'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born' Hits Record Ratings Ahead of Final Two Episodes

As the tvN drama 'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born' approaches its final two episodes, it has reached its highest ratings yet. Episode 10, which aired on November 10, captivated viewers with the intense storyline of Yoon Jeong-nyeon (played by Kim Tae-ri), who resolves to continue with traditional Korean opera (gukgeuk) despite facing personal turmoil. The plot thickens with Moon Ok-kyung's (Jeong Eun-chae) unexpected retirement, plunging the Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe into a spiral of chaos.

Episode 10 recorded an impressive 14% average rating in the metropolitan area and 14.1% nationwide, making it the highest-rated show across all channels during its time slot. 'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born' began with a 5.6% average in the metropolitan area and 4.8% nationwide, marking a threefold increase since its debut (based on Nielsen Korea's paid platforms).

In this episode, Young-seo (Shin Ye-eun) declines Ok-kyung's offer to leave the troupe together, as she anticipates competing with Jeong-nyeon upon her return to the Maeran Troupe. Determined, Young-seo heads to Mokpo with Sobok (Ra Mi-ran) to find Jeong-nyeon. She offers Jeong-nyeon a Chuwol Manjeong record, urging her to come back. However, Jeong-nyeon firmly replies, "I won't look at or listen to music anymore." In response, Young-seo throws the record into the sea, prompting Jeong-nyeon to dive in after it, showcasing the tension and depth of their relationship.

A startled Young-seo saves Jeong-nyeon from the sea, only for Jeong-nyeon to release her pent-up frustration at Young-seo for constantly shaking her resolve. Young-seo, however, expresses her sincere feelings, prompting Jeong-nyeon to reflect. Upon returning home, Jeong-nyeon tearfully confides in Yong-rye (Moon So-ri), saying, "Turning my back on singing feels like I can't breathe. Even if my voice fails, I'll stand on stage as I am." Later that night, Yong-rye witnesses Jeong-nyeon performing a passage from Chunhyangjeon alone, rekindling her passion.

Yong-rye, moved by Jeong-nyeon's struggle, takes her to the seaside and shares the story of a master singer who achieved greatness despite a congenital throat issue, encouraging Jeong-nyeon to continue her journey.

Meanwhile, Ok-kyung announces her departure from Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe and the entire traditional opera scene, throwing the troupe into turmoil. As Episode 11 approaches on November 16, viewers eagerly anticipate Jeong-nyeon's potential return to the stage with renewed purpose.

'Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born' is a drama set in the 1950s, following the fierce rivalry, camaraderie, and growth of Jeong-nyeon, a "natural genius" pursuing her dream of becoming the top gukgeuk performer in post-war Korea.