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Reporter Ahn TaeHyun of News1 conducted an interview with Korean actress Jung EunChae about her transformation in the tvN drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born“, where she captivated audiences as Moon OkGyeong, a charismatic gukgeuk star. Through a candid interview, she reflected on her role, the unique dynamics of a female-led production, and her aspirations for diverse and challenging projects as she approaches her 15th career anniversary. This article has been translated from News1 for the purpose of sharing with our audience.
The tvN weekend drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” concluded on June 17, leaving audiences with a powerful narrative that bridged ambition, camaraderie, and growth. Set in post-Korean War 1950s, the series explored the journey of “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” (Kim TaeRi), a natural talent vying for the pinnacle of gukgeuk (a traditional Korean all-female musical theater). This fresh dive into a less-explored facet of Korean culture earned widespread acclaim.
At the heart of the drama’s emotional tapestry was actress Jung EunChae, who portrayed Moon OkGyeong, a celebrated gukgeuk star who mentors JeongNyeon, guiding her into the art form’s world. Known as the “Prince of the Era,” OkGyeong stood out as a character that broke Jung EunChae’s conventional image, with the actress leaning into OkGyeong’s masculinity and charm. Her stellar transformation captivated viewers, blending elegance with an assertive presence.
In a post-series interview held at a cozy café in Seoul, Jung EunChae opened up about her experience, the character’s impact, and her personal journey.
Moon OkGyeong’s Departure: Sudden, Yet Poignant 😢
When asked about the audience’s sadness over OkGyeong’s abrupt exit, Jung was reflective:
There’s been a lot of feedback about OkGyeong’s sudden disappearance. But for me, it wasn’t unexpected. From the beginning, OkGyeong was a transient figure, someone destined to leave once she found her successor. JeongNyeon became that person. Her departure felt true to her nature—always seeking someone to pass the torch to.
Her nuanced understanding of OkGyeong’s motivations highlights her depth as an actor, balancing narrative purpose with character integrity.
From “Pachinko” to “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”: Two Eras, Two Extremes 🎭
Jung’s back-to-back roles in Pachinko and “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” allowed her to traverse Korea’s modern history in vastly different ways. Comparing her characters, she said:
GyeongHui (Pachinko) bears the weight of her era, embodying resilience and sacrifice, while OkGyeong is someone who thrived in her time, exuding charisma and dominance. Playing these opposites—GyeongHui’s nurturing femininity and OkGyeong’s commanding masculinity—was a challenge and a thrill. It’s fascinating for viewers to see this stark contrast.
Her ability to pivot between such distinct roles speaks to her versatility and dedication.
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The Gukgeuk Stage: A Revelation ⭐
One of the standout elements of “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” was its commitment to showcasing gukgeuk performances. Jung EunChae’s commanding vocal skills elevated her portrayal of OkGyeong, earning her praise as a multifaceted talent.
There were moments when the audience called the performances ‘stage-worthy shows you’d pay to see.’ That feedback was incredibly rewarding. It was a testament to the effort we put into making these scenes authentic and captivating.
The immersive staging of gukgeuk performances brought a cinematic richness to television rarely seen before.
The Sisterhood Behind the Scenes 💗
With a female-driven cast and crew, the atmosphere on set was refreshingly unique.
This was my first time working on a project dominated by women, and the vibe was extraordinary. It felt like a vibrant all-girls school! The energy was warm, supportive, and full of laughter. Even during breaks, we’d practice or chat together—it was magical.
Jung credited this camaraderie for the series’ heartfelt tone, as the off-screen dynamics seamlessly translated into on-screen chemistry.
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What’s Next for Jung EunChae? ⌛
As she approaches her 15th anniversary in the industry, Jung is eager to explore new territories.
I’d love to try an action or sports drama, something more physical. A deep, emotional romance also appeals to me—it’s a genre I haven’t fully explored yet. There’s so much more to uncover in my craft.
Looking back on her career, she shared:
It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years! Time flew by as I focused on experimenting and enjoying my work. I hope to continue acting with that same sense of joy and curiosity.
A Star’s Legacy in the Making 🌠
With “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”, Jung EunChae has once again proven her mettle as an actor capable of embodying diverse, challenging roles. Whether drawing on the quiet strength of GyeongHui or the magnetic energy of OkGyeong, she continues to captivate audiences with her depth and dynamism.
And as Jung sets her sights on new genres and experiences, fans can look forward to the next chapter of her evolution—one as compelling and unexpected as the characters she brings to life.
