Episode 10 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" unfolds with Ok-gyeong extending an invitation to Yeong-seo, inquiring if she would embark on a journey with her. Intrigued, Yeong-seo queries the motive behind such a sudden proposal. Ok-gyeong responds bluntly, labeling Jeong-nyeon as a hopeless case, unlikely to revert to her former self even if she returns. Yeong-seo declines Ok-gyeong's offer, resolute in her decision to await Jeong-nyeon's return, asserting that Jeong-nyeon is the sole individual who fosters her growth.
Meanwhile, So-bok's nights have been plagued by insomnia, prompting Do-aeng to suggest a visit to Jeong-nyeon as a potential remedy. Upon hearing this, Joo-ran hastily prepares to accompany her, but Yeong-seo cautions against it, volunteering to embark on the journey herself to persuade Jeong-nyeon to reclaim her path. Yeong-seo pleadingly asks So-bok to allow her to accompany her on this endeavor.
As they traverse the road, Yeong-seo unfolds her conversation with Ok-gyeong to So-bok, who remains steadfast in her belief that Ok-gyeong's ties to Maeran are unbreakable. Arriving at Jeong-nyeon's abode, they encounter a chilly reception from Yong-rye. However, Yeong-seo manages to extract Jeong-nyeon's whereabouts from Jung-ja and presents her with a recording of her mother's singing. Jeong-nyeon dismisses it as unnecessary, prompting Yeong-seo to cast it into the sea in frustration. Without hesitation, Jeong-nyeon plunges into the water to retrieve it, unaware of her own incapacity to swim. Realizing the peril, Yeong-seo dives in to save Jeong-nyeon, but her rescue is met with a furious Jeong-nyeon, who lashes out, accusing Yeong-seo of reminding her of pansori, a painful memory. In return, Yeong-seo fiercely retorts, reminding Jeong-nyeon of her unparalleled acting prowess.
Later, wrapped in Yeong-seo's coat, the two sit huddled on the rocky shore. Jeong-nyeon confides in Yeong-seo about a recurring nightmare stemming from that fateful audition. Yeong-seo, offering solace, vows to await Jeong-nyeon's triumphant return to the stage, her faith in Jeong-nyeon's potential unwavering.
Later in the evening, Jeong-nyeon returns home with a resolute heart, announcing to her mother her intention to persist with gukgeuk, whether as a leading actress or even a humble extra. Yong-rye, feelings of frustration overflowing, even instructs So-bok to slip away silently in the hush of dawn. So-bok, her mind drifting back to the past, reminisces how her growth was nurtured solely by Yong-rye's presence and how deeply she yearned for her when they were apart. She confides in Yong-rye, emphasizing that she is the sole one capable of teaching Jeong-nyeon the art of singing with a voice tinged with vulnerability. Yong-rye, fueled by anger, rejects the claim outright but finds herself sitting alone, attempting to sing, her heart heavy.
As dawn breaks, Jeong-nyeon informs Yeong-seo and So-bok of her impending return, contingent upon Yong-rye's blessing. Yeong-seo, upon her return to Maeran, conveys to Joo-ran the optimistic news of Jeong-nyeon's impending return. The night of the performance arrives, casting its spell over all. So-bok visits Ok-gyeong in her room, extending to her the privilege of choosing the next play, even if it leans towards the avant-garde. Ok-gyeong, though her demeanor betrays a disconnect from her words, acknowledges it as the most generous offer she has ever received.
In the green room, a chance encounter leads Geum-ju to trip Joo-ran, igniting a fierce skirmish between her and the Maeran girls. Yeong-seo steps in, her voice firm, admonishing them and counseling Geum-ju to outshine her opponents through skill, not deceitful tactics. The curtains rise, and Yeong-seo and Joo-ran deliver a mesmerizing performance, earning thunderous applause.
Behind the scenes, Ok-gyeong urges Hye-rang to unleash her best, vowing to match her own efforts with unparalleled excellence. Both actors excel in portraying a princess who, in the name of her realm, finds herself consumed by a thirst for bloodshed and a husband powerless to curb her descent. Ultimately, Ondal, the character embodied by Ok-gyeong, succumbs to the ravages of war.
When the final act concludes, all the actors take their bows on stage, save for Ok-gyeong. Hye-rang ventures backstage, delivering the news that this was Ok-gyeong's swansong. Ok-gyeong reveals her decision to abandon gukgeuk for a career in cinema. She tells Hye-rang that it is time for them to embark on separate journeys. The revelation is then imparted to So-bok, who realizes the catastrophic implications it holds for Maeran, as Ok-gyeong's offer had come too late to alter her course.
Back in Mokpo, Jung-ja passionately pleads with her mother to release Jeong-nyeon from their confines. As the night wraps the world in its tranquil embrace, Jeong-nyeon, despite her fragile voice, valiantly attempts to practice her art. Yong-rye, inadvertently catching snippets of her melodies through the night air, finds herself unable to stifle her tears, deeply moved by the pure effort and determination emanating from Jeong-nyeon's voice.
Later, with a heart touched by empathy and understanding, Yong-rye shares the tale of Master Jung, a pansori virtuoso who, despite his own vocal impairment, possessed the incredible ability to evoke tears of emotion from his audience. Her words resonate deeply, culminating in Yong-rye herself taking the stage, her voice rising in a haunting melody as Jeong-nyeon watches in awe-inspired silence. This tender, emotional moment marks the conclusion of Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, Episode 10.
