One of the most popular tvN K-dramas of 2024, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born recently released its last episode, and raised a lot of questions for viewers. Was Jeong-nyeon successful in the audition? Who becomes the new prince of Maeran? Let’s untangle what befalls our Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born protagonists as we break down the ending of the K-drama.
Based on a popular webcomic of the same name, the period Korean drama is helmed by The Red Sleeve fame director Jung Ji-in. Written by Choi Hyo-bi, the show focuses on bringing to the screens the glory of all-female musical dramas known as Yeoseong Gukgeuk, an invaluable cultural treasure of Korea.
With actors Shin Ye-eun and Kim Tae-ri playing protagonists Young-seo and Jeong-nyeon respectively, the story follows the life of Jeong-nyeon, as she joins Maeran Gukguek-dan and competes against her biggest rival Young-seo, to become one of the best female theatre artists in post-war Korea.
Applauding Kim’s acting in the series, director Jung shared in a press conference, “Actress Kim Tae Ri was simply Jeong Nyeon herself. She portrayed Jeong Nyeon’s pain with depth, and it felt like meeting an artist beyond the horizon.”
Who is in the cast of Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born?
- Kim Tae-ri as Yoon Jeong-nyeon
- Shin Ye-eun as Heo Young-seo
- Ra Mi-ran as Kang So-bok
- Jung Eun-chae as Moon Ok-kyung
- Kim Yoon-hye as Seo Hye-rang
- Moon So-ri as Seo Yong-rye
- Woo Da-vi as Hong Joo-ran
Spoilers ahead!
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born ending explained: Does director Kang So-Bok sell the Maeran house?
Yes, she does. The final episode of the 2024 K-drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born begins with Chief Ko Dae-il showing up at the Maeran house with a few people to see how he can transform the property once he buys it. Meanwhile, Heo Young-seo learns that the Maeran might be sold out due to unpaid debt. She immediately asks her mother Han Ki-joo for help by asking for her share of the inheritance she received from her grandfather. In exchange, Young-seo agrees to give up on Gukgeuk. Later, Young-seo offers So-bok the money she received from her mother but So-bok, who is grateful for the gesture, declines it politely.
The next day, So-bok meets with one of her friends who tells her about a cooperative that can lend her money. So-bok gets a loan from the cooperative and pays off the debt. However, she still has to find money to settle the production costs.
When Jeong-nyeon meets an upset So-bok, she tells her that they are performers and any place they perform on, will become their stage. She further explains that it doesn’t matter if they lose the Maeran building, their passion will keep them going. Eventually, Jeong-nyeon’s words resonate with So-bok and she sells the building to Chief Ko and settles all her production costs.
Does Jeong-nyeon become the Maeran prince?
Despite losing their building, the Maeran troupe plans to put their best foot forward and get ready for their last play The Legend Of The Twin Pagodas.
During the auditions, Young-seo and Jeong-nyeon choose the same act from the play. Young-seo puts on an incredible performance and the judges almost conclude that there’s no point auditioning anyone further. However, Jeong-nyeon beats Yeong-seo and wins the audition round, finally becoming Ok-gyeong’s successor and Maeran’s new prince.
Later, Jeong-nyeon gets a letter of encouragement from her friend Joo-ran, where she tells her that she’s waiting to see “Prince Jeong-nyeon become everyone’s prince.
Is Maeran’s last play a success?
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In the finale episode of the tvN K-drama, viewers see the Maeran troupe performing their last play, the Legend of the Twin Pagodas. It tells the story of two skilled pagoda builders Dalbi and Asadal, with Young-seo playing Dalbi and Jeong-nyeon playing Asadal.
In the play, Dalbi is jealous of Asadal’s skills because the latter visualises his sculptures and creates magic. However, Dalbi merely carves stones. One day both the builders are ordered by the princess of their kingdom to make the best pagoda. During this time, Dalbi finds a way to break Asadal. He manipulates the latter’s wife and lies to her saying that Asadal will marry the princess once the pagoda is ready because he has fallen in love with her. On the last day of the pagoda’s completion, Asadal meets his wife, but only to witness her drawing her last breath. The play ends with Asadal realising that he might have given his all to the pagoda but lost everything in return.
The play serves as a direct parallel to Jeong-nyeon’s life at Maeran. It reflects how just like the character Asadal, Jeong-nyeon was envied by her biggest rival Young-seo, and how sometimes, outcomes have been unrewarding for Jeong-nyeon even when she put her all into it. However, passion for the craft is what keeps Jeong-nyeon going, just like Asadal.
The play’s ending serves as the ending of the series Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. Jeong-nyeon’s performance as Asadal becomes a massive hit. She receives a standing ovation from the audience. However, the best part for Jeong-nyeon is her mother Yong-rye and her sister Jeong-ja attending her first play as the prince of Maeran.
Watch all episodes of Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born on Disney+.
(Hero Image Credit: 디즈니+ 코리아/@disneypluskr via Instagram; Featured Image Credit: Disney Plus Korea/@DisneyPlusKR via X)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
