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.

♪ Soldiers! ♪

♪ Listen to my cry ♪

♪ Come and listen to my cry ♪

♪ As an only son I took a wife at the age of 17… ♪

Isn't that The Soldier's Lament?

Is she actually singing right now?

♪ And rejoiced to finally have a son ♪

♪ At the age of 50 ♪

♪ Then my country summoned me ♪

♪ They called the Nakrang people ♪

♪ To battle against Goguryeo ♪

♪ How could I possibly Ignore their call…? ♪

Get a hold of yourself, Hyerang.

Focus, don't look at the audience.

♪ I paid my tearful respects ♪

♪ To my ancestors ♪

♪ Laid down ♪

♪ With my family ♪

♪ And said to my wife ♪

♪ Please let my son know of me ♪

♪ As he grows up ♪

♪ I bid them goodbye forever ♪

♪ To be on the battlefield ♪

♪ When will I ever ♪

♪ Go back home ♪

♪ And have my son in my arms again? ♪

♪ Alas, my unfortunate fate ♪

That was great!

I loved it!

But isn't that soldier an extra?

- He shouldn't stand out like that. - You're right.

That role is only supposed to inform them of the Goguryeo soldiers.

The whole show has been thrown off.

How is this even Jamyunggo anymore?

Jooran.

Do you hear that?

They're all cheering for my soldier.

Jeongnyeon.

Follow me.

What do we do?

I was so scared.

What?

Not anyone can get into character that deeply.

Jeongnyeon.

You are not allowed on stage starting tomorrow.

Did you not hear me?

You are not allowed on stage.

But what did I do wrong?

So you're not even aware that you've ruined the show.

Geumhui will take your place from tomorrow.

Why are you still here?

The show's not over yet.

Yes, ma'am.

Didn't you hear…

how the audience cheered for me?

I just poured my heart out on stage.

And I captivated every single person in the audience,

and they cheered me on.

Didn't I just save our show?

How did I ruin anything?

That's exactly my point.

The audience had to focus on the show,

and not on you, an extra!

You think the audience loved you?

If you act like a fool on stage again,

the first people to criticize you will be that very audience.

If you have that much to show on stage,

then you should have been a lead, not an extra.

Act 7

We have to do this again?

I had no idea that Jeongnyeon would cause this much trouble.

Was she possessed or something?

Why would she do such a thing?

Why do you think?

She probably lost all reason when the audience cheered her on.

- Oh, you're probably right. - Yeah.

- Youngseo. - No wonder.

Your mother is here to see you.

Mother.

Great job, Youngseo.

You were top-notch in everything from singing to acting.

You did so well.

You look happy.

I thought you'd be down because of Jeongnyeon.

I knew how extreme she could be, so I wasn't too surprised.

It's good that you were still able to save it.

I told you that she has a limit.

Yes, her ability to plunge into character got her to where she is now…

but that same ability destroyed her today.

This is the furthest she can go.

So stop doting on her.

What if…

she's able to break through her limit again?

What do you mean?

She's still young.

Being young allows her

to take in everything and keep on improving endlessly.

Are you saying she's that great?

Or you may be right.

Maybe this is as far as Jeongnyeon can go.

Then it's really no fun.

Jeongnyeon.

Everyone left.

We should get going too.

Okay.

Jeongnyeon!

That was an amazing performance.

You were amazing!

- You were so cool! - Yeah, you were!

Thank you.

I could only focus on you tonight.

- On me? - Yes.

So much so that I don't remember anything after your Soldier's Lament.

Oh! I hope your soldier gets more scenes.

- I agree. - You were so cool.

- You're the best. - So cool.

It's getting late.

I think you should all get going.

Oh, you're right.

Anyway, you were amazing tonight.

I hope to see you again.

- See you! - See you soon!

Jeongnyeon…

The director was right.

The audience…

didn't watch our show tonight.

They just watched me running wild on stage.

If it wasn't for Hyerang…

I would have completely wrecked the whole show.

Youngseo.

When did you arrive?

Welcome home, my little girl.

Why didn't you let us know the moment you came?

Did you sleep well last night?

Oh! Look how tired my baby looks.

Um, I'm okay.

You should eat.

We're having steak since you're home. You like steak, right?

That was the first time I sat through an entire gukgeuk show,

and it was so much fun.

I didn't know you'd enjoy it this much.

But…

about that soldier girl…

Yoon Jeongnyeon?

Yes, her.

Do you happen to know who her mother is?

What about her mother?

Her voice

was exactly like that of Chae Gongseon.

You mean Chae Gongseon who sang The Blooming Autumn Field?

Yes.

I had a sneaking suspicion, so I made some calls.

And I was right.

There's something I found out recently.

My mother…

was apparently a famous master of pansori.

I never imagined

I would see Chae Gongseon's daughter in such a setting.

She's been gifted by the heavens,

so it can't be helped that her starting point is different.

Some people never make it even after pouring out their all,

but some people are just born with it.

So Youngseo,

you just have to get to the top before she does.

That girl almost ruined the whole show yesterday.

So before she gets to the top,

all you have to do is break her spirits completely.

I know you can do it, my sweet girl.

So she's not allowed to train with us and can only do chores?

That's what you get for getting on the director's bad side.

She can't even play an extra on stage.

She's pretty much done here.

That's so sad.

Don't cry, Jeongnyeon.

Huh?

You'll get another chance. Please don't cry.

What are you saying?

I'm tearing up because the smoke keeps getting in my eyes.

What?

I thought you were crying because you were banned from the stage.

Goodness me.

Actually…

it's still quite hard for me.

But I can't just stay down.

Since I now know what I did wrong,

I should focus on never making that mistake again.

Ah! I'm actually practicing by myself nowadays.

Practicing what?

What is this?

You analyzed all the roles in the play?

You remember why I took on the soldier role in the first place?

It was to have a chance to observe the other roles.

And I completely forgot about that along the way

and was too busy trying to show everyone what I've got.

I know it's late,

but I'm trying to get back into the right mindset

and study every character.

But wouldn't this be a waste

if you can't get on the Jamyunggo production?

It doesn't matter.

If I want to grab the chance to get back one day,

I need to be prepared.

King of Nakrang

Precious

All right.

I'll help you in any way I can.

- Will you? - Of course.

Then could you be Gomigeol while I play Precious?

Sure.

- Let's start here. - Okay.

Ah!

Such vile words!

Gomigeol.

You may be the chancellor of Han,

but I…

des… despise you.

Something's off.

I can't seem to get Precious right.

She's a bit complicated.

She's not totally weak, but she isn't that strong either.

That's so true.

She seems very weak but isn't.

At the same time, you can't just portray her as outright powerful.

This won't do.

Let's switch roles.

My dear Precious…

you are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon…

I would have you as my concubine.

Such vile words!

Gomigeol.

You may be the chancellor of Han,

but I despise you.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong are to be wed?

They are nothing but rumors.

You poor…

pretty little thing.

Deliver this letter

to Princess Mokryeon in secret.

I desire to have Mokryeon,

and you desire to have Prince Hodong.

If you deliver this letter…

the two will never…

be able to wed.

Jooran.

Huh?

How is…

my Gomigeol?

It's good.

Right?

It was so hard playing Precious,

but playing Gomigeol is so easy.

And I think we had great chemistry.

♪ Who is this princess of Nakrang? ♪

♪ The enemy princess Who protects the Jamyunggo ♪

♪ Those wretches Who trampled on my beloved Goguryeo ♪

♪ Shall pay for what they did ♪

♪ Their treasure is guarded by a woman ♪

♪ How incompetent Are the men of Nakrang? ♪

♪ I shall infiltrate Nakrang myself ♪

♪ Tear apart the Jamyunggo ♪

♪ And see who this princess is ♪

Whoa!

She's been gifted by the heavens,

so it can't be helped that her starting point is different.

That scared me.

Hey! Where are you going this late?

What's gotten into her again?

The Blooming Autumn Field

♪ Beneath the moon ♪

♪ Cries ♪

♪ The goose ♪

♪ Hearing its cries ♪

♪ Empress Sim ♪

♪ Calls ♪

♪ To the goose ♪

Teach me…

how to sing like you.

Why?

Because you're a genius.

You know how to sing well without having to practice like I do.

So please…

teach me how to be like you.

What is it?

You don't want to?

Is it something only geniuses like you and your mother can get?

Do I look pathetic for struggling so much?

How did you know…

that my mother is Chae Gongseon?

My mother knew it the moment she heard you sing.

You can't hide something like that.

I guess geniuses like you will be recognized wherever you go.

That's interesting.

The people at the broadcasting station and even the director

said that the moment they heard me sing,

they immediately knew that I was Chae Gongseon's daughter.

Do you know what I'm most afraid of these days?

I'm afraid I'll always live in my mother's shadow.

That whenever I sing…

I'll only remind them of her.

I'm so afraid.

But you know what I decided?

Chae Gongseon is Chae Gongseon…

and Yoon Jeongnyeon…

is Yoon Jeongnyeon.

If I'm not going to quit because I'm afraid of my mother's shadow,

then all I can do is keep going my way.

So you should…

keep going your way too.

Everything you've achieved so far with your blood, sweat, and tears…

is yours and yours alone.

And it will continue to be yours.

Jamyunggo Moon Okgyeong, Seo Hyerang

Precious.

My dear Precious,

you are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon, I would have you as my concubine.

Precious? What are you doing?

Ah!

Such vile words!

Gomigeol.

You may be the chancellor of Han, but I despise you.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong are to be…

Sorry, I'll go again.

No.

Jooran, are you not paying attention because we're just rehearsing?

You can't get your timing or your diction right.

I can't believe this.

And Youngseo.

You've also been getting your lines wrong today.

What's with you two?

Get your heads on straight!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Who were you seeing?

- What? - When we were on stage.

You weren't looking at me. You were seeing someone else.

Who were you thinking of with me in front of you?

That was…

Please keep your focus on me when we're on stage.

They are nothing but gossip…

Nothing but rumors!

It's "rumors," not "gossip"!

Come on!

What kind of Precious is that energetic?

Okgyeong!

So you're going over every character in the play?

"Precious, 38 times"

Look how many times you've practiced this role.

I keep getting Precious's lines wrong no matter how much I practice.

Okgyeong.

Didn't you also play the antagonist

when you first started gukgeuk?

I did.

Are you saying…

What do you say?

Would you give me the honor

of practicing with the legendary antagonist?

So you're going to flatter me, huh?

All right.

Let me try playing the antagonist for a change.

My goodness!

Precious.

My dear Precious,

you are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon…

I would have you as my concubine.

Ah! Such vile words!

Gomigeol.

You may be the chancellor of Han,

but I despise you.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong are to be wed?

They are nothing but rumors.

This is driving me nuts.

I'm so sorry.

I still can't get it right.

What are you stuck on?

I don't think such delicate roles suit me at all.

And on that note, everyone says that Precious is weak,

but I don't think she's weak at all.

Then what do you think she's like?

She's quite daring.

First, you'd need a lot of guts to spy on other countries.

Plus, she keeps talking back to Gomigeol who is the chancellor of Han.

That's good.

Then try combining your interpretation

and the existing interpretation together.

If you express her daring nature simply as rude behavior,

it might take away from her character.

Try hinting at it with your eyes and subtle movements.

Oh…

And most importantly,

look at the big picture.

Don't be too immersed in your own character,

but think about the role within the whole narrative.

The whole narrative?

Shall we try again?

Yes.

They're the costumes for Gomigeol and Precious.

Who's there?

I don't think anything's been damaged.

They may have just lost their chance because we came.

The lock wasn't damaged, was it?

It wasn't.

Then it must've been someone from the inside.

Why are we rehearsing again right before the show?

We just had one yesterday.

Why do you think?

The director must be worried someone might go wild like Jeongnyeon did.

And we're the ones paying for it.

Seriously.

I checked all the stage gear, props, and costumes,

and everything's as it should be.

I didn't notice anything out of place.

Were we perhaps overreacting?

Overreacting is better than being careless.

Even so, keep your guard up until the very end of the show.

And report back to me if you notice anything suspicious.

Yes, ma'am.

You came.

Yes.

I wanted to watch from out here at least.

♪ Oh, my prince ♪

♪ Face as smooth as jade ♪

♪ And stature so manly ♪

♪ My prince is as passionate as the sun ♪

♪ His bright eyes… ♪

I think her voice is even more refined than before.

I guess she's improving quickly now that she has her chance.

♪ Are as strong and swift ♪

♪ As the mountain gales ♪

Let's go.

♪ Dear heavens, I beg of you ♪

My dear Precious,

you are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon, I would have you as my concubine.

Such vile words!

Gomigeol.

You may be the chancellor of Han, but I despise you.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong…

Jooran!

- Oh, no! - My goodness!

Guys! Are you okay?

Oh, my goodness!

Oh, no, Jooran!

I'm okay, I'm okay.

What's wrong?

I don't know.

- I can't walk. - Can't walk?

Don't move.

Take her to the green room.

You sprained your ankle.

It must've happened when you jumped out of the way.

Are you hurt anywhere else?

No, I feel fine everywhere else.

Thank goodness it's just your ankle.

Director, but why did the lights fall?

Is it because the theater is old?

Someone said they saw a ghost the last time they were here.

They said an actor who only played extras died and became a ghost.

So apparently, it only harms lead actors.

Then are you saying that a ghost dropped the lights?

Nonsense!

There are no ghosts.

Doaeng,

have her get changed and take her to the hospital.

Okay.

- Here, hold on to me. - Okay.

Good luck on the show tonight. I'm counting on you.

Bongseon was the stand-in for Precious, right? Get ready.

What?

Me?

Sorry, but I don't think I'm feeling well today, so...

What are you saying?

You're supposed to take care of yourself to fit the show's schedule.

Movies, gukgeuk International Theater

Wait here, I'll get the car.

Okay.

- Jeongnyeon. - Yeah?

Get in there and tell the director you'll play Precious.

What are you talking about?

I'm going with you to the hospital.

Doaeng can take me.

So go and tell her you'll play Precious.

The director will be able to find another stand-in.

There's no one but you.

I'm not doing it!

You want me to just take your place

as if I were waiting for this to happen?

So what?

Someone has to take my place.

And…

I want it to be you.

I don't even know…

whether I'm ready yet.

What if…

I ruin everything like last time?

You're more than ready.

You're the only person who's practiced Precious as much as I did.

And not only that, you've gone over every single character in the play.

You've got the whole script and the show

stored in your head.

You haven't memorized the lines?

What do you mean you haven't memorized the lines?

This is preposterous!

Then what have you been doing all this time?

I didn't know I'd have to stand in for her so suddenly.

I don't need to hear anymore, you fool.

You've just missed your big chance.

Is there anyone who has Precious's lines memorized?

I'll give anyone a chance.

You absolute imbeciles!

No one's prepared to grab this chance?

Are you telling me there's no one who's memorized Precious's lines?

I'll do it.

I know all of Precious's lines, songs, and dances by heart.

So I'll do it.

I could recite everything for you right now if you want me to.

If you make another mess like last time,

you'll be leaving the troupe voluntarily.

Yes, ma'am.

And if I leave this time, I swear to never come back here.

All right.

Remember.

Don't you even dare think about how you'll stand out.

You'll be playing Precious strictly led by Gomigeol.

Your role is to be the fuel to Youngseo's acting,

for her Gomigeol to leave a lasting impression.

That's your role.

Understood.

The show's about to begin.

I want everyone to get ready.

Yes, ma'am.

Precious? What is she talking about?

Is she out of her mind?

- She's playing Precious? - Right?

- Oh, no. - What if she ruins the show?

She's crazy.

She's so full of herself.

And most importantly,

look at the big picture.

Don't be too immersed in your own character,

but think about the role within the whole narrative.

All you have to do

is follow my lead.

Okay, I'll be counting on you.

♪ Han strikes from up north ♪

♪ And Nakrang attacks from the east… ♪

It's Precious's scene next.

Okay.

♪ The north wind quakes our earth ♪

♪ And the east wind brings forth a storm ♪

How could anyone say that all is well?

Prince Hodong, Precious has returned.

You're right, it's Jeongnyeon.

- She looks so different. - Yeah.

Your Precious has returned from her espionage mission.

I have found out that the Jamyunggo was protected

by the princess of Nakrang, Mokryeon.

The princess of Nakrang,

Mokryeon?

♪ Who is this princess of Nakrang? ♪

♪ The enemy princess Who protects the Jamyunggo ♪

♪ Those wretches Who trampled on my beloved Goguryeo ♪

♪ Shall pay for what they did ♪

♪ Their treasure is guarded by a woman ♪

♪ How incompetent Are the men of Nakrang? ♪

♪ I shall infiltrate Nakrang myself Tear apart the Jamyunggo ♪

♪ And see who this princess is ♪

Precious.

Are you hurt?

This is nothing…

compared to the pain of my country.

Precious.

I shall not forget what you have done for your country.

- My heart. - Oh, my goodness.

♪ Oh, my prince ♪

♪ Face as smooth as jade ♪

♪ And stature so manly ♪

♪ My prince is as passionate as the sun ♪

♪ His bright eyes ♪

♪ And unwavering heart ♪

♪ Are as strong and swift ♪

♪ As the mountain gales ♪

Mokryeon and Hodong have promised to wed?

That won't do. That simply won't do.

Goguryeo and Nakrang are to remain as enemies.

They need to keep fighting and wear each other down

for the great Han…

to strike both at the same time.

Things will be bad if they form an alliance.

What should be done about this?

Precious.

My dear Precious,

you are as pretty as ever.

If it wasn't for Mokryeon, I would have you as my concubine.

Such vile words!

Gomigeol.

You may be the chancellor of Han…

but I despise you.

Dear Precious.

Have you heard that Mokryeon and Hodong are to be wed?

They are nothing but rumors.

You poor,

pretty little thing.

What's with that gaze?

It feels more like Precious is seducing Gomigeol.

Her Precious is the exact opposite of Jooran's.

Deliver this letter to Princess Mokryeon in secret.

Did she forget her lines?

- She forgot her lines? - I think so.

Director.

Hold on, just wait.

We need to close the curtains.

It's not like last time when I was out there to save it.

No.

I believe her quick thinking can save this.

Your role is to be the fuel to Youngseo's acting,

for her Gomigeol to leave a lasting impression.

That's your role.

What are you speaking of?

What do you mean deliver this letter to the princess in secret?

Are you telling me to turn my back on my Prince Hodong…

and join hands with the likes of you?

Why do you think it's not possible?

Just as I desire to have Mokryeon,

you desire to have Prince Hodong.

If you deliver this letter…

the two will never be able to wed.

Jeongnyeon!

But this is for Jeongnyeon.

You made a mistake in Gomigeol's most important scene.

Mistakes will always happen on stage.

What's important is how you smooth it over.

You both…

did an amazing job.

I liked your gaze as Precious.

But make sure to relax more when you say your lines.

Yes, ma'am. I will.

It seems that you finally know how to empty yourself.

I think it's time for you to become an official trainee.

Are you being serious?

Am I really…

an official trainee now?

Just make sure not to cause any more trouble.

Yes, ma'am!

You all heard that, right?

I'm an official trainee of Maeran Gukgeukdan.

I'm on the same level as you, Chorok!

Whatever.

Congrats, Jeongnyeon.

Congrats.

- Thanks. - Congrats!

- You did well! - Thank you!

- Congratulations. - Congrats.

Hey, about that scene…

It won't happen again.

So don't worry.

I was never worried.

And compared to the mess I caused last time,

yours was nothing.

You think Mr. Ko tampered with the lights?

Yes.

It was strange that he was at the rehearsal today

when he's never even come to watch the show.

But he couldn't have…

Mr. Ko is one of the people who has access to the prop room.

What I don't get is why he's going so far to ruin the show.

The owner of Daehan Theater said

they'd split the ticket sales 7:3 if we move our production there.

It must be…

…because of the profit distribution.

What's going on?

All the ledgers are gone.

He must have taken everything during the performance.

The safe.

The safe.

Everything's gone.

He took all the money from the safe.

And we owe people a lot of money due to this production.

Let me go to his house.

There's no use.

He would have known we'd look for him there.

You should go

and identify which documents are missing.

Okay.

I'll call the police.

- Director. - And what if word gets out?

Everyone will be elated that Maeran is going down.

We can't give them any reason to slander us.

But we need to find him.

You can't just do nothing.

If word gets out about this,

it'll affect our troupe's morale first.

I'm so sorry.

I was the one who introduced him to you.

It's fine.

How could you have known?

Report to me immediately if you hear anything about Mr. Ko.

Okay.

She won't be reporting you to the police.

I knew it.

If it becomes public that Maeran was robbed by its own business team,

it's practically advertising that Maeran's on the verge of collapse.

I didn't know that Doaeng would catch on.

I almost got caught back there if it wasn't for your message.

This is why I said we shouldn't go too far.

We should have quit when we failed in the prop room.

But we didn't get caught, so no harm done.

By the way, did you bring it?

This is the list of all the journalists we were paying off.

Why are you going this far to stop them from writing about Okgyeong?

Our audience watches our shows to escape from reality.

There's no need for them to know about who Okgyeong was in the past…

"Editor Park: 14,000 Special on Moon Okgyeong…"

…nor should they.

Okgyeong…

needs to remain a prince forever.

"The little mermaid felt her beautiful fins and tail

dissolve into foam."

"The red sun rose in the sky

and shone upon the mermaid's foam…"

The Little Mermaid again?

- Do you like it that much? - Yeah.

The prince never finds out how much the little mermaid loved him.

You're right.

It's time for bed, Eunjae.

Could we read some more?

I have to head out now.

Come on, no pouting.

Be a good girl and go to bed.

You have to come home early, my prince.

I will.

Goodnight.

Are you going to meet those friends again?

I don't like that you keep hanging out with them.

Whenever you come home after meeting with them,

you act like you're tired of everything.

If I ever get tired of gukgeuk,

it won't be because of them but because of you.

Why would it be because of me?

Sure.

Keep pretending like you don't know.

But know this, Hyerang.

Jeongnyeon, Youngseo, and Jooran.

The more you try to drive them out of the troupe,

the more you're driving me out as well.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Are you saying I did something?

I didn't tell the director

out of minimum courtesy for you.

Don't test my patience.

You said you were excited to see them improve.

But I'm not.

They're our competitors and we're up against them.

Being young means that they can improve endlessly?

Jeongnyeon, Youngseo, and Jooran are all out to get us!

What are you going to do if they start challenging us?

Are you going to let them take your place?

I could never.

I will never let that happen!

This is exactly why our troupe has been stagnant for years.

We were rotting away, stuck in one place,

because no one was challenging us.

Our troupe is kept alive because of you and me.

Who do you think all those people are coming to see?

You're wrong.

The audience is getting tired.

We never get any new audience members at our shows.

Even I'm sick and tired of this.

How do you think the audience would feel?

You're not…

seriously thinking about leaving, are you?

Maeran Gukgeukdan National tour

Guys! Could you please keep it down? Come on!

"Thank you for coming to Busan, Maeran" "Moon Okgyeong Busan Fan Club"

"Prince Okgyeong of Maeran"

Doaeng.

Yes?

Since the show is tomorrow night and the rehearsal is at 2:00,

let them have some free time today.

Okay.

- Hi, Okgyeong. - Hello.

My little sister is getting married today.

And she's as crazy as I am for both you and Hyerang.

So if it's not too much trouble,

could I ask you to pay a little visit and congratulate her on her wedding?

Uh…

- I think I'll have to... - Uh…

Of course we will. Thank you for inviting us.

Really?

Yes, we'll be there.

My goodness! I can't believe you're actually coming!

It'll be such an honor for our family.

I invite all of you to please join as well.

The more the merrier, am I right?

Before we head to the wedding,

please let our women's association treat you to some Chinese food. Let's go!

Chinese food!

- This looks great. - It's so good.

- Delicious. - Seriously, so good.

This is the best thing I've ever had.

Is it good?

What is this?

It's dancing in my mouth.

Here they come.

Go on and eat, Okgyeong.

Please let us know if you want anything else.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

My goodness, how pretty.

- Jeongnyeon. - Yes?

Here, take some.

Really?

If any of you want some too, come have some.

The whole dish?

Oh my…

Look at this, kids!

My goodness, you're so generous, Okgyeong!

It looks amazing.

What is this?

Tangsuyuk.

Tangsuyuk?

So it's meat.

It's so good.

I want to get married one day

- in a veil like that. - Me too.

- What are you saying? - Oh, my gosh.

A bride looks best in our traditional coronet and hanbok,

with blush on her forehead and cheeks.

Right, Jooran?

I only have

one thing to say to the bride and groom.

And that is to love one another.

Together, you will go through some hard times.

Whether in sorrow or in anger,

you shall love and cherish one another.

To be joyful, a family must…

One, two, three.

Wait, could we take one more?

Sure.

Oh, my goodness.

I think you look happier than when you were with your groom.

Look, our groom is already pouting.

- No, not at all. - My goodness.

Come here, Jeongnyeon. Everyone, let's all take one together.

Scooch in, everyone.

All right, ready?

One, two, three.

One more?

Thanks for coming all the way down to Busan.

I reviewed the script for The Princess and the Fool,

and it looks great.

If the upcoming joint performance is a success,

I'm sure every theater troupe in the country

will want their own production from next year.

We first need to create buzz with the audition itself.

Have you been working on the list of judges?

Yes, I'll let you know as soon as it's finalized.

On a side note,

I have something to say to you on behalf of the other troupes as well.

Could we rediscuss the profit distribution

for our joint performance?

I think it only benefits one side, don't you think?

What do you mean by one side?

Are you talking about Maeran?

Is there any other troupe actually benefitting from this?

Do you think we're exempt from the production costs?

In fact, we're paying a lot more than other troupes.

But for you, it's a good investment.

You always get the spotlight every time.

You'll be getting a lot of publicity.

There's no need to go into detail about the past,

but a lot of the other troupes are really struggling this year.

We hope Maeran is willing to compromise on these matters.

That way, we can continue these joint performances in the future.

Why are you still up?

It's been a while since I've been this near the sea.

I can't seem to sleep.

It reminds me of my hometown.

Do you ever regret leaving home?

Hmm.

No.

I do miss my family and feel sorry whenever I think of them…

but even if I were to turn back time,

I would have made the same choice.

Me too.

We really are something.

I mean, what am I supposed to do?

I do feel sorry,

but I love the stage too much.

Oh my.

Your hand is so cold. You must have been out here too long.

I'm okay.

We still have some shows left. It'll be bad if you get a cold.

Wow.

You can see…

a lot more stars here than in Seoul.

Hey, Yoon Jeongnyeon.

I have…

Jeongnyeon, I have…

No.

I can do this.

I can do this.

Yoon Jeongnyeon.

I have something to tell you.

I'm here.

Why the heck were you standing here like a ghost

and mumbling my name?

What's that?

- What are you hiding? - It's nothing.

I'll get going, guys.

Jooran.

What is it?

Just tell me.

Hey,

you got food?

It's food, isn't it?

If you have something good, share it with me, huh?

No, it's not food.

What is it then? What are you hiding?

The Blooming Autumn Field

I'm sorry.

Hey,

I think there's something wrong with my ear.

I kind of missed what you just said.

Could you repeat it for me?

You said something.

I said I'm sorry!

Hey, I didn't hear what you said!

What did you say?

Shut up!

Come on! Say it again!

Good job with the tour, everyone.

I have something to tell you all before we leave for Seoul.

You're all aware that every year,

theater troupes get together for a joint performance, right?

Yes, ma'am.

This year,

the younger versions of the leads will have a lot more scenes than usual.

And the audition to pick these roles

will be held in a month.

If any of you get those roles,

you'll be able to solidify yourselves

as the upcoming stars for male and female leads

who will succeed Moon Okgyeong and Seo Hyerang.

But…

there's a condition.

The young male and female leads are to audition as a pair.

In other words,

you will not be able to audition without a partner.

I wish to see

the successors of Moon Okgyeong and Seo Hyerang

come out of none other than our Maeran Gukgeukdan.

And it's vital that a Maeran trainee become the successor of Okgyeong,

the Prince of Maeran.

Know this.

Only the one who proves herself to be the best

in singing, dancing, and acting

may ascend to the throne

and rule as our new prince.

So go and show everyone

what it means…

to be Maeran Gukgeukdan.

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

The play for this joint performance

is notorious for its difficult songs.

Whether you make it or not will come down to your singing.

Chae Gongseon's daughter versus Han Kijoo's daughter.

I need to know who's more talented.

You haven't already decided to audition with Jeongnyeon, have you?

I'd like you to be my partner.

We need to practice for the audition.

Let's start tomorrow morning, okay?

Let's start practicing.

I want to audition with you.

Translated by Jin Yu