Original subtitles

It is the 1950s, following the devastating Korean War.

Female gukgeuk, or traditional theater, captures the heart of the public,

and many girls dream of becoming princes.

Playing the role of Yoon Jeongnyeon,

a pansori genius who dives into the world of stars,

is Kim Taeri.

Playing the role of Heo Youngseo,

an elite trainee skilled at singing, dancing, and even acting,

is Shin Yeeun.

Playing the role of Moon Okgyeong,

the undisputed Prince of Maeran, is Jung Eunchae.

Playing the role of Seo Hyerang,

the beautiful flower of Maeran, is Kim Yoonhye.

And last but not least

is the director of all the girls who dream of becoming princes,

Kang Sobok played by Ra Miran.

We want to thank you for your patience

as we proudly present the story of Jeongnyeon!

"Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born"

"Narrator: Cho Yeongsuk First-generation female gukgeuk actor"

All characters, places, organizations, and events in this show are fictional.

The show contains Japanese expressions to reflect the time period.

It's been a while, Gongseon.

How did you…

Are you here to take your daughter home?

So you knew… that she was my daughter?

You know the director?

Let's go.

No, I'm not going!

Jeongnyeon is my student and a part of our troupe.

You can't take her like this.

Of course, she's free to leave of her own free will.

I have no intention of leaving.

Talk to me if you want to take her home.

Or should I talk about our past in front of your daughter right here?

Go on. Get inside.

You've changed a lot.

And you haven't changed at all.

We're not late, are we?

- No, we're not. - Then let's go.

- Wait, Gongseon. - What?

It's medicine for nerves.

They say this calms your nerves right down.

It's so bitter!

You still have to finish it, okay?

Oh, my goodness, that was awful.

Now all there's left to do is wow them with your voice.

All right.

♪ My tears ♪

♪ Cascade down onto the paper ♪

♪ And blur the ink ♪

♪ Of the letters… ♪

She's amazing.

So the rumors are true.

Anyone who hears this rendition of The Blooming Autumn Field

won't be satisfied with any other version.

She's called a genius for a reason.

This recording is going to make Chae Gongseon a national star.

The record of pansori contest winner Chae Gongseon is now available for sale!

Take your time! We have lots to go around!

There's one for everyone! Take your time!

"The Blooming Autumn Field"

It's Chae Gongseon!

You're so pretty!

♪ It cries ♪

♪ Hark ♪

♪ Dear goose ♪

♪ Do you happen to be a messenger? ♪

I guess we were bound to meet as long as we were both alive.

Don't talk nonsense.

I'll be taking Jeongnyeon home,

so don't get in our way.

Why?

Are you afraid?

That Jeongnyeon might face failure like you did?

She was the one who chose this path.

You think she's going to back down now just because you pressure her to?

That's exactly why I'm against this.

I know what she's like more than anyone.

She'll go all the way, no matter the cost.

And what about you?

Are you happy now that you gave up that path?

You reached a position any pansori singer could only dream of.

But you…

gave that up way too easily.

Then what?

What should I have done?

I couldn't sing…

even if I wanted to.

Jeongnyeon was the one who sought me out.

Have you even…

properly heard your daughter sing?

♪ Hearing the goose ♪

♪ Crying ♪

♪ Empress Sim ♪

♪ Gets up ♪

♪ And calls ♪

♪ To the goose ♪

♪ Hark ♪

♪ Dear goose ♪

♪ Do you happen to be ♪

♪ A messenger? ♪

I still remember the time when you came with your father…

and asked Master Im to teach you pansori.

Your father was adamantly against it.

And yet you held your ground

and ended up learning under Master Im.

From your voice

to your stubborn nature…

Jeongnyeon…

is your spitting image.

If…

you also used to sing pansori,

why are you so against me doing it?

If I were you, I'd be happy about it.

Mother.

I still want to earn lots of money and treat you to a better life.

But along with that,

I have a bigger dream now.

I want to be a gukgeuk actor.

My goodness.

Do you like it that much already?

Yes.

When the crowd claps for me,

it feels like

sparks are running up and down my whole body.

I like it that much.

Mother.

Could you please let me do this?

I promise that I'll work very hard.

Jeongnyeon.

I'm begging you.

Come home with me.

Please listen to me.

If I go back…

then what?

You want me to dig for clams and clean fish all my life

and then get married to some guy one day?

Mother.

I can't live like that now.

Do you know what's at the end of this path?

I poured out everything I had

into pansori.

And in the end,

I had nothing left.

Let's stop here…

before you end up like me.

No.

I'm different from you.

I'm positive I won't end up like you.

How could you get in the way of my life

just because you failed?

Then I'm not going to consider you

my daughter anymore.

Will you still stay then?

Will you?

Yes.

Act 4

Jeongnyeon!

Hmm?

I took my cast off today,

so you don't have to work at the coffee shop anymore.

I'm so scared that someone will find out you sang there.

I was also feeling guilty every time I met the director.

But will you be okay?

I'll be fine.

See? Good as new.

I can't believe you!

You have to be careful for a day or two even if you remove your cast.

This won't do.

Let me work at the coffee shop for today.

- No, I'm really fine. - Stop talking nonsense.

I just have to sing for one more day.

I haven't been caught yet.

I'll be back, okay?

Don't you dare move.

Come in.

You called for me?

Hi, Youngseo. I haven't seen you in a while.

Have a seat.

When was the last time you were in Korea, Youngin?

The last time I flew in from the US was last year,

so it's been about a year.

Hmm.

Aren't you happy to see your sister?

I could have gone home to see you.

There was no need for you to come here.

But you always leave right after seeing Mom.

And I also came to spend time with my favorite director.

Really?

You sisters really are polar opposites.

Youngseo is just like our mom.

Both of them live for their pride as artists.

Oh, I almost forgot to give you this.

I'm having a homecoming recital.

I hope to see you there.

Of course, I'll be there.

Youngseo,

go spend some time with your sister.

Uh… thank you.

You're Heo Youngin, the soprano, right?

Yes, I am.

Could I…

please have your autograph?

What's your name?

It's Lee Jongbun.

I'm going to brag to everyone about this!

Here you go.

- Thank you so much. - I'm flattered.

Lighten up, will you?

I feel invisible whenever I'm with you.

I read the article about you playing the lead in your trainee performance.

You got a standing ovation and everything.

It's nothing compared to you.

Come on.

Who cares if I'm happy with it?

It probably means nothing to Mother.

Do you think…

Mom is ever fully satisfied with anything?

There's a lot of you today.

Hello!

Thank you again for visiting our coffee shop!

A round of applause for our band, please!

♪ When the boatman ♪

♪ Hums his song ♪

♪ Samhak Island ♪

♪ Disappears ♪

♪ Into the waves ♪

♪ A lady ♪

♪ Stands by the dock ♪

♪ Her tunic wet with tears ♪

♪ Are these… tears of goodbye? ♪

♪ This is Mokpo's sorrow ♪

Let's go.

What? Don't you want to hear the song?

Oh. Director.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

Is it true you're singing in town for money?

Answer me!

Director, I was just…

A Maeran troupe trainee singing for money?

This is a complete embarrassment and a total disgrace.

You have no pride as an artist.

You're done here!

Director.

I was in the wrong, Director.

I was in need of some money,

so I wasn't thinking straight.

Get up.

You think begging is going to solve all your problems?

I can't give you all the details,

but please believe me when I say…

that I had no choice but to work at the coffee shop.

I was only going to work as a waitress,

but some things came up, and I had to sing there as well.

It was never ever my intention to sing for money!

Then…

tell me why you had to work at the coffee shop.

That's…

I can't tell you.

- Huh? - She can't say.

Director!

What should I do for you to forgive me?

I'll do anything!

I made it very clear from the beginning.

To train diligently,

and never to use Maeran's fame for personal gain.

And you couldn't even do that.

You're not prepared to become an artist,

let alone an actor.

She's unbelievable.

Everyone, get inside.

Now!

- Get in. - Come on, let's sit down.

Yoon Jeongnyeon!

I know full well that what I did

isn't going to go away just because I beg.

But…

I just can't bear to leave.

So please excuse me for coming to beg for your forgiveness.

I have no other place to go.

You know that.

I've abandoned my mother

just so I could stay and become a gukgeuk actor!

I can't leave like this!

From the beginning,

you've never been an official trainee,

but someone who had to prove herself during a trial period.

And as of today,

your trial period is over.

I'll do anything.

I'll even stay as the cleaning staff.

So please let me stay in Maeran.

I guess talking isn't getting through to you.

What?

Drag her out right now!

Director!

- Let me go! - Jeongnyeon!

- Director, please! - Let's go!

Director!

Please!

- No… - Wait, please.

Jeongnyeon… Oh, no…

Jeongnyeon…

I'm so sorry.

It's okay.

It's a relief you weren't found out.

But why do you have to…

You told me not to do it.

I was the one who made that choice.

Don't cry.

If you cry,

you're going to make me cry.

Don't you even think about telling the director you worked there.

If she needed to hear that,

I would have told her myself.

I'm the one who chose to sing.

But you have nowhere to go.

They may not want me, but I still have places I can go.

Wait for me.

I'll do whatever it takes…

to come back to Maeran.

So…

you do whatever it takes

to stay right here, okay?

Oh!

I'll talk to the director once she's calmed down a bit.

But why were you working at the coffee shop?

Whatever the reason may be, she did sing there for money.

The director's not going to forgive her.

The one thing she doesn't take lightly

is anyone using Maeran's fame for personal gain.

If all else fails, I'll introduce you to other theater troupes.

There are lots of other theater troupes in Seoul.

No.

I have to get back into Maeran no matter what.

I can't leave without proving anything.

How will you do that?

And how are you going to stay in Seoul?

I'll...

That's enough.

You can stay here for as long as you need.

I need to get somewhere, so make yourself at home.

But you didn't finish eating…

- Hey. - Yes?

How long do you plan on staying here?

Sorry?

Use your brain, will you?

If the director hears that Okgyeong is letting you stay here,

think about how much trouble she'd be in.

Don't tell me

you were planning on staying here indefinitely

just because she's being kind to you.

Of course not.

I'll make sure not to cause any trouble.

If it's about forgiving Yoon Jeongnyeon, I don't want to hear it.

She broke our rule.

You know she's not someone who'd use our fame for personal gain.

You should first hear her out and...

Whatever her reason was,

there are still so many who look down on gukgeuk troupes.

So it's imperative we don't sell our songs like courtesans.

We might lose her to other theater troupes at this rate.

If I let this slide,

then everyone will try to make money off of our fame.

And our reputation as a theater troupe will go down the drain.

I can't ever let that happen.

Enjoy the buns.

Here you go.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

- Here, enjoy. - Thank you!

- Guys, enjoy. - You're going to become an author!

Just be quiet and eat your buns.

I'm not at that level yet.

Look who's being modest.

"You're that famous author, right?

Can I have your autograph?"

This tastes even better because the great author is treating us.

Could I have five of these next time?

- Can we get some more? - All right, fine.

Let the great author get you more buns.

You really know your stuff. Steamed buns are best in winter.

Look how it's steaming.

It's hot.

Hey.

You all done?

That'll be 180 hwan.

It was right here.

What's going on?

Did you eat all those buns without having money to pay?

My goodness, you planned this from the beginning, didn't you?

No, that's not what's going on.

It really was right here.

All right, let's not do this here.

We'll deal with this at the police station. Come on.

What?

I'm telling you, I have money!

Come on!

- Let's go, you scoundrel! - But I really…

Are you kidding me?

That's not it!

It's not like I didn't pay because I didn't want to.

Someone must have stolen my money!

It's just gone!

I've got nothing!

Whether your money was stolen

or whether you stuffed your face without intending to pay

is none of my concern.

What did you say?

Why are you treating me like a scammer?

Why, you little… How dare you raise your voice?

If you've done something wrong, you should be begging on your knees!

He was just accusing me out of the blue.

I don't want to hear it. Pay up for the buns.

There's no one in Seoul who can help me out right now.

If you don't pay up,

you're going to jail.

J-Jail?

Gosh.

Oh, no.

Then…

could I just make one phone call?

Look at this brat trying to buy time.

Hey! Lock her up!

What? But sir!

- Oh, my goodness! Really? - Come here!

Sir, please! My goodness, what do I do?

Oh, shut up!

My goodness!

I'm sorry.

Park Jongguk

What?

What do you mean Mr. Ko is the reason the trainees have to work in town?

I think the head of finances

is using the troupe's money for gambling.

What are you talking about?

There are girls aside from Jeongnyeon who have jobs in town.

And they can't help but squeeze in work between rehearsals

because they don't get enough allowance from the troupe.

Are you sure they're not working for extra clothes and accessories?

I'm sure.

They can barely afford a cup of coffee

even with a few weeks of allowance.

Is that so?

I didn't know.

I think I should bring it up to the director.

No.

She's already furious as it is because of Jeongnyeon.

If you talk to her now, it won't get through to her.

I'll make sure to bring it up to her

when she's calmed down a bit.

All right?

Hello, Princess.

Keep your gambling in check, will you?

- What? - Someone's getting suspicious.

I'm telling you to lay low for a while before the director hears of this.

Okay.

Also,

raise the allowance for the trainees.

Isn't it enough that the troupe provides housing and food for them?

- What more do they want? - If there are more complaints,

they'll want to examine the ledger.

Will you be okay with that?

All right.

I'll make sure none of this causes you any trouble, okay?

Don't worry.

Please take care, sir.

- Thank you. - Yes.

I'm so sorry for calling you about something like this.

I'll make sure to repay you for the buns.

Don't worry about that.

What are you going to do now?

You probably don't have anywhere to go if you were kicked out of the troupe.

If there's something you want to say, say it now.

Last time,

you said you'd like to make me a star.

Is that still valid?

Of course. I haven't changed my mind.

Then…

could you make me a singer?

That's what I wanted to hear.

What changed your mind?

This is the only way

I can stay in Seoul and not go back to Mokpo.

And there's no way I can go back like this.

Good thinking.

You have to go all the way if you came here to make it big.

But I have a condition.

I will not become a singer by using Maeran's fame.

That's fine by me.

Then from now on,

you're a whole new talent that I found and nurtured.

All right.

Get your tofu here.

Seoul Jongno Broadcasting Station

Hello.

This is our studio.

We shoot our program in here

and broadcast it to all the televisions in the country.

My goodness, so if I sing here,

people will be able to see me?

Right.

But because our technology's not up to par yet,

we can only stream the programs live.

So when you're up on stage,

you have to keep going even if you make a mistake.

But most homes can barely afford radios.

So how many homes actually have televisions?

Seems like it'd be expensive.

You're right, there aren't a lot.

A single television is worth dozens of bags of rice.

What?

Then no one will be watching even if we broadcast anything.

We need to look toward the future.

Televisions are going to dominate the world.

There will come a time

when we'll all stay home to watch television.

And people will be scrambling to get on air.

With gukgeuk, only the audience can enjoy your performance.

But in front of the camera, the whole country can watch you perform.

Mr. Park.

The Kim Sisters are going to be late.

What? Hey.

Then when will they get here?

I'm not sure.

I have no idea what's written here.

Two cups of coffee, Miss Lee.

Yes, sir.

There are so many difficult characters.

It's a work contract.

It has the details

on how much we're going to pay you if you appear in our shows.

- Make sure to stamp your fingerprint. - Okay.

Yoon Jeongnyeon

The Fragrance of Seoul Patricia Kim

Oh!

Say hello, Jeongnyeon.

This is Patricia Kim. She'll be teaching you how to sing.

Nice to meet you.

My name is Yoon Jeongnyeon.

You're the singer from Pastel Tea Room.

Yes.

I knew it.

Mr. Park took an immediate interest in you.

I may not be good at much,

but I'm great at picking out good talent.

I'll be going, so please take care of her.

You'll be staying at her place until your debut.

Uh…

And call me if you need anything.

Is something wrong?

It's nothing. Let's start with our lesson.

How about you sing me a song to warm up?

Okay.

First…

take a look at this.

Youth of Mokpo

I've never heard of this song.

That's because it hasn't been published yet.

Mr. Park got this song just for you from a famous composer.

Oh my, for me?

Can you read sheet music?

No.

Then listen well.

I'm going to sing it just once. Make sure to memorize it.

Okay.

♪ The sun is setting on the Mokpo docks ♪

♪ A lady looks for her love ♪

♪ Her cheeks ♪

♪ Are as rosy as the setting sun ♪

♪ Walking by gracefully ♪

♪ She lives by the blue ocean ♪

♪ When will he return? ♪

♪ My love out at sea ♪

♪ My heart flutters ♪

♪ At the slightest sight of his ship ♪

♪ What am I to do with this longing? ♪

♪ She goes on pacing ♪

♪ Lady of the Mokpo docks ♪

Oh, my goodness!

You're absolutely amazing!

Your voice is like honey!

Of course.

I used to be quite popular in my day.

Now then, sing along with me.

Okay.

Oh, goodness.

What's the matter?

This won't do.

I tried to ignore it,

but your fashion is bumming me out.

I can't seem to focus.

We'll need to…

do something about your fashion.

Try walking around.

Spin around.

Next.

Next.

Now, hold your head up slightly.

And put on a smile.

This steak thing tastes delicious.

I wanted to ask you,

why aren't you going back on stage

when you've got such an amazing voice?

Even if I want to,

no one's willing to take me since I'm a divorcée.

A divorcée?

Why are you so surprised?

It's just that I've only ever heard about it.

This is my first time seeing a divorced person.

Then did you think

a divorced person would have horns on their head or something?

Of course not.

Well,

I also didn't know I'd get a divorce.

I didn't know my husband

would have an affair with a girl half his age.

Ah… So he had an affair.

The ladies in my hometown said

that men have small affairs at least once in their lives,

so girls should just bear with it.

Maybe you should have been more patient.

How could I?

I would have been sharing my husband with another woman.

But you just said you couldn't go back to work.

Don't you have any regrets about getting divorced?

How about you?

Do you have any regrets about coming to Seoul

now that you're kicked out of the troupe?

- No. - Why not?

You're not doing gukgeuk now.

You wouldn't have suffered so much if you had never come here.

Still, it can't be helped.

I'd do the same thing even if I were to go back in time.

That's how I feel.

Even if I were to go back knowing how I would end up,

there's no helping it.

I can't live my life as anyone but me.

If I lived my life as if I were someone else,

I would be deceiving myself.

Of course,

I may never be able to stand in front of an audience as a singer.

But if I guide you to become a wonderful singer,

then I'd begin the second act of my life.

Here.

Let's do our best, shall we?

Yes.

Hey, why didn't you clean up last time?

It wasn't on purpose. Sit down.

- Come here. - Chorok!

Ah, now that somebody's gone,

the whole atmosphere has lightened up.

I knew that country bumpkin would cause trouble one day.

How could she even think of singing for money?

She's just not on our level.

Park Chorok, Seo Boksil.

You guys get enough allowance from your homes

because your family's well off.

Don't be so quick to judge someone when you've never been short on money.

How scary.

We weren't talking about you. Why are you getting worked up?

Do you work at the coffee shop too?

What?

She works at a coffee shop?

- Jooran's working there too? - There's no way.

Hey, I think you were right.

This isn't something to laugh about.

- There's no way. - Training's gonna start soon.

Keep it down.

Why would you talk trash about someone who's already left?

You should be rehearsing if you've got that much time.

Park Chorok, Seo Boksil, Jin Yeonhong.

You guys had the lowest scores on the monthly review.

Jamyunggo

- Let's get back to our seats. - Hey, that's my seat. Move.

Thank you.

I didn't do it so you would thank me.

Still, thank you.

I have no idea

how the director found out Jeongnyeon was working at the coffee shop.

Who could have told her?

♪ The sun is setting on the Mokpo docks ♪

- ♪ A lady looks for her love ♪ - Keep it light.

♪ Her cheeks ♪

- ♪ Are as rosy as the setting sun ♪ - A bit more nostalgic. Good.

♪ Walking by gracefully ♪

Bounce those hips.

♪ She lives by the blue ocean ♪

Like the waves, yes.

♪ When will he return? ♪

Confidently!

♪ My love out in the sea ♪

Keep it going!

Stop, stop, stop!

How would you rate yourself

for your performance just now?

I'd of course give myself…

…a zero.

Why is that?

I don't feel anything as I sing,

so what would the audience feel?

So you know.

Right now, you have the basic skills down.

But let me tell you something about pop songs.

It's not enough for you to simply sing well.

You need to be able to entice your listeners

and excite them to their core.

How do I do that?

You need to own the song.

So much so that if people hear your name,

they'll be able to think of Youth of Mokpo right away.

Listen to me.

When you sing your very first line,

you need to be able to pull everyone's attention to the television.

Okay.

Kim Sungeum

Who are you?

Hello, ma'am.

Is Yoon Jeongnyeon perhaps…

Jooran!

Jeongnyeon!

How have you been?

How are you holding up?

How are you doing?

What about you?

Of course you wouldn't be doing well.

All because of me.

Stop, stop!

No more crying.

I'm fine. I don't think about the troupe anymore.

Actually, I'm so busy learning new things.

How's the troupe doing?

Things must be so hectic preparing for the audition and all.

Well, yeah.

I bet that brat Youngseo…

…will be auditioning for the male lead, am I right?

You're still thinking about the troupe,

which means you still want to come back.

No, I mean…

I'm telling you, no!

I'm going to make it big as a pop singer now!

They say…

that television is going to dominate the world.

And I'm…

Those people

are from beyond the stars.

Beyond the stars?

I'm going to make it big among the stars.

And what about you?

Which role are you auditioning for?

Oh…

I'll probably end up as an extra.

I've never played

anything other than extras for official performances.

And the director won't give me any leads.

What are you talking about?

You can't know for sure until you actually try.

You need to aim for something bigger

for your skills to improve even by just a bit.

And didn't you tell me

that you wanted to play leads like Hyerang one day?

That was just…

But there's no one to watch me on stage anymore.

What? What do you mean?

If you're going to be on stage, you can count on me to be in the audience.

- You mean it? - Come on.

Have I ever lied to you?

Of course I mean it.

Eat up.

These black things are really delicious.

Thanks.

What do you think?

I like it.

She's the most popular soprano these days.

You should know about these things now.

"Heo Youngin."

Heo Youngin?

Is she perhaps the daughter of the famous soprano, Han Kijoo?

So you've heard of her?

Yes.

I know her younger sister quite well.

I didn't know she had a sister.

Anyhow, they're incredibly well off.

Her father, Dr. Heo Inseong, is a dean of a medical college

and comes from old money.

Her mother, Han Kijoo,

is the only child of the director of Cheongam Hospital in Jongno.

You'll be shocked when you see where they live later.

We're going to their house?

Of course.

The purpose of our evening is to meet people at their house.

Oh, come on.

By the way, where in Mokpo did you say you lived?

I lived in Haean-dong. Why do you ask?

We need to shoot some footage for when you get on air.

We'll just get some scenery shots.

The scenery in my hometown is absolutely gorgeous.

You'll get a masterpiece everywhere you shoot.

Soprano Heo Youngin Homecoming Recital

Hello, ma'am.

Fate really is cruel, huh?

I guess Maeran is here today.

Make sure you hold your head up high.

You're going to be a rising star of television.

Of course.

The music's beautiful, isn't it?

It is.

Oh, brava!

Brava!

Come on, get up for your sister.

- Hi. - Hello, hi.

Christine?

- Nice to see you. - Long time no see.

- How long will you stay here? - Around two weeks.

- Sounds good. - Enjoy.

- Thank you very much. - Thank you.

Thank you.

Oh. Come with me, Jeongnyeon.

Good evening, Director Kim.

She's Yoon Jeongnyeon, the girl I've been telling you about.

Uh, hello.

Yes. Hello, Ms. Yoon.

I've heard a lot about you.

Mr. Park here is expecting a lot from you.

So I hope you do well.

Then…

Yes.

And this is Journalist Son Jaedeok from Paradise Monthly.

- Hello. - Yes, hello.

So she's your up-and-coming star?

She's younger than I thought she'd be.

Visuals are key for television.

We need to put forth young and pretty talents.

We hope to hear lots of good articles from you then.

Well, of course. I'll see you again then.

Yes, sir.

Let's work hard, all right?

The man beside Jeongnyeon is a producer at a broadcasting station.

I guess they're trying to broadcast her singing.

I told her to sing her heart out outside the troupe,

and she's really living her life, isn't she?

Director?

- Here you go, ma'am. - Thank you.

I think it'll be a big hit this time.

Of course it should.

I'll be counting on you.

Don't you worry. I'll write anything for you.

Really?

Jeongnyeon!

I barely recognized you.

You look good enough to be a model.

My goodness.

You're too kind.

How are you doing with your debut as a singer?

I'm doing well.

For the first time in my life, I'm wearing nice clothes and shoes.

I'm also getting singing lessons from a famous teacher.

It's quite fun.

So have you completely left gukgeuk behind?

I wish you wouldn't stray too far.

You were born to be a performer,

so I'm sure you'll do great as a singer.

But…

I liked it best when you sang pansori.

Okgyeong.

Please excuse me.

The person you came with today.

He's really trying to make you into the finest product, huh?

Product?

Are you saying that I'm an object?

He bought you nice clothes and shoes,

and got you singing lessons, didn't he?

It was all to make you into a product suitable for television.

I guess your sharp tongue hasn't gone anywhere.

You don't think that I…

Never mind.

I know it wasn't you.

What?

I know you didn't tell the director…

about me working at the coffee shop.

Are you saying…

you trust me?

It's not that I trust you.

I just know your character.

Yeah, you might have an attitude problem,

but you're not someone who'd tattle on someone's secret.

I know that much.

This is my family.

- Honey. - My goodness, hello.

I'm sure you all know, but this is my eldest daughter, Youngin.

And this is my second daughter, Youngseo.

Say hi, girls. This is Assemblyman Jung and his wife.

Hello.

That was a phenomenal performance earlier.

I think you'll soon come to represent the whole of Asia beyond our nation.

You're too kind, sir.

Are you also learning opera?

I'm learning gukgeuk, ma'am.

Gukgeuk?

You mean where you sing pansori

and dance around to noisy music?

Oh my.

Ma'am, you sure are cultured in every aspect of the arts.

It's a combination of different art forms including dancing, singing, and acting.

I think you'll quite like it once you watch it.

Well, I suppose it's good to keep our traditions alive.

I see.

Then you must be in lead roles.

Well, of course, sir.

Oh, I've only played lead roles in trainee performances.

And I'm working hard for our official performance audition

to play a lead role.

That must be a lot of work.

You must be so proud of your two gifted daughters.

- How about some wine? - Shall we?

This way then.

Ow!

Oh, jeez.

My goodness.

I guess they really are rich.

Their garden is as big as a huge field.

Are you out of your mind?

Why in the world would you mention you're not even in lead roles?

It's just the truth.

But you will get a lead role.

You said you'd get the lead role with this audition.

I mean…

Not yet, Mother.

Didn't you see how she looked at you

when you mentioned your involvement in the likes of gukgeuk?

And you just had to mention that you're not even in lead roles.

It's such a disgrace.

"The likes of gukgeuk"?

Are you ashamed of me?

Don't change the subject.

You're the one in the wrong.

I always knew you felt this way.

You're ashamed of the very fact that I'm doing gukgeuk.

Is it because gukgeuk isn't opera?

Don't you dare make me the bad guy.

You think I'm the only one who thinks that way?

Everyone in the world knows that there are classes within occupations.

And there are classes…

in the world of arts as well.

I don't care if that's what everyone else thinks.

I only care that you are proud of me.

You're my mother.

Can't you just…

Can't you just be on my side?

The only reason why I didn't cut ties with you

after you left home for gukgeuk…

was because you were still my daughter.

And on top of that,

I'm still being patient with you when you can't even get a lead role.

Don't you think it's now time for you to make me proud?

You.

Did you hear everything?

Hey.

I wasn't trying to…

I wasn't trying to eavesdrop.

I just happened to hear some stuff because it was loud.

You just happened to?

So you flatter me earlier by saying that you knew my character,

then go on to backstab me like this?

I didn't know you had a filthy habit of eavesdropping on others.

What did you say?

Hey.

Never mind.

All right.

I didn't mean to hear anything,

but I'm sorry I did.

I apologize.

Where do you think you're going?

You think an apology is enough?

You're not mad at me right now.

You're mad at your mother.

She was the one who hurt you, so why would you take it out on me?

You…

Did you just… slap me?

You're not the only one with a temper or pride.

From now on…

I'll make sure to pay you back for whatever you do to me.

I don't have any reason…

to be patient with you.

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

Why do you have pictures of my mother?

You're a total con man.

You should have read the contract more carefully.

I'm the one who should be kicked out.

So please let Jeongnyeon come back.

Hey!

- Am I a courtesan? - I don't care.

You're going to sing the way I tell you to!

Or pay up for damages!

I'm not going to do that.

What? What is she doing?

I can't live my life as anyone but me.

Translated by Jin Yu