Crisis Looms Over Maeran Theater Troupe as Key Member Loses Voice

The Maeran Theater Troupe faces a crisis as Kim Tae-ri's character loses her voice and leaves the troupe, just as they prepare for a crucial joint performance.

In the 9th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Jeong Nyeon', aired on the 9th, the story unfolds with Yoon Jeong-nyeon (played by Kim Tae-ri) participating in a child role audition for the joint performance 'The Fool and the Princess'. After a strenuous vocal training, she coughs up blood on stage and is diagnosed with a condition that forces her to give up singing, plunging her into despair. Amidst the chaos, the Maeran Theater Troupe begins preparations for the performance that could determine their fate.

The 9th episode of 'Jeong Nyeon' achieved impressive ratings, with an average of 12.7% in the metropolitan area and a peak of 14.3%, while nationwide ratings averaged 12.0% with a peak of 13.7%, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. The 2049 target audience ratings for tvN also reached a peak of 4.4% in the metropolitan area and 4.5% nationwide.

Jeong-nyeon collapses on stage and is rushed to the hospital. The roles of Ondal and Pyeonggang are given to Yeong-seo (played by Shin Ye-eun) and Ju-ran (played by Woo Da-bi), respectively. However, neither can celebrate. Yeong-seo feels that Jeong-nyeon was the one who truly performed on stage, while Ju-ran blames herself for pushing Jeong-nyeon to the brink.

Ok-gyeong (played by Jung Eun-chae) is also tormented, witnessing the downfall of Jeong-nyeon, whom she believed could save her from a deep-seated malaise. The fact that her partner Hye-rang (played by Kim Yoon-hye) caused this situation, and Hye-rang's inability to understand her distress, only adds to Ok-gyeong's despair.

Yeong-seo discovers a shocking truth: her mother, Ki-joo (played by Jang Hye-jin), bribed the judges to secure her audition success. Ki-joo plans to transfer Yeong-seo to the National Theater Troupe after 'The Fool and the Princess'. In defiance, Yeong-seo declares her intention to stay with Maeran, stating, "I've never lived as myself. From now on, I will live as Heo Yeong-seo, not Ki-joo's daughter." She informs the troupe leader, So-bok (played by Ra Mi-ran), of her mother's misconduct and her decision to withdraw from the performance. So-bok reassures Yeong-seo, highlighting her potential and urging her not to undervalue herself.

Jeong-nyeon recovers physically in the hospital but cannot regain her voice. Determined to find a way, she returns to Maeran, buoyed by her peers' warm welcome. However, she cannot hide her disappointment at Ju-ran's avoidance due to guilt. Meeting Yeong-seo, Jeong-nyeon graciously accepts the audition outcome and supports Yeong-seo's future.

Rehearsals for 'The Fool and the Princess' commence, with Maeran Theater Troupe securing all major roles, causing discontent among other troupes. Geum-joo (played by Song Ji-oh) from the 'Our Sound Gugak Troupe' defies So-bok's direction, insisting on her interpretation of her character. Jeong Nam-hee (played by Woo Mi-hwa), the troupe leader, supports Geum-joo, expressing dissatisfaction with So-bok's leadership, creating a tense atmosphere.

Amidst the inter-troupe tensions, Jeong-nyeon desperately seeks a cure for her voice, consulting various doctors. In a moment of weakness, she considers an opium prescription. Observing Jeong-nyeon's futile efforts, So-bok arranges for her to see a renowned specialist, who also advises her to give up singing. With her last hope dashed, Jeong-nyeon, like her mother Yong-rye (played by Moon So-ri), faces the fate of a singer who has lost her voice. Unable to accept this reality, she leaves Maeran and returns to her hometown, Mokpo.

Her mother and sister, Jeong-ja (played by Oh Kyung-hwa), embrace Jeong-nyeon, who returns battered and bruised. Sharing Jeong-nyeon's pain, Yong-rye advises, "Life goes on. Don't look back at what you've left behind; focus on moving forward." Jeong-nyeon immerses herself in work at the market, trying to forget her sorrows, but cannot escape her rising anger and sadness. Hearing a market vendor hum a tune, she returns home, unable to contain her emotions, and runs to the sea, throwing herself into the water, leaving viewers in shock.

Jeong-nyeon's absence leaves a significant impact on Maeran. Chorok (played by Hyun Seung-hee) reveals Hye-rang's misdeeds to So-bok, who then orders Hye-rang to leave Maeran after the performance. Meanwhile, Yeong-seo and Ju-ran mourn Jeong-nyeon's departure, struggling with their loss.

Amidst this turmoil, Ok-gyeong's opium scandal erupts. Investors threaten to withdraw their funds, and despite Ok-gyeong's protests of innocence, the joint performance team distrusts her, creating a chaotic atmosphere. Facing the potential collapse of Maeran if the performance fails, So-bok takes a bold stance, promising to cover any deficits from the performance. She believes that failing to protect Ok-gyeong, the 'face of women's theater', could endanger the entire genre.

However, the episode ends with a shocking twist. After denying the opium scandal at a press conference, Ok-gyeong returns to Maeran, where Yeong-seo expresses admiration. Ok-gyeong unexpectedly asks, "If I leave this troupe, will you come with me?" This proposal adds to the tension and uncertainty surrounding Maeran and its members. As Jeong-nyeon and Maeran stand on the brink, their fates hang in the balance.

Reporter Tae Yuna, Ten Asia youyou@tenasia.co.kr