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.

You're not the only one with a temper or pride.

From now on,

I'll make sure to pay you back for whatever you do to me.

I don't have any reason…

to be patient with you.

Oh yeah? What could you possibly do?

You really were raised like a princess, weren't you?

You're getting worked up over something as tiny as this.

Look at you throwing a fit because someone saw you get scolded.

You have no idea how I feel.

Do you know what it feels like to be denied by your own mother?

You wouldn't. You don't have a care in the world.

Watch it.

You think you're the only one who suffers in life?

Think of all the benefits you received from having a famous mother.

What did you possibly lose out on?

My skills…

are purely the result of my own efforts.

It has nothing to do with my mother!

Hey.

You have no idea how much I struggled

to be recognized for my hard work.

This is what I meant

when I said you were raised like a princess all your life.

Most trainees from Maeran have jobs in town because they need money.

Did you ever have to worry about not having enough money?

Your starting point is already miles ahead of others!

And you have the audacity

to say that you got your skills purely from your own efforts?

Forget it.

What's the point of telling you all this?

If you tell anyone about what you saw today…

I'm going to kill you.

I don't care about you that much.

This is the last time we'll ever meet,

so let's just mind our own business.

The people at the party must have really liked you.

They decided to invest more in us.

So we'll up your stage decor and hire a better ensemble for your band

for you to have a bigger debut.

That was a great shot.

Thank you.

- It was a great performance. - Thank you.

My Youngin here is recognized for her skills

even in the States.

I see.

She makes me proud every day.

Oh my. Was I bragging about my daughter too much?

It's fine. You were just stating facts.

Thank you.

Act 5

Seoul Jongno Broadcasting Station

Come in.

Good morning.

Oh! Jeongnyeon.

You should have called me first.

You told me to come on time for the interview.

Oh, was that today?

I guess I thought it was tomorrow.

-Come and have a seat. - Okay.

So what were you hiding... I mean, putting away?

You're making me curious.

Oh, this? It's nothing important.

Actually, the show writer will be here soon.

Ah…

Do you want some snacks?

Someone gifted me cookies from the States.

You should try some. You can't get them anywhere in Korea.

Jeongnyeon.

Why do you have pictures of my mother?

You remember I told you we needed some shots from your hometown?

These are just part of those shots.

You call that an excuse?

You said that you'd just take shots of the scenery.

But all you have are pictures of my mother.

So where are those scenery shots?

Answer me.

Why would you take pictures of my mother?

Fine.

You were going to find out sooner or later.

"Prodigy rises in national pansori contest"

This is your mother, Chae Gongseon.

Prodigy disappears Her first recording becomes her last

Chae Gongseon of The Blooming Autumn Field disappears

I heard she sang pansori before, but…

Your mother was no ordinary pansori singer.

She appeared out of nowhere

and won a title in the national contest

after competing with the greatest masters in the nation.

Your mother did that.

I was there when she sang at the contest.

It was the moment that solidified her as the undisputed genius of pansori.

I've never seen anything like it, before or since.

And then…

you saw me at the coffee shop?

I couldn't believe my ears at first.

Your voice was the spitting image of Chae Gongseon.

Then…

you approached me…

knowing I was her daughter from the beginning?

Yes.

And…

you lied to my face?

What else are you hiding from me?

Wait…

The person who told the director I was working at the coffee shop…

Was it you?

Answer me!

Yeah, it was me.

You're a total con man.

You completely deceived me

and had the nerve to tell me that you'd like to invest in my talent?

You do have talent.

And I meant it when I said I'd make you a star.

Just listen to my plan.

After we create some buzz with your debut,

we'll let it slip to the press that you're Chae Gongseon's daughter.

That's when your mother will appear on our show

and sing the legendary Blooming Autumn Field!

So I'm just your bait to get to my mother, huh?

But do you think things will go your way?

Television?

I'm done here!

If you walk out now, you'll have to pay for breach of contract.

It's all written in the contract you signed.

It holds you to a promise

that you'll pay damages if you don't deliver on your end.

I never saw that on there.

You should have read the contract more carefully.

If you can't pay damages, then you'll get on our show and sing.

That was the agreement.

Dongbang Record Shop

The Blooming Autumn Field

It's been a while since someone looked for this record.

You know of Chae Gongseon? You seem quite young.

Was she famous?

She was beyond famous.

They sold more than 100,000 copies of this record.

When people heard her name, they immediately thought of this song.

Everyone was dying to hear her sing this song for themselves.

Could you…

play this record right now?

Do you know what's at the end of this path?

I poured out everything I had

into pansori.

And in the end,

I had nothing left.

Maeran Gukgeukdan Jamyunggo

Did you see that?

- I think our troupe is a whole lot better. - I agree.

Our singing and choreography are levels above theirs.

If we performed like that, the director would kick us all out.

"Do you call that acting?"

What did you say?

That was hilarious. Do it again.

What is it?

Uh… it's nothing.

Were you with those friends again?

Aren't you going to check the script?

Nothing's new anyway.

The same narrative.

The same characters but with different names.

The audition may change who'll take the antagonist or minor roles,

but I'll take the male lead,

and you'll take the female lead.

Who else is good enough to take the leads than us?

You're being weird nowadays.

Hyerang.

Hmm?

Should I quit gukgeuk?

Are you being serious?

I was just kidding.

How could I ever leave you?

Were you keeping watch in case I ran?

I guess paying damages really does scare you.

I didn't stay for the damages

or my mother.

This is my performance.

I'm not going anywhere

until I finish my performance.

Is the band ready?

Costumes! Is that jacket okay?

All right, we're rolling!

Let's pan the camera out from the piano.

Coming to you from the beautiful Mugunghwa Park.

With the end of the year approaching…

All right, you're good to go.

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.

Jeongnyeon.

You can take it easy since this is just a rehearsal.

But when we go live later,

you have to sing until the end even if you make mistakes.

- All right. - Okay?

- Let's start the rehearsal! Three! - Okay.

Two!

One! Cue!

♪ The sun is setting on the Mokpo docks ♪

♪ A lady looks for her love ♪

♪ Her cheeks ♪

♪ Are as rosy as the setting sun ♪

♪ Walking by gracefully ♪

♪ She lives by the blue ocean ♪

♪ When will he return… ♪

She's good.

If this performance goes well, it's all thanks to you.

She's doing everything I told her to do, but…

But?

I don't think I've ever seen her true self yet.

She's good enough for me right now.

♪ At the slightest sight of his ship ♪

♪ What am I to do with this longing? ♪

♪ She goes on pacing ♪

♪ Lady of the Mokpo docks ♪

♪ The sun is setting on the Mokpo docks ♪

♪ A lad looks for his love ♪

Cut!

Cut, cut!

Jeongnyeon, you're a lady.

Once you're on stage, you should be sensuous and alluring.

Did you forget everything you practiced?

But…

the second verse is when the man responds to the woman.

This isn't a gukgeuk performance!

Don't be silly, lowering your voice like a man!

Just do as I tell you!

And if you're going to have gestures,

just use your hips and shoulders like you did in the first verse.

Don't use those big gestures like they do in gukgeuk.

Don't you know how to entice the audience?

Like a courtesan pouring drinks and luring customers?

Am I a courtesan?

Is this how you're going to act?

Hey, you.

You can't go around being this arrogant as if you're still in Maeran.

All you're good for is singing when I tell you to sing

and smiling when I want you to smile.

Then am I your puppet?

If I can't perform the way I want to,

then I quit!

Hey!

I'll talk to her.

Do not ever forget

that you are artists and make sure to act accordingly.

An artist…

Jeongnyeon.

I've had enough of this.

What's the point of performing

if my hands are tied to his puppet strings?

He might as well have a doll sing in my place.

Then what about your promise?

Promise?

Mr. Park tricked me from the start.

Are you telling me that since I signed the contract,

I should keep my end of the bargain?

I'm not talking about your contract.

The moment you announced that you'll sing on that stage,

you made a promise to your audience.

It's not a promise you can break

simply because you don't feel like keeping it.

Forget about Mr. Park.

This performance belongs to you and you alone.

Remember what I said before?

You need to own the song.

I'll be watching your performance until the end,

so just focus on showing me the kind of show

you want to perform.

♪ The sun is setting on the Mokpo docks ♪

- ♪ A lady looks for her love ♪ - She's pretty good.

- ♪ Her cheeks… ♪ - What a voice. Incredible.

You guys!

- Guys, guys, guys! - What? What is it?

You guys!

Jeongnyeon is on television right now!

- What? - Come on!

On television?

- Let's go! - No way!

Hey! Jeongnyeon's on television!

Move!

- Come on, let's go! - Careful!

- Here! Jeongnyeon! - Move!

Really?

"Yoon Jeongnyeon Rising singer"

That's Jeongnyeon.

Raise the volume.

♪ She lives by the blue ocean… ♪

My gosh.

She's singing so well.

She looks so pretty all dolled up.

I barely recognize her.

Pretty, my foot.

♪ My heart flutters ♪

♪ At the slightest sight of his ship ♪

♪ What am I to do with this longing? ♪

♪ She goes on pacing… ♪

- This is great. - Mm.

Camera 2, get her face again.

♪ Lady of the Mokpo docks ♪

Amazing.

Bravo, bravo.

What? What is she doing?

Huh? What's she doing?

Why is she taking off her shoes?

♪ The sun is setting on the Mokpo docks ♪

♪ A lad looks for his love ♪

♪ As dashing as the sea breeze… ♪

I guess the second verse is sung by a guy.

But that's not pretty at all.

But it's funny.

I like that her acting matches the song.

What are you talking about?

She doesn't know a thing about pop...

Keep watching.

She's done it again.

♪ My heart flutters ♪

♪ At the slightest sight of her skirt… ♪

What is this, Mr. Park?

This is a disaster!

We can't even stop this since it's live!

What are you going to do?

She's doing whatever she wants out there!

I apologize.

She's new, so she must not be familiar with our ways.

You said this would be a hit.

So what is this disaster?

Do something!

♪ Lad of the Mokpo docks ♪

That was Youth of Mokpo

by Ms. Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Ms. Yoon is a beautiful 19-year-old lady

who hails from the very city of Mokpo…

All right, that's enough.

But why?

- Turn it off. - Do we have to?

That was fun.

I guess television programs are pretty fun.

Jeongnyeon was pretty good.

We'll see her on television again, right?

I don't think we will.

Why not?

She sang the second verse however she wanted.

That can't have been what the studio told her to do.

Does that mean she'll get kicked out again?

That's the least of her worries.

She'll probably have to pay damages.

Oh no.

All right, get up!

- Back to rehearsals. - Okay.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't perform…

as a pop singer…

the way you taught me to.

No.

Don't be sorry.

That was the best performance I've ever seen.

Really?

That would never have happened if you only stuck to what I taught you.

That performance was something only you could do.

So you should be proud of it.

I think I get what you were talking about.

From now on,

I won't deceive myself.

I can't live my life…

as anyone but me.

Remember…

don't make any choices that aren't you under any circumstances.

Thank you for a wonderful performance.

Out of all the singers I've ever seen…

…you were number one.

So you're saying

that Jeongnyeon was only working at the coffee shop for your sake?

Yes, ma'am.

And she didn't tell me any of this

to protect you?

Yes.

I'm the one who should be kicked out.

I'll of course take whatever punishment you give me.

But please let Jeongnyeon come back.

Why were you working at the coffee shop?

My sister has tuberculosis.

I wanted to help pay for her medication.

All right.

You may go.

Do you know why I wanted Jeongnyeon to join our troupe?

Others may say I lack nothing

since I've reached the peak of success with gukgeuk performance.

But I was getting quite tired.

The same kinds of performances

with similar roles…

…and acting that is no different from the next.

And since I had no rival to challenge me,

I had nothing to stimulate me whatsoever.

But when I heard Jeongnyeon sing…

I thought that one day she'd be able to challenge my position.

That she'd quickly hone her skills

and come to threaten my place.

So…

you were looking for something to stimulate you?

Our troupe needs someone like Jeongnyeon as much as I do.

If we don't keep acquiring young talent like her,

we'll become complacent,

and one day become completely stagnant.

You must know this more acutely than I do.

Hey, Yoon Jeongnyeon!

How are you going to fix this?

All the investors who trusted me

as well as the studio itself will tear me to shreds!

So what are you going to do about this?

I was trying to keep my promise.

What?

That was my promise from the beginning.

That I'd perform as much as my talent allows.

So what's wrong with performing my heart out?

Why, you little…

Are you joking right now?

I don't care.

You're going to sing the way I tell you to!

I'm not going to do that.

Then get your mother to come on our show!

Or pay up for damages!

And how much is that?

- Director. - What are you doing here?

I heard that one of my trainees was here,

so I came to fetch her.

And by the way,

I know her mother very well.

You can count on me when I say she'll never come on your show.

So I'll pay for her damages

and take her back.

Now, how much should I pay you?

I heard that you were working at the coffee shop

in Jooran's place.

Do you still want to do gukgeuk?

Yes.

I do.

I really do.

It was my misunderstanding

that you had used Maeran's fame for your personal gain.

So I shall take you back.

But you'll still be punished for getting paid to sing

at the coffee shop.

I'll take whatever punishment you give me.

Director.

Did you also accept me at first…

because of my mother?

Why would you ask that?

I only just found out…

that my mother used to be a famous pansori singer.

But others who have heard me sing…

said it immediately reminded them of her.

So you know that your mother is Chae Gongseon?

Yes.

Finding out I was in my mother's shadow without even knowing…

It's frustrating.

I feel like whatever I do in my life…

I'll get compared to my mother.

What a silly thought.

You are you.

There's no need for you to compete with a mere idea of your mother.

And it doesn't matter why I accepted you in the beginning.

What matters is what you will do with the chance you've been given.

I only want one thing from you.

To not give up…

and walk your own path until the very end.

How about a dance for the chancellor...

Wait a minute.

I think it'd be better

if you had bigger movements as you approach Mokryeon.

- What do you all think? - I think that's good.

Hey, kids!

- I'm back. - Jeongnyeon!

Jeongnyeon!

How are you here?

Did the director take you back in?

I… heard you told her everything.

How could you be so reckless? You could have been kicked out too.

It's what I should have done from the beginning.

I'm sorry, Jeongnyeon.

Are you crying again?

You must have been so distressed because of me.

But thanks to you,

the director…

has decided to forgive me.

Really?

Then you'll be staying with us like before?

I'm telling you, I am!

That's so great, Jeongnyeon!

Hey, let me through.

You're looking better now that you've been on television.

You've gotten prettier.

We all watched you sing on television.

Where did you learn to sing like that?

I almost didn't recognize you.

- You all watched it? - Yeah.

Move it. Come on.

What was all that about?

You're supposed to sing pop songs like a delicate lady.

But you even took off your shoes.

It wasn't pretty at all.

But it seems like you watched the whole thing.

- Admit it. - You watched it.

I had to because everyone else did.

Admit it. Weren't you bored because you had no one to pick on anymore?

Aren't you glad I'm back?

Nope. It was nice and quiet.

Did you just speak with an accent?

- Did you? - You did!

- I didn't! - My goodness, my little Chorok.

Did you miss me that much?

I didn't have an accent.

I missed you too.

I missed you!

Come on, loosen up!

So what were you guys doing? Let me in on it!

Is this really okay?

Taking a photo must be really expensive.

When else are we supposed to take pictures?

Today's the day you recorded your very first recording.

We need to take a photo on a day like this

so it will be commemorated by generations to come.

Come on, I don't need any of that.

All I need are you and my father.

The camera's ready. Please sit down.

Here we go.

One, two, three.

Life really is unpredictable, isn't it?

I thought our relationship died out years ago.

Who would've guessed…

that I would take your daughter in twice?

Hey.

There's something

I found out recently.

My mother…

was apparently a famous master of pansori.

Turns out…

that I also had an early starting point.

I thought having a famous mother like you would be amazing.

But now I see that's not necessarily true.

I felt so small

and…

miserable.

So…

about what I said to you the other day.

- I apolo... - I don't need your apology.

I hate rehashing what has already passed.

So she's still an expert at cutting people off, huh?

January 18 Jamyunggo audition

What was that?

Dang it, I'm going to be late.

Jeongnyeon!

Oh!

Okgyeong!

I'm back after experiencing the world outside.

How was it?

It's more fun to perform in front of an audience than a camera.

I'm so thankful that the director took me back in.

She probably had no other choice than to take you back.

Sorry?

I'm just glad you're back.

But weren't you going somewhere?

Oh, my goodness!

I have no time to chitchat!

I'll be off then!

If it's too heavy,

put it down when nobody's looking.

I'll tell you if someone's coming.

I'm okay. This isn't that hard since I'm with you.

Really?

Put them down.

These are the director's punishments for you two.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Until auditions are over,

you'll be cleaning the rehearsal hall and doing the dishes and the laundry.

Hong Jooran,

you'll be cleaning the toilets and the dormitories.

And the director forbids you from joining any training

until you finish these chores.

- Okay. - Okay.

Good job.

- Sorry? - You protected your friend until the end.

Good job.

♪ Han strikes from up north ♪

♪ And Nakrang attacks from the east ♪

♪ Alas, how my land suffers ♪

♪ The north wind quakes our earth ♪

♪ And the east wind brings forth a storm ♪

How could anyone say that all is well?

You have no energy in your voices.

Again.

♪ Han strikes from up north ♪

♪ And Nakrang attacks… ♪

Jooran, Jeongnyeon

- Hey, Jeongnyeon. - Hey.

- Come, come. - I'm so tired.

Did you just finish?

I'm fine with getting punished,

but I don't think I'll pass the audition.

Why do you say that?

I can't attend any training because I'm cleaning all day.

Then you could just train by yourself.

You're just making excuses because you think you'll mess up anyway.

What did you say?

With that kind of mindset, you definitely won't pass the audition.

It'll save you time not to audition at all.

You can't say anything in front of that brat!

My goodness!

Wait.

Did she just get mad at me for not doing my best?

Jamyunggo

♪ I ride my steed ♪

♪ And shoot my arrow ♪

- ♪ Who dares stand in my way? ♪ - ♪ Who dares stand in my way? ♪

- ♪ Who dares stand in my way? ♪ - ♪ Who dares stand in my way? ♪

♪ Who is this Princess of Nakrang? ♪

♪ The enemy princess who protects… ♪

♪ The enemy princess… ♪

Oh, my goodness!

♪ Their treasure is guarded by a woman ♪

♪ How incompetent… ♪

Oh, no. Move!

It's my calendar.

Jamyunggo audition

Jeongnyeon.

- What? - Here.

You should eat. You didn't even have dinner.

My goodness.

Thanks for looking out for me. You're the best.

Do you still have a lot to do?

Yeah, after I finish cleaning the bean sprouts,

I have to organize the prop room.

I need to finish everything tonight so I can audition tomorrow morning.

- What about you? - I just have some ironing left.

Let me help you with the prop room after I'm done.

It's fine.

You have your audition tomorrow too.

You should focus on practicing when you're done.

Then what about you?

I'll be fine.

If I stay up all night,

I'll make it to the audition.

So if I help you, you'll finish faster.

No, I told you to practice.

If you still come even after this,

I'll really be angry with you.

You got that?

I got it.

I don't even know where to start.

Let's do this.

My goodness, this is going to take forever.

We will now begin the audition for Jamyunggo.

We have the following judges.

The scriptwriter, Mr. Kwon Yeongseop,

the choreographer, Ms. Cho Suyeon,

and our drummer, Mr. Lee Yonggeun.

When we call your name, you'll enter and begin your audition.

Yes, ma'am.

The audition!

Huh?

What the… Why isn't this opening?

What?

Hello?

I'm stuck in here!

Hello?

Is anyone out there?

Which role will you be auditioning for?

Gomigeol, ma'am.

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

Yes.

All right. Begin.

Youngseo's auditioning for Gomigeol.

She's auditioning for the antagonist and not the lead?

She must be going for it because she obviously won't get the lead.

And is it easy to get the antagonist?

They'll never pick her over Doaeng. She's much more experienced.

Hodong and Mokryeon have promised to wed?

That won't do. That simply won't do.

Goguryeo and Nakrang are to remain enemies.

They need to keep fighting and wear each other down

for the great Han…

to strike both at the same time.

Things will be bad if they form an alliance.

What should be done about this?

You are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon, I would have you as my concubine.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong are to be wed?

They are nothing but rumors.

You poor, pretty little thing.

Deliver this letter to Princess Mokryeon in secret.

I desire to have Mokryeon, and you desire to have Prince Hodong.

If you deliver this letter…

the two will never be able to wed.

As expected of a seasoned antagonist.

This was always your role, wasn't it?

Yes.

Is Jeongnyeon here?

Not yet.

She said she'd come after cleaning the prop room.

What's taking her so long?

Did she fall asleep?

I think I'll have to go fetch her myself.

Next is Hong Jooran!

Oh, no.

Pilsun.

I'm sorry, but could you fetch Jeongnyeon from the prop room?

I can't go myself right now.

I don't know when they'll call me in. I can't go.

Oh, you're right.

Hong Jooran. Are you coming in or not?

Could you give me some time?

- I just need to go and fetch... - You should go in.

I'll fetch Jeongnyeon.

- Thanks, Youngseo! - Hurry up and come in!

Yes, sir.

There, that's it.

What now?

What the heck?

My blasted butt!

You there! Heo Youngseo!

Oh my, it's good to see you!

What are you doing there?

That's not important.

Pull me out.

Hey!

We have a door! Why would you come out the window?

Why else? The door is locked!

Come on! Pull harder!

Your arms are so weak!

I'm out.

I'm out!

I'm out!

Get off!

You're crushing me!

Thank you so much, Youngseo!

You really saved me!

Hey, we don't have time for this!

The audition's about to end!

My goodness! The audition!

Oh, come on!

The last one…

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Is Jeongnyeon here?

If she's not here, then we'll end the auditions.

No, please. She's coming. Please wait just a bit.

I'm here!

Jeongnyeon!

Come on.

I'm here for my audition.

Hurry up and come in.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Which role will you be auditioning for?

The soldier, ma'am.

The soldier?

You mean the soldier who informs everyone of the war?

- Yes. - And you're aware that it's a small role?

I'm aware.

All right then.

You may begin.

Let's start from the scene with all the soldiers.

I'll read the other lines.

My goodness,

I guess we are going to bed starving once more.

Provisions are running short,

so they are only able to give us one meal a day.

I wonder how my parents are faring back at home.

I am worried sick for them.

It is the same for me.

My son had just started walking around the time I left home.

He probably cannot recall my face anymore.

How can anyone expect us to fight in battle

when we are all absolutely starving?

Do the high and mighty nobles at the capital

have any idea of our plight?

Watch what you say. Someone might hear you.

Then let them hear.

I do not go to battle for those in the palace.

I go to battle for my family back in my hometown!

Let's move on to the next line.

General!

The soldiers of Goguryeo

are swarming in!

All right, that's enough.

You know you need to prepare for any role no matter how small it may be, right?

Yes, of course.

You may go then.

How was it? Did you do well?

I don't know.

I did my best though.

Thanks for earlier.

You really saved me.

I didn't do it for...

For me, I know.

I know, okay?

But I still wanted to thank you.

So…

why did you help me?

I need to check something.

- Check what? - Your acting in Chunhyangjeon.

I need to know whether that was a stroke of luck or your skills.

So I need to see you acting again.

I don't get it.

Forget it.

So why couldn't you open the prop room door?

I have no idea.

I think someone locked it without knowing I was in there.

See? It's locked.

So that's when it was locked?

Was it on purpose knowing Jeongnyeon would be in here?

Of course it was on purpose.

Really?

Hey, we need to keep this a secret, okay?

Keep what a secret?

Oh, my goodness!

You guys locked Jeongnyeon in so she'd miss the audition, didn't you?

- No! - It wasn't us!

We also just heard that she was locked in here.

- Right! It really wasn't us this time! - It wasn't us.

Then what were you talking about just now?

We were just…

I guess I have no choice.

Let's continue this conversation with the director.

- No! - You can't!

I'm telling you, it wasn't us this time.

It was actually…

You can't!

Who else knows about this?

Just me and those three.

All right. Thanks for telling me.

Now we need to decide who will play Gomigeol.

I think Doaeng's take on Gomigeol was very manly and charismatic.

I could see why she's the go-to actor for antagonists.

I have no doubt that Doaeng's acting is amazing.

But I think Youngseo's acting was quite on par with hers.

It was a refreshing take on the role.

Gomigeol who's not just a bad guy, but also a strategist.

What is your opinion, Mr. Kwon?

As you two have already mentioned,

each actor had their own very different strengths.

Since we can't come to a conclusion,

I think the director will have to decide.

I will now announce

the results of the Jamyunggo auditions.

First, as our male lead, Prince Hodong,

Moon Okgyeong.

As Princess Mokryeon, Seo Hyerang.

Next is Gomigeol.

As Gomigeol…

Heo Youngseo.

But Doaeng has always played the antagonist.

Some people even buy tickets for all showings just to see Doaeng.

Would they still come if they knew that Youngseo was Gomigeol?

Right.

As Precious,

Hong Jooran.

As Prince Hodong's friend…

What?

I didn't even know you auditioned for Precious.

I didn't know I'd get the role either.

You're amazing.

As Soldier 1…

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

I did it!

My gosh!

As Soldier 2, Shin Woncheol.

- As Soldier 3, Woo Migeum. - Yes.

As Soldier 4, Oh Pilsun.

All right.

We'll start our read-through of the script tomorrow.

Come prepared.

Yes, ma'am!

This is amazing.

Remember what I told you

when you were being so stubborn about becoming a gukgeuk actor?

That you and I

will no longer be aunt and niece once you're in Maeran.

I know you had no choice.

Youngseo's singing is far above my level.

Do you think your talent

only lies in playing the antagonist?

It was normal for other girls

to only analyze their own roles for a performance.

But even when you were a trainee, you analyzed all the roles in the script.

You knew how to look for the hidden messages

within each line and even the play itself.

You have the talent to become a stage director.

Auntie.

If you're up for it,

help me direct Jamyunggo as the assistant director.

You can start a new journey to become a director.

General! The soldiers of Goryeo are...

No, Goguryeo.

The soldiers of Goguryeo are…

I keep having an accent.

The soldier isn't Bangja.

He's not supposed to have an accent.

By the way,

why did you audition for a small role like the soldier?

With your skills, you could have had a bigger role.

Youngseo told me last time

that the reason I played Bangja so well

was because she matched my performance.

And that kept bothering me.

So instead of going for the big roles,

I thought I'd go for a smaller one

and focus on learning how others act instead.

Mm.

I see your point.

There's a reason why the director only lets trainees play extras.

Let's talk about you.

You said you'd audition for an extra last time,

so how did you get the role of Precious?

Nobody even knew that you auditioned for Precious.

You're the one who actually made me go for it.

- Me? - All this time,

I didn't think I'd be able to play anything other than an extra.

Then you told me the other day

that I can't know until I actually try.

And I started wanting more after seeing you play Bangja.

Well, I'm honored to hear that I helped you.

I have a dream too.

A dream?

What is it?

I want us to stand on stage face-to-face one day

with you as the male lead

and me as the female lead.

Just like Okgyeong and Hyerang right now?

Yeah.

I'd love to!

Wait a minute.

Then I'll have to work a bit harder to achieve that.

It's a promise.

Here, pinky promise.

This again.

You really love stuff like oaths and promises, don't you?

Come on.

Fine.

Mm.

Jamyunggo is our troupe's signature performance.

And we'll be raising the scale for this rendition

by renewing everything from stage design, costumes, props, and the like.

It'll be our best performance yet.

I'm expecting phenomenal acting from you

worthy of this monumental performance.

Yes, ma'am.

Doaeng will be the assistant director of this show,

and she'll be helping me oversee the entire stage directing.

Yes, ma'am.

Let's start from Bau's line.

The children are singing.

How merry.

This is all thanks to our great king.

Can you really say that all is well?

♪ Han strikes from up north ♪

♪ And Nakrang attacks from the east ♪

♪ Alas, how my land suffers ♪

♪ The north wind quakes our earth ♪

♪ And the east wind brings forth a storm ♪

How could anyone say that all is well?

My Prince.

Precious has returned.

Your Precious has returned from her espionage mission.

Stop.

Precious had to come back because she was fatally wounded.

She can't sound cheerful.

Yes, ma'am.

Let's move on to Gomigeol.

Dear Precious.

Gomigeol.

You are another country's chancellor. What are you doing in our prince's hall?

My dear Precious,

you are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon, I would have you as my concubine.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong are to be wed?

They are nothing but rumors.

You poor, pretty little thing.

Deliver this letter to Princess Mokryeon in secret.

I desire to have Mokryeon, and you…

desire to have Prince Hodong.

If you deliver this letter, the two will never be able to wed.

Youngseo.

Are you going to keep that tone?

Uh… yes.

Is that so?

All right, next.

Next!

Nakrang soldier! Jeongnyeon, what are you doing?

What? Oh, sorry!

General!

The soldiers of Goryeo are swarming in!

It's Goguryeo, not Goryeo!

How could you mess up such a simple line?

Quiet.

That's enough.

Enough!

You poor, pretty little thing.

Now, deliver this letter to Princess Mokryeon in secret.

I need to be more intimidating.

Now,

deliver this letter to Princess Mokryeon in secret.

What are you doing?

That's not your Gomigeol.

It's Doaeng's.

You did this at the read-through too.

It's not like you to mimic someone else's acting.

What do you know?

Those who consider Doaeng's take as the right Gomigeol…

may not want to see my version.

Don't you remember what you said to me during Chunhyangjeon?

You gave me such a hard time because I didn't have my own Bangja.

And now you're telling me

you're going to mimic Doaeng's take on Gomigeol?

Worry about your own acting.

Who are you lecturing when you can't even say a simple line?

You're right.

I've got my own problems.

Sorry for overstepping.

I'm just saying,

I'd like you to enjoy playing your own Gomigeol.

Just wanted you to know that.

How in the world am I supposed to enjoy it?

Okgyeong told me the same thing, to enjoy it.

I guess it's possible for the two of you.

But I'm always so nervous before a show,

so how am I supposed to enjoy anything?

Sure.

Maybe you can enjoy everything on stage or off stage.

But I'm different.

I have to prove myself every time I'm on stage.

What in the world are you trying to prove?

That I'm worthy enough to be Han Kijoo's daughter!

My mom has to acknowledge that!

So that's it.

That's your real weakness.

From what I see,

you're not able to focus on your acting.

You're too hung up on getting approval from your mother.

Don't you dare assume things about me.

Actually,

a soldier is perfect for your level of skill.

At least my soldier…

is my own take and interpretation.

It's mine!

Yoon Jeongnyeon's acting!

It's different from your sad copy of an act.

You better wait.

Wait and see how I put you in your place.

You'll only be playing roles like that soldier

as you stand behind me forever.

You're going to put me in my place?

Let's see who actually gets to do that.

Who knows?

Maybe one day…

I'll stand in front of you.

The Blooming Autumn Field

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

The basis of good acting is confidence.

I just need to show everyone my own soldier.

What are you talking about?

Would you look at this punk?

I had my reasons for taking the soldier.

Get out of your head.

The audience is not here to see you tonight.

Jeongnyeon is supposed to be a simple soldier.

General…

…the soldiers of Goguryeo are…

Translated by Jin Yu