Faster!

Your current stamina won't get you anywhere!

When it comes to official performances,

you'll have to perform at least seven times a week.

Without the proper stamina,

your singing or acting skills are all useless!

Come on, girls. One last lap!

Seriously?

What?

Now,

action scenes are crucial in our performances,

especially sword fights.

Heo Youngseo.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Come out and pick up a sword.

Try to be in sync with one another just as you've seen your seniors do.

Begin.

- Oh, my goodness! - Oh, no!

Stop!

What do you think you're doing?

You call that a sword fight?

Please give me another chance.

I'll make sure to win this time.

Win what?

You think all this is to see who's stronger?

But it's a sword fight.

Don't I need to win?

Sit down, both of you.

Doaeng, come out.

Scene 5 of Jamyunggo.

Prince Hodong, angered by Princess Mokryeon's death,

battles with Gomigeol.

I'll be Prince Hodong, and Doaeng will be Gomigeol.

Gomigeol, you snake.

I shall avenge the princess by taking your life.

Poor young Prince.

How deep is your suffering?

But isn't this what you wanted?

You wanted to tear apart the Jamyunggo and trample on Nakrang!

All I did was realize your desire!

Oh!

Please send my regards to the late princess,

dear Prince.

That was so cool.

That was amazing.

Doaeng's the best when it comes to sword fights.

They don't call her the best male antagonist for nothing.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

- Yes? - Do you get what's important now?

Being in sync, ma'am.

That's right, being in sync.

Whether it's a love scene or a fight scene,

what's important is being in sync with your partner.

You may act your heart out on stage,

but if you're not in sync with your partner,

you'll lose your audience immediately.

Make sure to remember this. All right?

Yes, ma'am!

Good. Next is Hong Jooran and Park Chorok.

- Oh, no! - Jooran!

You…

Oh!

What did the doctor say?

I have a small fracture.

So I'll need to wear a cast for a while.

Oh my…

Let's go.

That Park Chorok, she's such a brute.

She shouldn't have swung the sword around like that.

She should have focused on being in sync.

She just had to…

Hey, Jooran.

Cheer up.

The doctor said it was a small fracture,

so as long as you don't move it, you'll be fine in time for the audition.

The audition's not the problem.

You should go back first.

I need to stop by somewhere.

Oh?

- Jooran, what's with your arm? - I'm fine. I can still work.

Hey!

Jeongnyeon! Why did you follow me?

What's going on?

Do you work here?

You'll get in trouble.

The director told us not to work outside the troupe.

She banned us from singing to earn money as a Maeran troupe member, not working.

I'm only a waitress here, and they don't know I'm part of Maeran.

Stars like Okgyeong or Hyerang make lots of money,

but us trainees don't get enough allowance.

So I can't help but work in secret.

So why…

Why do you need money so much that you have to work in secret?

I need money…

for my sister's tuberculosis meds.

You mean the one you wrote your letter to?

You said she was sick,

but it was tuberculosis?

I already feel bad about leaving home to pursue my dream on my own.

So I want to be of help somehow.

It must have been hard for you.

But…

I understand, but...

Sorry, I'm going to be late. I'll see you.

Jooran!

How's she going to work with that arm?

Come again, sir!

Come again, sir.

How are you going to serve anything with that arm?

I can do it with my other arm.

I'll do it somehow.

What if you end up spilling coffee on the customers?

And look at you.

It doesn't look good for us to have an injured server.

You just had to do this when we're so busy.

Excuse me,

I'll work in her place.

- You can't. - Would that work?

You're going to work in her place

until she gets better?

Yes.

What's your name?

It's Yoon Jeongnyeon.

And that country accent…

You're going to be serving our esteemed customers.

That accent won't do.

We have a reputation to uphold.

What's wrong with having an accent?

Then from now on…

I'll make sure to talk like I'm from Seoul.

I can do it if I try.

I'll first have to see how you work.

Then I'll decide whether to keep you.

- All right. - Follow me for your uniform.

Okay.

What are you doing?

What else can I do?

I need to help my friend if she's in trouble.

You were trying so hard to keep your job.

I'll just fill in for you until you get better.

What if the troupe finds out you work here?

Thank you, but you can't.

You said you needed this job.

That you need the money for your sister's meds.

I also ran away from home so I could earn money for my family.

So I understand how you feel.

But you'll get in trouble if they find out.

Don't worry.

I just have to keep it a secret that I'm part of Maeran.

And I'll only be serving the customers.

What are you so worried about?

Enjoy.

- Could we have some water? - Coming right up.

- Miss Yoon. - Yes?

This is for the table at the back.

Ms. Yang.

Yes?

Hello.

Yes, ma'am?

The new girl. She's a theater troupe member, right?

Sorry?

She's part of Maeran Gukgeukdan.

I saw her recently in one of their trainee performances.

Ah… Really?

I guess you didn't know.

She played Bangja, and she was quite the actor.

And an amazing singer.

Is that so?

Let me know if you need anything else.

Okay.

I'm telling you…

I can do this by myself, so stop moving around so much.

You should go rest your arm.

How could I when you're working at the coffee shop for my sake?

I'm fine.

And it's pretty fun.

I'm so worried that you might get found out.

Just rest, okay?

I can do it.

Give me that.

I said I'll do it.

Wash my rag, will you?

Hey, Park Chorok.

Aren't you going to apologize for hurting Jooran's arm?

It wasn't on purpose.

Things like this happen during practice.

And why are you throwing a fit when Jooran's fine with it?

Actually,

there's some unfinished business between you and me.

You said that if I got the script,

you'd do anything that I told you to do.

Don't tell me

you're going to back out of something

you've promised to do with that pretty little mouth.

Fine!

I'll do it!

Who said I wouldn't?

Then…

…until Jooran's arm gets better,

you'll clean, do the laundry, and wash the dishes for her.

You better start with the rags.

Jooran!

Let's go.

Yoon Jeongnyeon! You still have to finish your share!

It's hot.

Oh, it's just you.

You scared us.

I thought the other girls smelled us out.

Hurry up and close the door. The smell is getting out.

We're fine.

Hey.

Do you…

want one?

No, you can stuff your face.

So why did you get these?

You have to eat well for your arm to get better.

Steamed buns will help my arm get better?

Anything is good for you if you enjoy it.

Oh! Well said.

What? What do you want?

Should I go? I should go.

No.

Why should you go? It's not even lights out yet.

Don't bother. I'm leaving.

Hey, what if she left…

to get some steamed buns for herself?

Hey.

- Ah. - Oh…

Here to practice?

- Yes. - Should I spar with you?

Wow, Youngseo.

The only other person to beat me was the director.

You're going to audition for Prince Hodong, right?

No, I'll be auditioning for Gomigeol.

You're auditioning for the antagonist and not the lead?

Yes.

But you were so great as the lead in the trainee performance.

I think I need to experience playing the antagonist

to prepare myself for the lead role in the future.

As expected of you, Youngseo.

I…

Have something I want to ask of you.

Mm.

Please tell me honestly…

if anything was lacking in my last performance as Yi Mongryong.

I don't know.

You're pretty much the full package.

I'm the one who should be worried about you coming for my spot.

I mean, I'm not at that level yet.

Don't say that.

I'm actually earnestly waiting for someone to challenge my place.

And you're the closest one to doing so.

Ah.

Whether it's Prince Hodong or Gomigeol, make sure to enjoy your role.

Sorry?

Enjoy playing your role.

And to do that, you'll have to let yourself go a lot.

- Enjoy. - Thanks.

- Over here! - So, Mr. Park.

How are things at the broadcasting station?

It's pretty hectic since it just opened, isn't it?

The job itself is fun.

It's just that the higher-ups are too conservative

and it's hard to get investors.

But even all that will change once we make a hit.

I knew it. I like that passionate side of you.

What are you doing these days?

I'm giving singing lessons to aspiring singers.

We can't just have you giving lessons.

You'll have to make a comeback with a new song, Patricia.

Ma'am.

We just got a call

that the singer scheduled to sing today is too sick to make it.

What?

How could she let us know this late?

Where are we supposed to find another singer?

Let me ask Ms. Yang Huija if she's available.

I already called her,

and she started singing at another coffee shop last week.

She did?

Then what about Ms. Jung Okja?

She's been stuck at home after her leg injury, remember?

Then what do we do?

Patricia is here today.

Why don't we ask her?

Patricia?

No.

If she sings at our place,

we might get shunned for associating with a divorcée.

But it's just for today.

Other coffee shops also want to ask her to perform,

but no one's doing it because they're scared.

This is driving me crazy.

Miss Yoon!

- Yes? - Come here for a second.

Oh, okay.

We don't have anyone to sing for our evening show today.

So could you sing for us just this once?

You want me to sing?

Oh, no.

I'm no good at singing.

Is that so?

So a theater troupe member doesn't know how to sing?

How did you know that?

Come on, sing for us just this once.

I'll raise your current salary

by 50%.

Absolutely not.

I really can't be singing.

I'm only here as a waitress,

so I'll just do that, okay?

Then I'll fire both you and Jooran.

Will you be okay

if Jooran gets fired because of you?

Good evening, everyone.

Let me introduce our singer for tonight, Ms. Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Please welcome her with a round of applause.

Hello.

♪ When the boatman ♪

♪ Hums his song ♪

♪ Samhak Island ♪

♪ Disappears ♪

♪ Into the waves ♪

♪ A lady ♪

♪ Stands by the dock ♪

♪ Her tunic wet with tears ♪

♪ Are these tears of goodbye? ♪

♪ This is Mokpo's sorrow ♪

♪ The crescent moon ♪

♪ Floats on in the night ♪

♪ For some reason ♪

♪ Old wounds ♪

♪ Are resurfacing… ♪

She has a nice voice.

You're right.

♪ This is Mokpo's love ♪

- That was really nice. - I've never seen her before.

She has a really nice voice.

Ms. Yoon Jeongnyeon.

That was a nice performance back there.

I've met my share of people who can sing,

but I've never met anyone with a voice like yours.

Thank you so much.

I'm Park Jongguk, a producer at a broadcasting station.

HLKL TV Park Jongguk

What's a broadcasting station?

It's a place that'll make you a star.

Television will soon dominate the whole world,

and our station's going to be the front-runner in our country.

I'd like to make you into a huge star,

so if you're interested, please give me a call on that number.

HLKL-TV, Jongno Broadcasting Station Park Jongguk

Television?

- Excuse me. - Yes?

Could you tell me how to get to Maeran Gukgeukdan?

Maeran Gukgeukdan

Jeongnyeon!

Mother?

How are you here?

There's no need to explain.

Let's go.

No.

Do you even know what you're getting yourself into?

Singing pansori may look extravagant on the outside,

but it rots you to your core.

Maybe to you,

I just seem like a reckless child.

But I've thought this through.

I know this is going to be hard,

and I'm prepared to go through the pain.

You know nothing!

Then what about you?

How could you tell me not to do something you've never even tried?

Because I've been through it myself...

What?

You've… been through it?

Been through what?

Are you saying you were a pansori singer?

There's no need to get into that.

Let's go. We're leaving.

Wait, you can't just leave it at that!

- Come on. - You can't…

Tell me what's going on!

Mother!

You have to tell me!

We're going home!

But, Mother!

Gongseon.

It's been a while, Gongseon.

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

You're not prepared to become an artist,

let alone an actor.

You're done here!

I've abandoned my mother

just so I could stay and become a gukgeuk actor!

This is the only way

I can stay in Seoul and not go back to Mokpo.

Could you make me a singer?

I'm…

going to make it big among the stars.

Translated by Jin Yu