“Jeong Nyeon” Series Finale Achieves Record Ratings, Kim Tae-ri Emerges as New Star of Theater

The popular weekend drama from tvN, “Jeong Nyeon“—also referred to as “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born“—has concluded its run with stellar ratings that highlight its immense popularity. The series finale reached a record-high viewership, soaring to 18.8% in metropolitan areas and 18.2% nationwide. Dominating its time slot across all channels, it also captured an impressive 91% share on TVING, further solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The show sparked widespread interest, termed the “Jeong Nyeon Syndrome,”among fans and viewers alike.

A Resilient Finale Amidst Challenges

The climactic final episode depicted the Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe overcoming significant financial challenges to successfully perform the experimental piece, “The Legend of the Twin Pagodas.”Audiences witnessed the thrilling auditions where Jeong-nyeon, portrayed by Kim Tae-ri, earned the coveted role of “Asadal,” a skilled stone artisan from Baekje. In contrast, Shin Ye-eun‘s character, Young-seo, gracefully embraced her role as “Dalbi,” a fellow artisan who harbors both admiration and envy for Asadal’s talents.

On stage, Jeong-nyeon and Young-seo delivered breathtaking performances, embodying the heart of Maeran and ensuring its legacy would continue. Notably, Jeong-nyeon presented a nuanced portrayal of madness in a traditionally male role, contrasting with Ok-kyung, played by Jung Eun-chae, who previously held the title of “Maeran’s Prince.” This striking performance solidified Jeong-nyeon’s position as the troupe’s newest luminary.

A Defining Drama of Late 2024

“Jeong Nyeon” emerged as one of the most meticulously crafted dramas of the year, concluding to thunderous applause both in and out of the screening rooms. As the first drama to focus predominantly on women’s gukgeuk, it marks a significant cultural milestone characterized by audacious storytelling and artistic representation.

Revitalizing Women’s Gukgeuk and Achieving Global Recognition

The drama consistently broke viewership records, with audience ratings tripling since its debut. Its accolades included ranking first in multiple categories, including Kinolights’ integrated content rankings, Good Data Corporation’s TV-OTT buzz rankings, and Gallup Korea’s “Programs Koreans Loved in October.”

Additionally, the resurgence of interest in the women’s gukgeuk genre is noteworthy. Related content saw a revival, leading not only to heightened visibility for veteran gukgeuk actresses but also elevating the performing arts scene. Online discussions surrounding “gukgeuk” spiked from approximately 600 mentions in September to over 3,000 in October.

International audiences echoed this enthusiasm. “Jeong Nyeon” claimed a position within the top 6 globally on Disney+, taking the lead in various regions, including Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Major media outlets worldwide have highlighted the show’s impact, with Japan’s Oricon News labeling it a “must-watch of the season,” while Forbes emphasized the significance of “pansori” within the series, showcasing its cultural artistry.

A Heartfelt Homage to Gukgeuk

The authenticity of “Jeong Nyeon” lies in its commitment to illustrating gukgeuk as more than merely a backdrop; it pays a heartfelt tribute throughout its episodes. Many episodes featured performances lasting between 15 to 30 minutes, with the finale dedicating half of its runtime to a stellar rendition of “The Legend of the Twin Pagodas.” These performances were intricately designed in collaboration with both drama and stage directors, offering viewers a cinematic experience akin to full theatrical productions.

A Top-tier Ensemble Showcasing Remarkable Talent

The cast of “Jeong Nyeon” boasted exceptional talents, including Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, and Kim Yoon-hye, all delivering performances reminiscent of seasoned actors. Kim Tae-ri, who embodied the lead role, was hailed as “Yoon Jeong-nyeon herself.” Meanwhile, Shin Ye-eun effectively portrayed a dynamic character who mirrored the complexities of rivalry and friendship. Ra Mi-ran earned accolades for her portrayal of the troupe’s leader, and Jung Eun-chae shined as “the Prince of Gukgeuk,” garnering rediscovery praises.

A Layered Narrative on Aspiration and Resilience

“Jeong Nyeon” captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling, devoid of traditional villains or archetypes of invincibility. The series explored the aspirations of women in the 1950s, illuminating their struggles and the supportive bonds they formed amidst challenges. Characters like Jeong-nyeon and Young-seo offered vastly different perspectives on their dreams, leaving a lasting emotional impact on viewers.

Establishing a Lasting Legacy for Gukgeuk

As the series wrapped up with its twelfth episode, it meticulously chronicled Jungnyeoni’s inspiring journey to become a premier gukgeuk performer, embracing both competition and camaraderie. “Jeong Nyeon” not only captured the hearts of its audience but also played a pivotal role in promoting Korea’s rich cultural heritage through its portrayal of gukgeuk on a global platform.

Source: Daum

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