Jungnyeoni: Cast and Character Relationships

'Jeongnyeoni' is a drama about the short, glorious heyday of female national opera (Kuguk) that has been forgotten in history. It depicts the growth of two Kuguk geniuses, Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo.

In this article, learn about the characters and relationships in 'Jeongnyeoni' and enjoy the drama even more.

Basic Information about the Drama 'Jeongnyeoni'

The drama 'Jeongnyeoni' is a tvN drama broadcast every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM.

🔲 Historical Background of 'Jeongnyeoni'

The drama is set after the 1950s and tells the story of female Kuguk, a genre composed solely of women, starting from the establishment of a women's national music club in 1948.

🔲 Broadcast Dates and Episodes of 'Jeongnyeoni'

Jeongnyeoni premiered on October 12, 2024, and aired until November 17, 2024. It has a total of 12 episodes.

🔲 Director and Writer of 'Jeongnyeoni'

Directed by Jeong Ji-in ("The Red Sleeve," "Tomorrow's Victory"), written by Choi Hyo-bi ("The Babysitter," "Into Your Time").

🔲 'Jeongnyeoni' Webtoon

The drama 'Jeongnyeoni' is based on the Naver webtoon 'Jeongnyeoni' by Seo Irae and Namon. It depicts the process of Jeongnyeon, who has nothing but a natural talent for singing, achieving her dreams.

The Jeongnyeoni webtoon concluded in May 2022 after 137 episodes.

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You can watch the drama 'Jeongnyeoni' live or on demand on Tving. If you are curious about how to get a discount or a free month of Tving, check it out below.

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Characters and Relationships in Jeongnyeoni

The drama 'Jeongnyeoni' depicts the growth of Yoon Jeongnyeon and Heo Yeongseo. Set in the aftermath of the Korean War in the 1950s, it features many characters.

🔲 Main Characters

◼️ Jeongnyeoni

This drama portrays the story of Yoon Jeongnyeon, a naturally gifted Pansori (a genre of Korean music) prodigy. Jeongnyeon was an exceptional singer with a rich vocal range and expressive ability, but her mother, Yongrye, vehemently opposed her singing. Despite this, Jeongnyeon persevered, overcoming difficult circumstances with determination and resilience.

Jeongnyeon's life changes when she meets Moon Okgyeong, a famous Kuguk actress of the time. Captivated by Kuguk, Jeongnyeon dreams of becoming a male-role actress in the Maeran Kuguk troupe. However, she incurs the resentment of her colleagues due to Okgyeong's favoritism, and develops a rivalry with the elite Yeongseo. While initially overwhelmed by Yeongseo's superior skills, Jeongnyeon discovers her own acting talent and grows as a performer. Yet, she faces unexpected setbacks and experiences frustration.

◼️ Heo Yeongseo

Yeongseo is a proud and aloof person who is known as the "sacred bone among sacred bones" in the Kuguk troupe. Having grown up in a wealthy and prestigious family, she felt unloved by her mother, living in the shadow of her older sister, Yeong-in, a vocal prodigy. Choosing Pansori over Western classical vocal music, Yeongseo joins the Kuguk troupe captivated by its charm, but still struggles for her mother's acceptance.

Yeongseo's inability to fully immerse herself on stage is a source of insecurity. Jeongnyeon's outstanding vocal skills and captivating performance come as a shock to her. While feeling threatened by Jeongnyeon's innate talent and developing competitiveness, Yeongseo herself has not yet fully realized her potential.

◼️ Kang Sobok

Kang Sobok is a figure with a cool charisma, who established the Maeran Kuguk troupe by gathering female national music performers after making a name for herself as a renowned female Pansori singer over a decade ago. Her strong personality and strictness earn her the trust of her troupe members, leading the Kuguk troupe to success. She is known for her straightforwardness.

Having learned Pansori from the master Imjin when she was young, Sobok felt inferior to her colleague Chae Gongseon's genius, but eventually acknowledged Gongseon's talent, and the two became close friends. However, after Gongseon lost her voice and left, Sobok continued her artistic path alone. The appearance of a young girl named Jeongnyeon brings new changes to Sobok's life.

◼️ Moon Okgyeong

Okgyeong is the top Kuguk actor of the Maeran Kuguk troupe, playing the male lead roles and known as the "Crown Prince of Kuguk." Formerly a gisaeng (female entertainer), she was struggling with opium addiction before becoming a Kuguk actor at Sobok's suggestion and achieving great success. Okgyeong's exceptional portrayal of male roles and delicate melodramatic acting won her the love of many female fans, establishing her as a top star.

However, Okgyeong grows weary of the repetitive repertoire and similar characters, losing interest in Kuguk. The only person who captures her interest in the troupe is Jeongnyeon, and Okgyeong takes an interest in her, hoping Jeongnyeon might one day surpass her.

◼️ Seo Hyerang

Hyerang is a skilled dancer who plays the female lead roles in the Maeran Kuguk troupe. She was previously in the same gisaeng house as Okgyeong, and joined the troupe when Okgyeong did. For Hyerang, Kuguk is meaningful because it allows her to be with Okgyeong; she believes the leading roles in the troupe should always be hers and Okgyeong's.

Hyerang is wary of and tries to eliminate anyone who might threaten Okgyeong's position. She is jealous of Okgyeong's recent interest in Jeongnyeon. Although she believes that Yeongseo and Jeongnyeon will not threaten Okgyeong's position, she instinctively remains wary of them.

◼️ Hong Juran

Juran appears introverted and timid, but she is surprisingly courageous and decisive when she makes up her mind. Leaving home due to her poor family and her sister's tuberculosis, she decides to become a Kuguk actress after watching a performance by the Maeran Kuguk troupe. However, she feels frustrated after joining the troupe and not receiving significant roles. Despite this, she dreams of becoming a leading actress like Hyerang and constantly practices.

Meeting Jeongnyeon, Juran is captivated by her proactive and bright personality, and through Jeongnyeon's acting, she realizes her own potential as an actress. As she gradually reveals her presence and transforms from an ugly duckling into a swan, Juran makes an unexpected decision.

Character Relationship Chart

With many characters, the relationships in the drama 'Jeongnyeoni' are complex. Centered around the main characters, Yoon Jeongnyeon (Kim Tae-ri) and Heo Yeongseo (Shin Ye-eun), the drama interweaves various characters such as Kang Sobok, Moon Okgyeong, Seo Hyerang, Hong Juran, and other members of the Maeran Kuguk troupe, as well as Jeongnyeon's and Yeongseo's families. It tells multiple stories of their pursuit of dreams, growth, competition, and friendship.

This concludes our look at the characters and relationships in Jeongnyeoni. We hope you enjoy this perfectly cast drama and have a wonderful weekend!