tvN's drama Jeongnyeon, which heated up the latter half of 2024's broadcasting scene, delivered fresh emotions through the subject of women's gukgeuk, a genre unfamiliar to many of us. This drama, which aired from October 12 to November 17, depicted the coming-of-age story of Yoon Jeongnyeon, a natural vocal prodigy, set against the backdrop of the 1950s post-Korean War era, resonating deeply with viewers.
출처: tvN
A Modern Reinterpretation of Korean Cultural Heritage
Jeongnyeon's greatest appeal lies in its choice of the unique subject matter of women's gukgeuk. Women's gukgeuk is a branch of changgeuk (traditional Korean musical theater) where all roles were performed by women during and after the Korean War, and it was a performing art that enjoyed great popular success at the time. However, the production team's attempt to revive this nearly forgotten genre in modern times was a meaningful challenge in itself.
Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name, this work goes beyond simply recreating the past and convincingly explores universal themes of passion for art and personal growth. In particular, the gukgeuk performance scenes, which combine pansori (traditional Korean narrative singing), traditional dance, and theater, successfully convey the beauty of our traditional arts to contemporary audiences in a vivid manner.
Reliable Direction and Solid Storytelling
Director Jung Ji-in, who won the PD of the Year award at the 34th Korea PD Awards for The Red Sleeve, handled the direction, while writer Choi Hyo-bi took charge of the script. The collaboration between these two creators played a decisive role in creating Jeongnyeon's distinctive character.
The drama centers on the story that unfolds when nineteen-year-old Jeongnyeon, who lived worrying about meals in Mokpo, enters the Maeran Women's Gukgeuk Theater Company in Seoul. The narrative structure of competition and solidarity, frustration and growth follows the archetype of an artist's coming-of-age story, yet develops a differentiated narrative through the historical backdrop of 1950s Korea and the special stage of women's gukgeuk.
What's particularly noteworthy is that the drama doesn't simply portray the protagonist's success story. By three-dimensionally capturing the dreams and frustrations, friendships and jealousies of various characters centered around the Maeran Theater Company, it realistically illuminates the lives of female artists who lived through the 1950s.
Stellar Casting and Authentic Performances
Kim Tae-ri took on the lead role of Yoon Jeongnyeon, convincingly expressing the image of a naturally gifted vocalist and an actor who shines on stage. The efforts of the cast, who underwent long-term training in pansori, dance, and gukgeuk acting, are conveyed intact through the screen.
Shin Ye-eun played Heo Yeong-seo, a hardworking prodigy, delicately portraying a character that contrasts with Jeongnyeon. The character of Yeong-seo, proud yet hiding inner anxiety, added tension to the drama as a perfectionist and destined rival.
Ra Mi-ran's portrayal of Director Kang So-bok served as the center and spiritual pillar of the Maeran Theater Company, deeply expressing the anguish of a leader who must guide junior members while protecting the company. Moon So-ri's special appearance as Seo Yong-rye was also impressive.
The fact that all the actors trained in pansori, dance, and gukgeuk acting for one to three years significantly enhanced the work's quality. The spectacular on-stage performance scenes that appeared in each episode are the result of the actors' passion combined with the production team's dedication.
Overwhelming Buzz and Public Love
Jeongnyeon received explosive reactions from the moment it aired. It surpassed the previous drama's highest ratings by the third episode, and by the fourth episode, it became the fourth tvN work to achieve double-digit ratings since Queen of Tears. The final episode recorded a 16.5 percent viewership rating, ranking ninth in tvN's all-time history.
In November 2024, Gallup Korea's survey selected it as the number one most-watched broadcast program. In Good Data Corporation's buzz analysis, it ranked among the top 2024 dramas, joining Lovely Runner and Queen of Tears as one of tvN's success stories.
The debut spoiler party held before the first broadcast, consisting of a preview screening and fan service events with the actors, generated significant buzz by directly engaging with prospective viewers. The OTT platform TVING released full versions of the gukgeuk performances from Jeongnyeon, including unreleased footage, providing special enjoyment for drama fans.
A Meaningful Attempt to Connect Tradition and Modernity
As the first women's gukgeuk drama, Jeongnyeon demonstrated tvN's limitless spirit of challenge. tvN's decision to take a chance on the fresh subject of women's gukgeuk in the latter half of 2024, having attempted various subjects such as time-slip stories and reverse cliché romances, was a meaningful endeavor to expand the scope of K-dramas.
In Closing
Jeongnyeon goes beyond being simply a well-made drama to become a work with cultural value. The excellent direction, authentic performances by the actors, and beautiful stage scenes came together to leave a deep impression on viewers.
While the unfamiliar subject of women's gukgeuk might feel daunting, the drama unfolds it as a story of growth and passion that anyone can relate to. The story of women who sought to shine on stage in the 1950s transcends time and resonates greatly with us living in the present.
I confidently recommend Jeongnyeon to those interested in traditional arts or looking for an authentic coming-of-age drama. With a manageable length of 12 episodes, you can watch it with full immersion, and the spectacular stage scenes that appear in each episode will provide special enjoyment in watching the drama.