Original subtitles

(Yeongsuk) 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"

(cheers and applause)

"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.

Act 11

- (♪ exciting music playing) - (vehicles honking)

- (engines revving) - (bike bell dinging)

(indistinct chatter)

(Boksil sighs) Did you read the news?

They're all talking about Moon Okgyeong.

Apparently, she'll be in films now.

Then what will happen to our troupe?

Are we all done for?

Hey, what are you talking about?

(sighs) She's right, you know.

How will we perform without a male lead?

All right, the director is running late because something came up.

Let's start by ourselves.

What is it? What's with the mood?

Is our troupe in trouble?

The director's out to borrow money, isn't she?

Is Okgyeong really not coming back?

Hey, it's obvious she isn't.

(member) How many times are you going to ask that?

(Boksil) What's wrong with asking?

(loudly) Quiet!

Don't worry about what you hear outside.

We've always had people quit because they couldn't handle the grind.

We'll just pick out new trainees.

I'm a new trainee.

(♪ Bright music playing)

If you would have me.

- (member 1) Hey! - (happy gasp)

(member 2) Hey!

(member 3) It's Jeongnyeon!

You little brat!

I was worried sick because of you.

(Jeongnyeon) How have you been?

(Doaeng) Welcome back.

Everyone's been waiting for you.

Doaeng.

And the one who waited for you the most was Chorok.

(Jeongnyeon) Oh, really?

No! I was busy.

(chuckles)

And I'm not a trainee anymore.

I'm an official troupe actor.

- What? (exclaims) - (Yeonhong) She's right.

Chorok, Youngseo, and Jooran aren't trainees anymore.

They're official actors now.

My goodness, is that so?

That's amazing.

Meanwhile, I'll have to take the entrance test again.

I guess I'll have to treat you with more respect now.

(Boksil exclaims teasingly, chuckles)

That's okay. Just treat me as you always have.

I'll allow it as your gracious senior.

(laughter)

How's your voice, by the way?

Are you all better now?

You're here because you can sing like you used to, right?

Ah…

That's…

Hey! Stop pestering her with questions when she just came back.

Learn to…

hold back your questions.

(in soft voice) You must be so tired. Why don't you take a little rest?

(members squeal)

What the… What's with your tone?

- (laughter) - (clacking on drum)

All right, take your seats.

(indistinct excited chatter)

(Doaeng) Jeongnyeon, you should go greet the director first.

Okay.

I'm really sorry.

But I promise to pay you back if you could extend the due date.

Yes, I'm really sorry.

Okay.

(handset clatters)

(sighs)

Moon Okgyeong disappears from female gukgeuk

(newspaper rustling)

- (hands thud) - (knocking on door)

(sharp sigh) Yes?

Director.

(soft gasp)

(door closes)

I just arrived.

It took a while to get my mother's approval.

Yes, welcome back.

And I'll take the entrance test as soon as the date is finalized.

If you're wanting my approval,

then you don't need to take the test.

No.

I really want to.

I'm still not sure if I'll be able to sing as well as I want to.

I'd like to see for myself.

(♪ Gentle music playing)

If that's what you want,

I'll let you know when and where it will be held.

Okay.

- (telephone ringing) - (door opens, closes)

(ringing continues)

Hey, Youngseo. (pants)

I can't find Okgyeong anywhere.

I wanted to greet her, but I guess she didn't come today?

Okgyeong…

quit the troupe.

- She quit? - Yes.

What do you mean?

You mean she joined another troupe?

No.

She quit gukgeuk altogether.

She disappeared after the first show of the joint performance.

So we couldn't properly finish the production,

and the director's been really busy trying to make up for that.

(♪ Somber music playing)

- (Jeongnyeon) Okgyeong! - (pounding on door)

(door lock clicks)

You're Hyerang's niece, right?

Could you tell me if Okgyeong is home?

I really need to meet her.

The prince left.

So the princess is sad.

Do you know where she went?

(Hyerang breathes heavily) Okgyeong, is that you?

(panting) Okgyeong…

Get inside, Eunjae.

What are you doing here?

I heard that Okgyeong left.

Do you happen to know where...

(Hyerang) I don't know.

And I wouldn't tell you even if I did.

Okay.

You think you can be the prince now that Okgyeong is gone?

That's what you think, isn't it?

They say once the king is absent, the fool steps up.

But you should forget it.

You can never become Moon Okgyeong.

You should have kept singing for money in your dingy little hometown

where you belonged.

Oh, right.

I was mistaken about one thing.

I thought Okgyeong treasured you.

But you know…

she lost interest in you the moment you lost your voice.

(♪ Somber music playing)

That's how little you meant to her.

Did you know?

(scoffing)

(laughing)

You haven't changed at all.

I don't know why I ever listened to someone like you.

You're just an empty shell.

I had a hard time…

when I heard Okgyeong had left.

It felt like…

she had abandoned me.

But I've decided to remember her fondly.

After all,

the one who introduced me to gukgeuk…

was Okgyeong.

So…

you should let her go as well.

There's no point holding on to someone…

who's never coming back.

Maeran Gukgeukdan

(deep breath)

I don't think…

anyone could have changed Okgyeong's mind.

I thought everything would be okay

if I just came back.

I thought Maeran and Okgyeong…

would still be the same.

How naive of me.

I'm still here.

I'm not leaving, no matter what.

Plus,

you're back as well.

(soft exhale)

We'll have to fill in for Okgyeong now.

You definitely could.

But my voice is all messed up.

If anyone hears I'm filling in for Okgyeong,

they'd laugh.

Then let them.

I know it.

You're more than qualified.

And don't forget.

You're the only person I've ever considered to be my rival.

(♪ Soft music playing)

(chuckles)

Of course,

it's a bit early to say,

since I'm an official actor and you're not even a trainee yet, but...

(Jeongnyeon) My goodness.

So you mean I'm nowhere near your level?

Of course.

(both laughing)

Oh.

(Jeongnyeon) Jooran!

(Jeongnyeon panting)

Hong Joo…

(deep exhale)

- (♪ Light guitar music playing) - (indistinct chatter)

I really liked the script.

There's just one thing.

If we're going to tell this story,

I think it'll be good to include some scenes

that could showcase the scale of the performance.

I'd like for the queen's coronation and the war to be bigger in scale.

So when would you be able to revise the script?

Well, the thing is…

Is there a problem?

Uh, the truth is…

I received an offer to write for the film industry.

I think I'll have to focus on that from now on.

Then…

you can't work on this script anymore?

I'm sorry.

I'll pay for the coffee.

But Mr. Kwon…

(fan 1) I brought this.

"Return to us, Moon Okgyeong."

"Return to us."

- Mine's the usual. - (fan 1) Good.

- (fan 2) Let's begin. - (fan 3) Yeah, we don't need more people.

- (fan 4) What's important is Okgyeong. - (fan 1) Mm.

(fan 3) Let's gather more people tomorrow.

This is the new production that you will be auditioning for.

The title is The Queen of Silla.

It's a story about Queen Seondeok.

(Yeonhong whispers) Queen Seondeok?

Was she from the Joseon dynasty?

You idiot.

She just said she's the queen of Silla.

(Boksil) This is a new play, isn't it?

(Chorok) I think so.

- I've never heard of it. - (Director Kang) You're right.

This is a new play written by Mr. Kwon Yeongseop.

The script hasn't been finalized yet,

but it won't be revised too much.

The audition will use this script

to select the female lead, Queen Seondeok,

and the male lead, Kim Yusin.

I will allow trainees to try out for this audition,

so anyone willing is welcome to do so.

Jeongnyeon.

You will have to pass the entrance test to audition for any role.

Yes, ma'am.

(indistinct excited chatter)

Hey.

This seems like a pretty big production.

Are we able to handle it with the situation we're in?

It won't be easy for the director

to pass on a play this big.

That's how we'll show our troupe is still going strong.

Hey, those are things for the adults to discuss.

They'll figure something out, okay?

So, Chorok, you're auditioning for Queen Seondeok, right?

Of course.

Since Hyerang isn't here anymore, who else could play the female lead?

- Jooran. - (Boksil whispers) Hey.

Yes, I get what you mean.

How about we talk about this when we meet later?

All right.

Do you have something to tell me?

Director…

About The Queen of Silla…

Isn't it too much for us right now to put on such a big production?

This is about the production cost, isn't it?

Don't worry.

I was just on the phone with someone who wants to invest in us.

I think you'd know her.

You remember Hongmae from our early days?

Yes, I remember her.

Didn't a textile factory owner marry her as his second wife?

Apparently, she received a hefty inheritance after he died,

and she was looking for places to invest in.

That's good.

We're going to hold an audition for all the roles.

The audition for our last joint performance

was a huge hit.

If we can arouse the crowd with the audition,

it'll be easier to promote the production itself.

(soft chuckle)

You're as passionate as ever, Director.

But enough talk about your production.

Let's get into our business.

What?

I'll get to the point.

I want to buy Maeran Gukgeukdan's building.

I'll make sure to give you a good deal.

What…

What do you mean you want to buy our building?

Didn't you call me to invest in our production?

(Hongmae chuckles softly)

- I don't care about gukgeuk anymore. - (♪ soft tense music playing)

Once I buy your building,

I'm going to turn it into a hostess bar.

A bar?

Does that hurt your pride?

(Hongmae) I can imagine. (sighs)

You kicked me out because I made money off of Maeran's fame.

What was it you said?

Right.

You said I'd never be an artist,

selling my cheap talent everywhere.

(soft scoff)

For someone as noble as you to meet with me…

I guess you really are short on money.

I shouldn't have come.

You still haven't paid off your debt from when you bought that building.

How do you know that?

I have a business partner.

You'd know him.

(Hongmae) Come in.

Goodness me.

- (chuckling) - (♪ soft tense music continues)

(Mr. Ko) Hello, Director.

How have you been? (chuckles)

(chuckles, inhales sharply)

What are you doing here?

(scoffs)

(chuckles)

Director,

don't be so stubborn.

This is a great opportunity to hand over the building.

No.

I'll never do it.

Do you even know what that building means to me?

That building is the foundation of our troupe itself.

It's not something for sale!

That building's a piece of junk.

It'd be much better for you to hand it over to me.

I'll be waiting for some good news. All right?

This way, ma'am. (clears throat)

(heavy breathing)

(heavy exhale)

(driver) Ma'am?

(sighs)

(soft groan)

Are you all right?

(heavy exhale) I'm all right.

(deep breath)

Are you leaving?

(Director Kang) Do you have places to go?

Someone I know works for a film company.

I'm sorry for letting you down, girls.

Don't be, ma'am.

We're the ones who are sorry.

(gasps)

- (♪ Tense music playing) - (panting)

(panicked breathing)

(Jeongnyeon) Director!

Can you hear me?

Director! Director…

What did the doctor say?

She pushed herself too hard.

He said she'll get better after a few days of rest.

(deep breath)

What happened?

Well…

Sugyeong and Geumhui… left the troupe.

And the director saw them leave.

(Doaeng sighs)

(indistinct chatter)

- What's for dinner? - Pass it around.

Me, me! What is it?

- Enjoy. - (excited exclaim)

What is this?

Our food is getting worse and worse.

They kept giving us fewer dishes, and now it's rice balls?

Maybe they were too busy to get groceries.

I'm sure it'll get better tomorrow.

Wake up, will you?

We're never going to get anything better than these.

(sighs) The good old days are behind us.

Are we really going to shut down?

No, we're not.

Maybe not in the near future,

but it'll be difficult to get back to what we once were.

Apparently, Maeran's paying off all the debts and cancellation fees

from the joint performance.

I knew it.

So that's why they reduced our already tiny allowance.

(whines) If even the food's going to be like this,

how can I survive?

Stop with your complaints.

Remember the director just collapsed.

Why did she collapse anyway?

Sugyeong and Geumhui left the troupe today.

(Yeonhong) She must have been shocked.

Hey, maybe we should also leave and look for something else.

Hey…

you shouldn't say such things when the director's just collapsed.

That's a bit much.

And when the director returns? You think things will change?

Those who left first are the smart ones.

Just you wait. Those who stay are going to regret it.

If you want to leave, just leave quietly.

Why would you stir up the others?

What are you saying?

When did we do that?

We're just stating facts.

You're making us feel uneasy,

saying that if we stay, we'll regret it.

Why? Because you're too ashamed to leave by yourselves.

Are you trying to coerce some trainees to save face when you leave?

What the hell…

Are you done?

No, I'm not. Should I go on?

(Chorok sighs) You think the trainees don't know?

We're all feeling uneasy after Okgyeong left us.

You're our seniors.

But instead of reassuring us, you're busy fending for yourselves.

You think we should all just hold hands and try to make the best of this?

Even Okgyeong left us.

Maeran's done for!

- (bangs on table) - So leave by yourself if you want to.

Go ahead and join that film company or whatever.

Stop wasting your time trying to rope others in.

You've lost your mind, haven't you?

- (screams) - (all clamoring)

Hey, let go!

- Let go! - You let go!

(Jeongnyeon) Oh, my goodness! What is going on?

(clamoring continues)

Stop it! I said stop!

Watch your mouth!

Fine. I'm leaving this godforsaken place.

- Sohyang, wait! - (member) Seriously.

Wait a minute.

Let her go!

(Chorok) It's done.

- She's leaving. - But still…

Forget it!

Let's just eat.

(Chorok sighs)

- (members sigh) - Are you okay?

(members murmuring)

(Jeongnyeon) Hong Jooran.

Didn't you see what just happened?

We should be working together to figure something out.

Not running away.

Why do you keep avoiding me?

I wasn't avoiding you.

Then what are you doing, playing hide-and-seek?

I'm sorry.

You think I'm confronting you to hear an apology?

What is going on with you?

Maeran is a mess,

and I'm still worried sick about whether I'll be able to sing.

So why do you have to add on to everything?

You think I'm going to hurt you or something?

What have I ever done to you for you to avoid me like this?

(♪ Somber music playing)

Jooran.

Aren't we friends?

I guess we're not.

(bell tolling)

What are you doing? Aren't we rehearsing today?

We lost too many people.

We lost Geumhui and Sugyeong,

and now Sohyang and Bongseon too.

Hey.

They've been wanting to leave for a while. We're better off without them.

Then the rest of us should be rehearsing. We can't just sit around like this.

I just don't feel like it.

We might not even have a show.

(member 1 sighs)

(member 2 sighs)

(fan rustles)

Let's put on a show.

What show?

Tomorrow's supposed to be my entrance test.

Let's showcase that.

But the director's not here. And we don't even have any judges.

Judges aren't the only ones who can evaluate me.

Anyone out there can listen to me sing

and judge how I sound.

So you're saying…

you'll have the crowd evaluate you?

- Yes. - Sounds fun.

(Chorok) She's right.

There's no better evaluation than having the crowd cheer for her

when they hear her sing.

(member) Still, that's a stretch.

So if about 10 people cheer for her, she passes?

That's not good enough. We need a standard.

(Youngseo) I'll be the standard.

I'll put on a show too.

Try to attract more people to hear you sing than me.

If you have even one more person in the audience,

then you'll get to join our troupe again.

But…

if you have even just one less person than me,

you'll never get to join.

(♪ Light music playing)

How about it?

Think you can do it?

Sure. Let's do it.

Brace yourself.

I won't go easy on you just because you hurt your throat.

(chuckles) Oh, really?

Fine by me.

I'd be pretty mad if you were planning to go easy on me.

Come at me with your worst.

And I'll do the same.

(soft scoff)

(♪ Exciting music playing)

(member) Heo Youngseo and Yoon Jeongnyeon

will be performing a gukgeuk show

at Changsuwon at 2 p.m.

and at Seoul Station at 5 p.m. respectively!

Heo Youngseo will be performing at Changsuwon

and Yoon Jeongnyeon at Seoul Station!

Heo Youngseo's performing at Changsuwon?

The one from The Princess and the Fool?

Yes, that's right.

Oh, my goodness! We'll have to be there!

- Yes, please be there! - (passerby) Yes!

(indistinct chatter)

"Changsuwon photos"

Get closer. That's good.

- Here. - (photographer) One, two, three.

(camera shutter clicks)

How many do we have?

Almost 100.

There are more lined up outside to hear Youngseo sing.

This is too unfair to Jeongnyeon.

Youngseo's already popular from the joint performance.

- (gasps) That's her fan club. - (hurried footsteps approaching)

(fans giggling, squealing)

(Yeonhong) There's just too many people.

Look at this. Jeongnyeon's at a disadvantage.

(panting)

Are you here to watch?

(Jeongnyeon) Did she start?

(Chorok) Not yet.

Free performance by Maeran Gukgeukdan's rising star

(indistinct chatter)

When is she coming?

Just wait, will you? It's Heo Youngseo.

(indistinct chatter)

(spectator 1) Hmm?

(crowd exclaiming)

- (spectator 2) It's Heo Youngseo! - (spectator 3) It's her!

(spectator 4) It's Heo Youngseo!

(crowd clamoring, cheering)

Chunhyang.

Another day will dawn when tonight passes.

But I do not wish for the day to come, when I will be alone thinking of you.

(crowd exclaiming)

I only wish for the night we spend together…

(fans squealing happily)

…to last longer.

Let us enjoy this night with a love song.

(cheers and applause)

♪ My love, my love ♪

- ♪ My dearest love ♪ - (crowd exclaiming)

- ♪ Oh, my love ♪ - (spectator 5 squeals)

♪ You are indeed my love ♪

♪ You are lovely When I look at you from here ♪

♪ You are lovely When I look at you from there ♪

♪ When I die My spirit shall become a butterfly ♪

♪ And embrace your flower ♪

♪ During the spring season ♪

♪ If you see me ♪

♪ Fluttering and dancing ♪

♪ With my wings spread wide ♪

♪ You shall know ♪

♪ That it is me ♪

"Our prince, Heo Youngseo"

(cheers and applause)

My love, do not speak of dying on such a fine day.

(chuckles) Then shall we have a nice talk

and play around for a bit?

(cheers and applause)

(Youngseo) ♪ Come here ♪

♪ Let me give you a piggyback ride ♪

♪ My love, my love, you are my love ♪

♪ Oh love… ♪

(door opens)

- (footsteps thudding) - (door closes)

Director… (sighs)

You should eat something.

You haven't eaten anything in days.

(Director Kang) Doaeng.

Where did I go wrong?

Was I supposed to give Okgyeong what she wanted…

before she got tired of us?

But…

if we had put on all those experimental shows,

we might have lost our audience.

No, that's not it.

I should have listened to you

and prepared the trainees more for when Okgyeong and Hyerang left.

I shouldn't have relied on those two this much.

Director.

(♪ Pensive music playing)

Or…

maybe I shouldn't have pushed the joint performance.

But…

that performance was the only chance for female gukgeuk troupes to unite.

- Director! - (shouts) I did what I had to!

But look where it's gotten me.

I was stabbed in the back by someone I trusted,

and all I have left is this huge debt!

And now I can't even protect my girls.

My poor girls.

They trusted me. (heavy breath)

They trusted someone like me to be their director.

(sad chuckle)

How can I call myself a director when I can't even protect them?

- What kind of director am I? - (♪ somber music playing)

What kind of director am I… (sobbing)

(wails) What kind of director am I…

(sniffles)

(Director Kang sobbing)

Auntie.

- Auntie! - (sobbing)

There's something… you need to see.

(wheezing)

(♪ Music fades)

Is this everyone?

It's barely 10 people.

It's past 5 p.m. now.

Should we wait until more people show up?

(sharp inhale) No.

(deep exhale)

I'm ready. Let's start.

(spectator 1) Yoon Jeongnyeon? I think I've heard that name before.

You know, she's Chae Gongseon's daughter.

- Oh, she's her daughter? - Yes.

Let's see how good she is.

My goodness, a lot of you are here.

Ah, let me introduce myself.

My name is Yoon Jeongnyeon.

(crowd cheering)

I'm going to sing some pansori for you.

But the thing is…

it's been a while since I've performed,

so I'm quite nervous and jittery.

So please feel free to shout out your reactions.

(spectators) All right!

And you kids,

I'll be counting on you to clap a lot, okay?

- (children shout) Okay! - (laughter)

Please sit back and enjoy!

- (spectator 2) Okay! - (spectator 3) Go ahead.

Once upon a time,

in Dohwa-dong, Hwangju,

there lived a blind man

living with his daughter.

The daughter's surname was Sim, and her first name was…

Come on, what was her name?

It's Sim Cheong!

That's right, it was Cheong.

She's going to sing Simcheongga?

But those songs are so difficult.

No way.

(Jeongnyeon) To get back her father's eyesight…

She's not singing The Blooming Autumn Field, is she?

(Jeongnyeon) …she throws herself into the sea.

My goodness.

It's freezing.

- What to do? I'm going to freeze to death. - (laughter)

My goodness.

And that's when the heavens,

moved by her sacrifice,

revived her in a lotus flower and had her marry an emperor.

- That's right! - How beautiful!

After Empress Sim enters the palace,

the harvest is bountiful every year,

and laughter continues in every family.

- (spectator 4) All right! - (spectator 5) Great!

Now autumn has come.

And like every year, a goose takes flight into the sky.

(laughter)

(spectator 6) Yes!

(spectator 7) That's good.

And behold,

the goose is headed to Empress Sim's hometown.

One night, she sits on a high ledge

and thinks of her father.

(deep inhale)

(in hoarse voice) ♪ The autumn ♪

♪ Moon ♪

♪ Is in ♪

♪ Full bloom ♪

She sounds too hoarse.

She's not going to reach the high notes.

♪ And it glows ♪

♪ Upon ♪

♪ The marble ♪

♪ Carved from coral reefs ♪

You're not nearly as good as your mother, huh?

Get out of here!

♪ A wild ♪

♪ Goose ♪

♪ Flies ♪

♪ Into the sky ♪

My goodness, you're hurting my ears!

Leave then!

- What? - Don't make a scene and just leave!

What did you just say?

Honey, don't.

(spectator 1 sighs)

(in hoarse voice) ♪ Beneath the moon ♪

♪ Crying ♪

(vocalizing)

(vocalizing continues)

♪ As the goose ♪

♪ Cries ♪

♪ Hearing its cries ♪

♪ Empress Sim ♪

♪ Calls ♪

♪ To the goose ♪

(water lapping)

(Yongrye) Jeongnyeon.

What are you going to use to fill the gaps in your voice?

I'll use…

my movements.

I've lost my voice…

but I can still act.

Whether I play Chunhyang

or Sim Cheong,

I'm going to embody that character.

That's how…

I'll fill in the gaps in my voice to the fullest.

(♪ Soft music playing)

♪ My tears ♪

♪ Cascade down ♪

♪ Onto the paper ♪

♪ And blur the ink ♪

♪ Nevertheless ♪

♪ I fold the letter ♪

♪ And head out the door ♪

♪ But the goose ♪

But she lost her voice.

How is she singing?

♪ Is nowhere ♪

♪ To be seen ♪

♪ And all ♪

♪ I see ♪

♪ In the sky ♪

♪ Are ♪

♪ Vast clouds ♪

♪ Some stars ♪

♪ And the moon ♪

♪ They are ♪

♪ All I see ♪

♪ Brightening the sky ♪

(♪ calm music playing)

(sharp exhale)

(applause)

- (spectator 8) That was great! - (spectator 9) Amazing!

- (spectator 10) Amazing! - (spectator 11) Good job!

(crowd cheering, clamoring)

(spectator 1) Yoon Jeongnyeon!

Yoon Jeongnyeon! Yoon Jeongnyeon!

(Boksil) Thank you so much!

Thank you for coming! Thank you!

(squeals) Oh, my goodness! Jeongnyeon!

- Guys! - Congratulations.

Youngseo had a lot of people, but you had a bit more.

No way, really?

(Chorok) Yes, you did it.

- Oh, my goodness! - (members squealing)

(members clapping)

(exclaims)

Director!

Director.

Are you out of the hospital?

How did it feel to sing?

Absolutely amazing.

My voice was a mess though.

No.

Your broken voice…

is no longer a handicap for you.

You were…

Sim Cheong herself today.

Really?

Yes.

(♪ Heartwarming music playing)

You did so well, Jeongnyeon.

I can't believe it.

(Jeongnyeon) All I was thinking was to just finish it till the end.

Director.

Including today,

this is the third time you've accepted me.

So you have to take full responsibility until the end.

Now that I'm an official trainee,

please watch me as I become an official actor

and your male lead.

All right.

I will.

(♪ Heartwarming music continues)

(soft exhale)

(running steps approaching)

(Jooran) Jeongnyeon.

You were really great today.

I knew you could do it.

Well…

thanks for earlier.

I could finish well thanks to you.

(soft chuckle) Sure.

I wanted to congratulate you…

on coming back.

Thanks.

Then I'll be on my way now.

Wait.

Actually,

there's something I need to tell you.

About our audition back then.

That's all in the past now.

It's all right. I've forgotten about it.

(Jooran) No, wait.

I need to tell you this right now.

I don't think I'll have another chance.

Back when I told you I couldn't audition with you

and that I couldn't rely on you…

I didn't mean it.

I'm sorry.

You weren't the problem.

I was.

But I hope you know this.

I really wanted to audition with you.

(sharp sigh)

You don't need to say all this just to console me.

No, I really mean it.

Yes, Youngseo was the perfect partner for me,

but the one who made my heart pound so much

that I'd forget I was even acting…

was you.

I blamed you because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to focus with you.

- (♪ Somber music playing) - (sharp inhale)

(shaky exhale)

I'll understand if you continue to hate me all your life.

(shaky exhale)

You silly girl.

Why won't you listen?

How many times do I have to tell you it wasn't your fault?

I've never once blamed you for what happened to my voice.

And how can I possibly hate you?

When I first came to Maeran…

you were the first person who smiled at me.

Earlier today,

it had been so long since I performed in front of people.

(Jeongnyeon) My heart was racing,

and my hands and voice were trembling so much.

But when I locked eyes with you,

it all went away.

Once I knew that you were watching me,

there was nothing I was afraid of.

(shaky exhale)

I hope…

you'll continue to stay with me and watch me like today.

I'll… make you a promise.

I'm going to keep doing gukgeuk no matter what happens.

So you have to keep watching how I grow…

until the end, okay?

(shaky breathing)

I gave it some thought,

and I think The Queen of Silla might be too much for us right now.

Even if we reduce the scale of the stage, it'll still be difficult.

(relieved sigh) What a relief.

I was worried you might want to push through with this production.

I want to try something new, but it's not that easy. (sucks teeth)

But I don't want to rehash our old productions again.

Director,

do you remember The Legend of the Twin Pagodas?

We had given up on that because it was too experimental.

Yes, but the story is quite original and memorable.

But we'd have to take a risk with an experimental play.

(Ms. Cho) The rest of the play won't be a problem.

The issue is the ending.

(Mr. Lee) You're right.

The lead will have to portray a deranged artist,

but that's hard even for an experienced actor.

Let's try it.

Perhaps either Youngseo or Jeongnyeon…

will be able to handle it.

(deep exhale)

(exclaims)

I think this is it. You look beautiful.

(Jooran's mom chuckles softly)

You're so blessed.

Your groom wants to have a big wedding with you in a beautiful veil.

(Jooran's mom chuckles)

Did you tell the troupe you're quitting?

No.

(Jooran's mom) My goodness.

Your wedding date is set. How long are you going to put it off?

The groom's family might think less of you,

so move out of there as soon as possible.

Got it?

(footsteps approaching)

(Jeongnyeon) Ah.

What were you up to?

Nothing.

Have you read the script for The Legend of the Twin Pagodas?

Yeah, it sounds fun.

But the story is just too sad.

I feel so bad for all three leads, Asadal, Dalbi, and Asanyeo.

You're auditioning for Asadal, right?

Of course.

You're auditioning for Asanyeo, right?

That way, we'll be on stage acting together.

Don't forget about our promise, okay?

(soft chuckle)

I'm going to become…

Maeran's prince.

So I really need your help.

My help?

A prince cannot act by himself.

He needs his princess by his side.

Of course, it won't be easy.

I'll have to fight tooth and nail with Youngseo.

And that brat has probably improved so much.

Jeongnyeon.

Let's do a scene from the script right now.

Right now?

Sure, let's do it.

Which scene should we try?

Let's do Asadal's dream.

I want to try the scene

where the dying Asanyeo appears in Asadal's dream.

(Jooran) Asadal.

(Jeongnyeon) Asanyeo.

(both breathing heavily)

My beautiful love.

You cannot fathom how much I have missed you.

Asadal.

Seeing your face again,

I am…

I am…

- (shaky breath) - (thuds)

My love.

Why are you so downcast on this fine day?

I am simply too overwhelmed to finally see you.

Asanyeo.

My poor wife.

Asadal…

Please…

Please come see me.

What are you talking about?

I am here right now, am I not?

(♪ Somber music playing)

Until you come see me, my love…

I shall continue to wait

and pine for you.

So please… (sharp inhale)

Please…

(♪ somber music continues)

(sharp inhale)

(Jooran breathes shakily)

(Jooran sobbing)

(sobbing continues)

Jooran.

Oh, wow.

(chuckles softly, sniffles)

I think I got too into character.

How was my acting?

"How was it?"

I thought Asanyeo had jumped right out of the script.

My goodness.

When did you get this good?

(soft chuckle)

(sniffles, exhales shakily)

(deep breath)

(Director Kang) Now, did everyone get their script

for The Legend of the Twin Pagodas?

(members) Yes, ma'am.

Because we don't have much time for this production,

we'll only be opening the audition for the roles of Asadal and Asanyeo.

Doaeng and I will select the actors for the rest of the roles.

Then we'll be holding the audition for Asadal in two weeks.

(Chorok) Director.

Let's speed things up a bit.

The only people who could play Asadal among us…

- are Jeongnyeon and Youngseo. - (Boksil) She's right.

And it's more fun for us to see them compete.

- (Boksil) Right? - Is that so?

Then Jeongnyeon and Youngseo will be auditioning for Asadal.

(Director Kang) Can you prepare everything in two weeks?

- Yes. - Yes.

Then moving on to Asanyeo...

Let's speed this up too.

- I could take... - Yeah! Jooran and Chorok.

- (Yeonhong chuckles softly) - (softly) I wanted to say me.

(Director Kang) Is that so?

Would that be okay for Jooran and Chorok?

Yes, I'd be happy to.

What about Jooran?

Do you need more time to prepare for the audition?

That's not it.

Director.

I don't think I'll be able to audition.

What is it? Is something going on?

The Legend of the Twin Pagodas

I'll have to leave the troupe soon.

(♪ Low tense music playing)

Leave the troupe? Why is that?

(sharp inhale)

I'm getting married.

(members) What?

- (member 1) Married? - (member 2) She's getting married?

(members murmuring)

(member 3) Then what do we do?

(member 4) It's so sudden.

(Director Kang) You're getting married?

What is this about?

You've never talked about this before.

It was decided quite recently.

(sighs)

Okay.

Of course you can get married.

But do you have to leave right now, giving up on the audition?

You could leave after this production.

No, I'll have to leave within the week.

That soon?

The groom's family

wants me to focus on taking care of my husband once I'm married.

And my parents want that too.

That's what the adults want.

What about you?

You have to make your own choices for your life.

(sighs)

I think my time at Maeran is over.

From now on,

I'll live out the reality I've been given.

That's my choice.

- (footsteps approaching) - (bird calling)

When are you leaving?

Early tomorrow morning.

That soon?

(soft sigh)

Do you… really have to leave?

It'll only get harder to leave the longer I stay.

I didn't know I could be this cruel either.

It's not because you're cruel.

It's because you might not go through with it…

(♪ somber music playing)

…if you put it off.

(soft exhale) Youngseo.

I was able to be my best on stage because of you.

I never would have had the chance if it weren't for you.

(sniffles)

(soft chuckle)

That's my line.

Thanks for everything.

Thank you, Jooran.

(sniffles)

You were the best partner I could ever have.

(Youngseo sniffles)

(Jooran sighs)

(Youngseo sobs softly)

(Youngseo sniffles)

(door opens)

(scribbling)

(door closes)

(Youngseo) Jooran's leaving early tomorrow morning.

(shaky breathing)

She'll be waiting in the rehearsal room.

(scribbling)

- (door closes) - (scribbling stops)

(♪ Somber music playing)

(door creaking)

(sighs)

(door creaking)

(Jeongnyeon breathes heavily)

(♪ Soft somber music playing)

You thought you could say goodbye with just a note?

(soft chuckle)

I'm glad I got to see your face before I left.

(sharp sigh)

What are you smiling for?

I'm not here because I wanted to see you off.

I had to see you leave with my own eyes to forget you completely.

Yes.

I know.

I can't wish you well.

I want you to feel guilty.

That's the only way…

you won't just forget about me.

Am I wrong?

You're going to forget about me…

and everything we went through here

and live on.

No.

(sobs) I won't.

I don't believe you.

I won't believe anything you say from now on.

(soft scoff)

(sighs, mutters) I can't believe you.

(sniffles) How could you?

(sobs) You're so…

(shaky breath)

- (shaky breath) - (Jeongnyeon sniffles)

- (sobs) - (Jooran) Jeongnyeon.

(sniffles)

Forget all about me and live your life.

I'll remember everything for us.

(Jooran sobs) I promise I'll live my whole life feeling guilty.

I promise to always suffer…

(sobs) …every time I think of you.

(sobs)

(sobbing)

(sniffles)

(Jooran breathes heavily)

Goodbye, Jeongnyeon.

(shaky breathing)

My one and only prince.

(♪ Soft somber music continues)

(♪ Wistful music playing)

(sobbing)

(sniffling, sobbing)

(♪ Closing theme music playing)

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

- (Youngseo) What's going on? - (indistinct clamoring)

We're selling the property?

Do you really need to go this far for one last show?

(Youngseo) What can we do?

We'll keep performing.

(Director Kang) This new production will give birth to a new prince,

which will mark the beginning of a new era for my troupe.

Some might call me crazy.

(Jeongnyeon) But to me,

those stars are my dreams that help me survive.

Translated by Jin Yu