ENTERTAINMENT
Kim Tae-ri Shines as a True Gugak Performer in 'Jeongnyeoni'
In the 7th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Jeongnyeoni', aired on the 2nd, Yoon Jeong-nyeon (played by Kim Tae-ri) steps in for Hong Ju-ran (played by Woo Da-bi), who was involved in an unexpected accident, to play the role of 'Guseulagi' in the 'Jamyeonggo' performance. This episode depicted her redeeming her past mistakes and finally being recognized as an official trainee.
The 7th episode of 'Jeongnyeoni' maintained its popularity, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial, during its time slot with an average household rating of 10.3% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 11.8%, and an average nationwide rating of 10.1%, peaking at 11.9%. The 2049 target audience rating for tvN also recorded a peak of 3.6% in the metropolitan area and 4.1% nationwide, holding the top spot across all channels during its time slot. (Based on Nielsen Korea's paid platform)
Previously, Jeong-nyeon, who played the minor role of Soldier 1 in 'Jamyeonggo', almost ruined the performance with her standout acting and voice, overshadowing the main character. As a result, she was informed by the director Sobok (played by Ra Mi-ran) that she would no longer be allowed on stage. Despite receiving applause for her excellent vocal skills and stage presence, Jeong-nyeon couldn't understand what she did wrong. However, on her way back after the performance, a fan's comment, "I could only see you," made her painfully realize her mistake. Determined to return to her roots, Jeong-nyeon decided to analyze all the roles in 'Jamyeonggo' on her own, waiting for an opportunity that might come her way.
Yeong-seo (played by Shin Ye-eun) learned from her mother Ki-joo (played by Jang Hye-jin) that Jeong-nyeon is the daughter of the genius vocalist Chae Gong-seon (played by Moon So-ri). Shocked by Jeong-nyeon's performance, which overshadowed the entire play despite her minor role, Yeong-seo's inferiority complex exploded upon hearing Jeong-nyeon practice a part of 'Jamyeonggo'. In front of Jeong-nyeon, Yeong-seo vented, "Teach me. How do you do it? Geniuses like your mother and you can know without practice, but do I look ridiculous struggling like this?" Jeong-nyeon confessed that her mother's shadow was also a challenge she had to overcome, offering sincere advice, "Chae Gong-seon is Chae Gong-seon, and Yoon Jeong-nyeon is Yoon Jeong-nyeon. So you should just look ahead. Everything you've built with your sweat and tears is entirely yours."
Jeong-nyeon mastered all the roles in 'Jamyeonggo' except for the 'Guseulagi' role played by Ju-ran, which she struggled with. At this time, Ok-gyeong (played by Jung Eun-chae) extended a helping hand. Ok-gyeong played the counterpart role of 'Gomigeol', working with Jeong-nyeon and advising her, "Broaden your perspective. Don't just focus on your role. Look at the whole play and think about your role," providing Jeong-nyeon with significant insight.
One day, an unexpected accident occurred just before the performance. During a rehearsal, a light fixture fell from the ceiling, injuring Ju-ran, making her unable to perform. In a hurry, Sobok searched for a replacement, but no one among the members had perfectly memorized the 'Guseulagi' lines. Knowing that Jeong-nyeon had mastered all the roles in 'Jamyeonggo', Ju-ran persuaded her to take over the 'Guseulagi' role. Although hesitant, fearing she might ruin the stage again, Jeong-nyeon decided to seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She volunteered to Sobok, stating she had memorized not only the lines but also the choreography, leading Sobok to decide to put her back on stage.
Amidst the worried gazes of all the members, Jeong-nyeon took the stage, her hard-earned practice shining through as she harmonized stably with Ok-gyeong, blending into the play. In the duet scene with 'Gomigeol' Yeong-seo, she showcased her unique 'Guseulagi', different from Ju-ran's, captivating everyone in the theater.
Contrary to the previous 'Chunhyangjeon' performance, the flow was entirely different. Surprised by Jeong-nyeon's acting, Yeong-seo forgot her lines on stage. At this moment, Jeong-nyeon quickly helped Yeong-seo regain her flow, and thanks to Jeong-nyeon's quick thinking, Yeong-seo remembered her lines, ending the scene with a more intense 'Gomigeol' performance, drawing thunderous applause. Successfully completing the performance, Jeong-nyeon received praise from Sobok, "Now you finally know how to perform by letting go," and was recognized as an official trainee. Yeong-seo apologized for her past behavior towards Jeong-nyeon and transformed into a 'friendly competitor', creating a warm atmosphere.
Towards the end of the episode, Sobok announced to the members the news of a joint performance 'The Fool and the Princess' with other female Gugak troupes, along with auditions for the roles of On-dal and Princess Pyeonggang's child actors. Sobok declared that the child actors selected through the auditions would be recognized as successors to Ok-gyeong and Hye-rang, and that they must audition in pairs. This raised the spirits of Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo, who were aiming for Ok-gyeong's successor position, ending the episode with anticipation for future developments.
Meanwhile, the episode also featured an incident where the business manager of the Maeran Gugak troupe, Go Bu-jang (played by Ryu Seung-soo), absconded after stealing Maeran's safe. Furthermore, it was revealed that Hye-rang was deeply involved in this matter, and her goal was to protect Ok-gyeong as a 'flawless prince', adding to the shock. However, Ok-gyeong felt exhausted by Hye-rang's obsession. Realizing that Hye-rang was behind the series of incidents at Maeran, Ok-gyeong warned, "But know this, Hye-rang. The more you try to drive Jeong-nyeon, Yeong-seo, and Ju-ran away, the more my heart drifts from the Gugak troupe. I haven't told the director yet because I still have some affection left for you. Don't test my patience." However, Hye-rang vehemently refused to give up her position, deepening the conflict between Ok-gyeong and Hye-rang, adding tension. The fate of the Maeran Gugak troupe, heading towards a whirlpool of catastrophe, is drawing attention.
