Episode 1 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" unfolds dramatically in the frigid winter of 1931, amidst the bustling streets of Gyeongseong. A fragile yet determined young girl, Chae Gong-seon, accompanies her worn-out father as they brave a blizzard-swept night, their footsteps echoing towards the grand abode of a renowned pansori singer. The humble father, beseeching a friend, pleads for shelter, their plight etched on every word.
Gong-seon, a spark of ambition in her eyes, dares to utter words that ignite a flame of controversy: she aspires to emulate her hostess's prowess, to sing and shine bright as a celestial star. Intrigued, the seasoned singer invites Gong-seon to sing, a moment that whispers of destiny unfolding.
The narrative leaps forward to the bustling port of Mokpo, 1956, where the rhythm of labor echoes along the shoreline as women toil amidst the saltwater spray. Among them stands Jeong-nyeon, a young woman whose soul soars through her melodies. Suddenly, her mother's hand snatches her away, admonishing her to attend to the family's humble fishmonger duties.
Yet, as darkness descends upon the marketplace, shadows of trouble loom—gangsters stalking their prey. They strip Jung-ja, Jeong-nyeon's sister, of their hard-earned coins, their malice turning towards Jeong-nyeon. But fear cannot silence her voice; Jeong-nyeon belts out a song that echoes through the night, rallying a crowd and banishing the bullies.
In this chaotic backdrop, two luminaries of the stage arrive: Ok-gyeong and Hye-rang, renowned actresses of the prestigious Maeran Theatre Company. Ok-gyeong, jaded by the trappings of fame, finds herself captivated by Jeong-nyeon's raw talent. With a playful flair, she proposes an exchange—her entire catch of fish for another enchanting performance. Later, Ok-gyeong's pursuit leads to a gift of two precious tickets to the upcoming gukgeuk spectacle, planting seeds of opportunity in Jeong-nyeon's heart.
Back at their humble abode, the sisters confront a mother enraged by Jeong-nyeon's public display. Jung-ja stands firm, protecting her sister's dreams from the threat of a punishing shave. Meanwhile, in a world far removed from their struggles, Theatre Director So-bok is confronted with grim news—one of his stars has fallen victim to the perils of opium addiction, casting a pall over the glittering facade of showbiz.
As Jeong-nyeon engaged in gossip with the village's maidens, whispers of Ok-gyeong's meteoric rise to wealth as a renowned singer piqued her curiosity. Intrigued, she ventured to the gukgeuk performance, where Ok-gyeong's alluring artistry captivated her heart completely.
The aftermath of the captivating spectacle found So-bok and Hye-ran confronting Ok-gyeong about the damning news article alleging an opium addiction. Ok-gyeong vehemently denied the allegations, her eyes blazing with sincerity. So-bok, though willing to investigate, counseled Ok-gyeong to seek refuge away from Seoul's prying eyes.
Back at home, Jeong-nyeon's heart remained captive by Ok-gyeong's performance, prompting her to attempt replicating the role. She confessed to her sister, her heart pounding wildly with excitement. Dawn breaking, Jeong-nyeon eagerly sprinted to the actors' former abode, only to find Ok-gyeong lingering. Warmly inviting her in, Ok-gyeong assessed Jeong-nyeon's acting prowess, acknowledging raw talent amidst the need for refinement. Yet, she declared with conviction that Jeong-nyeon was destined for the pansori stage.
Amidst renewed confrontations with unscrupulous gangsters and the relentless struggle for financial stability, Jeong-nyeon approached Ok-gyeong with a fierce determination to become a gukgeuk performer, driven by the promise of financial independence. Ok-gyeong, embraced the challenge, meticulously grooming Jeong-nyeon for the impending audition, emphasizing acting and dance, for her voice was already a melodic masterpiece.
One serene evening, Jeong-nyeon's curiosity prompted her to inquire about Ok-gyeong's unwavering support. Ok-gyeong, with a mischievous glint in her eye, replied that boredom had driven her, yet the journey had become an unexpected source of joy.
Returning home, Jeong-nyeon discovered her mother's discovery of her practice scripts, unveiling the truth. With maternal concern etched on her face, she warned Jeong-nyeon against pursuing singing, fearing heartbreak in the future. Undeterred, Jeong-nyeon's resolve only hardened, eliciting a harsher response—her mother confining her to the barn, a makeshift prison of dreams deferred.
As Ok-gyeong's quest for Jeong-nyeon leads her path to intersect with Jung-ja, she confides that their departure that very night is imperative for their dawn audition. Returning home, she orchestrates Jeong-nyeon's escape from their mother's watchful eye, her shoulder aching from a valiant, yet futile attempt to shatter the barn's confining door. Their flight culminates at the inn's periphery, where a vehicle awaits Ok-gyeong's anxious vigil. Amidst tearful embraces, Jung-ja bestows upon Jeong-nyeon a heartfelt farewell, imbuing her with the wisdom that dreaming is a divine gift and urging her to return whenever solitude weighs heavy on her heart. The following morning, Jeong-nyeon arrives, breathless yet triumphant, just in the nick of time to register for the audition, marking the poignant conclusion of Episode 1: Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born.
