The fabulous Kim Tae-ri in Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born
I started watching Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born on Disney+. It stars one of my favorite actresses, Kim Tae-ri. Since she was in the first Kdrama I ever watched - and because she’s amazing - I have tried to see whatever she’s been in. If you’ve watched Mr Sunshine or Twenty Five, Twenty One, you’ll remember her. She’s won numerous awards; all well deserved. She’s a very physical actress and brings a lot of energy to her roles, including shooting a gun, riding a horse, fencing, and even going into space with Song Joong-ki. (oooh, I could go into space with Song Joong-ki... ~ Judy)
In her current role, Kim Tae-ri plays an aspiring pansori artist in Yeoseong Gukgeuk Theatre. (Don’t worry: I had never heard of either of these terms either!) From what I’ve read, this movement began after Japan lost World War II and left Korea. The women who had “entertained” the Japanese, called Kisaeng, became entertainers in their own right. Many of them dressed as men for the roles they played. (Side note: Jung Eun-hae who plays Sunja’s sister-in-law, Kyung-hee, in Pachinko is remarkable as a woman playing a man in this show.)
Pansori is the musical genre of musical storytelling that is used in this Kdrama. I wish everyone could listen to it to hear what it sounds like. Let’s just say it’s as far away from Kpop as you can get! It’s both unsettling and mesmerizing.
I’m only on episode two of this 12 episode series. I’ll keep you posted. ~ Pat
Just when I cancelled my Disney+ subscription Pat tells me about this.... ~ Judy
I love the detailed reviews. Judy, maybe you can get the 12-month $2.99/month Disney+ and Hulu package that I was offered.