Plot

Jeong Nyeon has no money or education, but she has a talent for singing. Her dream is to join a traditional female theater company and succeed. Will Jeong Nyeon achieve her dream of becoming a big star and becoming rich?

Jeong Nyeon has no money or education, but she is a Mokpo girl with a talent for singing. Her dream is to join a women's traditional theater company, and make it big. But she has a lot to learn and a long way to go before becoming a lead actor. Will Jeong Nyeon achieve her dream of becoming a big star and getting rich?—MyDramaList

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born" is a South Korean television series set in the 1950s, shortly after the Korean War. It follows the journey of Yoon Jeong-nyeon, a young girl from Mokpo with a natural talent for singing but no money or formal education. Her dream is to join a women's traditional theater company, specifically a Yeoseong Gukgeuk troupe-an all-female performance group that blends singing, dancing, and acting, rooted in the Korean musical storytelling tradition of pansori. The story traces her struggles, growth, and determination as she pursues her ambition to become a celebrated performer in this unique art form, which was highly popular in post-war Korea.

The drama highlights Jeong-nyeon's challenges, including her rivalry with Heo Young-seo, a skilled trainee, and her mentorship under seasoned troupe members. It explores themes of resilience, female empowerment, and the pursuit of dreams against societal and personal odds. Along the way, Jeong-nyeon navigates complex relationships, uncovers secrets about her family, and faces the pressures of a declining theater scene as films begin to overshadow gukgeuk. The series culminates in her rise as a star, symbolized by her standout performance that earns her recognition and reconciles her with her estranged mother.

Adapted from a webtoon by Seo Ireh and Namon, the show celebrates Korean cultural heritage through its focus on gukgeuk and pansori, brought to life with rich performances, stunning production, and a strong female-led cast.