Episode 11 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" unfolds with Jeong-nyeon's triumphant return to Seoul. The atmosphere among Maeran's students is tense, shrouded in uncertainty over the troupe's future following Ok-gyeong's abrupt departure. However, the gloom lifts instantaneously upon Jeong-nyeon's grand entrance. Cho-rok greets her with an embrace that warms the cockles of one's heart, while Joo-ran, constrained by unseen forces, can only watch from afar.
Jeong-nyeon declares her intention to rejoin the troupe, though she remains tight-lipped about the status of her voice. She learns that Cho-rok, Yeong-seo, and Joo-ran have transcended their trainee status, now officially embodying the mantle of actors.
As she visits Sob-ok's office, the latter informs her that she's exempt from the entrance test. Yet, Jeong-nyeon, driven by an unyielding spirit, insists on taking it. Yeong-seo later fills her in on Ok-gyeong's departure, which occurred after just one performance. Seeking clarity, Jeong-nyeon ventures to Ok-gyeong's abode but encounters a distressed Hye-rang instead.
Hye-rang, ever the taunting specter, mocks Jeong-nyeon, claiming that Ok-gyeong's interest in her waned as soon as she lost her voice. Jeong-nyeon, undeterred, urges Hye-rang to release Ok-gyeong from her grip. She then returns to Maeran, where she and Yeong-seo share a light-hearted conversation about their so-called "rivalry," their bond unbreaking despite their competitive past. Joo-ran catches them in a moment of laughter, but when Jeong-nyeon tries to beckon her over, she storms off, leaving a trail of unresolved emotions in her wake.
Adding to Sob-ok's woes, a scriptwriter announces his departure for the lucrative film industry. Sob-ok, undeterred, unveils plans for a grand new play, "The Queen of Silla." Do-aeng voices concerns over the troupe's financial capacity, prompting Sob-ok to reveal their new investor: Hong-mae, a former Maeran insider who's now returned with the means to elevate their artistry.
However, this promising lead promptly fizzles out when Hong-mae reveals her sole intention of acquiring the troupe's building. She still harbors resentment towards So-bok for ejecting her from the troupe due to her selling her talents externally. In reality, she has forged an alliance with Mr. Ko, who is fully aware of So-bok's towering debts. Upon returning to Maeran, she discovers two young trainees departing for the glittering world of cinema as well. Overwhelmed by stress, So-bok collapses, and it is Jeong-nyeon who discovers her in this vulnerable state. Jeong-nyeon then informs Do-aeng about the girls who have abandoned the troupe.
Among the students, Cho-rok finds himself entangled in a confrontation with a senior who is also contemplating an exit. Jeong-nyeon intervenes to quell the altercation, leading to the senior girl's departure. When Joo-ran once again sidesteps Jeong-nyeon, Jeong-nyeon confronts her, asserting that despite everything, they are friends. Joo-ran finds herself unable to utter a response.
The following morning, a pall of disheartenment envelops everyone. Given the absence of an organized entrance exam, Jeong-nyeon galvanizes the students to stage their own showcase in public, allowing the audience to serve as their judgment panel. Yeong-seo challenges Jeong-nyeon, daring her to attract more people than Yeong-seo in order to rejoin the troupe. Jeong-nyeon, undeterred, accepts the challenge.
The students distribute flyers, drawing a throng that includes numerous fans of Yeong-seo. As Yeong-seo begins her soulful rendition, the audience erupts in cheers, while So-bok's anxiety spikes, her frenzy intensifying. Do-aeng mentions something vital she needs to witness.
Switching scenes, Jeong-nyeon steps into the spotlight, with only a handful of spectators gathered. She launches into her performance, singing "The Blooming Autumn Field" with a voice initially rough and gravelly. A patron's insulting shout is quickly silenced by Joo-ran's defiant rebuttal.
A nostalgic flashback reveals Yong-rye inquiring about Jeong-nyeon's strategy to compensate for her vocal imperfections. Jeong-nyeon confidently responds that she will leverage her body language and acting prowess. Presently, the crowd surrounding her swells, eventually including So-bok. Jeong-nyeon wraps up her performance with a resounding ovation, successfully passing her entrance exam. So-bok commends her, gaining more self-assurance in the troupe.
After the dust settles, Joo-ran approaches Jeong-nyeon with congratulations. She then unburdens her heart, confessing that she skipped the audition with Jeong-nyeon as Jeong-nyeon's captivating performances would distract her. Jeong-nyeon reassuringly dismisses it as water under the bridge and requests a promise from Joo-ran to continue performing gukgeuk and witnessing her acts.
In a pivotal decision, So-bok opts against staging "The Queen of Silla" due to its high costs. Instead, she and her peers select "The Legend of the Two Pagodas," an avant-garde production where the male lead portrays a deranged artist.
Elsewhere, Joo-ran tries on a wedding gown while her mother urges her to abandon Maeran. Later, she and Jeong-nyeon delve into the new play, rehearsing a poignant scene where the dying female lead pledges her eternal wait to her lover. Joo-ran's emotions overflow, unbeknownst to Jeong-nyeon, who remains immersed in the fictional realm.
The following day, So-bok made a grand announcement about the auditions for the roles of Prince Asadal and Princess Asanyeo. Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo eagerly prepared to vie for the position of Prince Asadal. Meanwhile, Joo-ran dropped a bombshell on everyone by unveiling her decision to forego the princess audition due to her impending marriage.
Joo-ran confided in Yeong-seo about her departure the next day, and the two shared heartfelt compliments, expressing their gratitude for everything they had shared. When Yeong-seo relayed the news to Jeong-nyeon, Jeong-nyeon responded with anger.
However, just as Joo-ran was about to depart, Jeong-nyeon dashed out to see her one last time. Both girls were visibly upset as Joo-ran embraced Jeong-nyeon, whispering that she would never forget her "one and only prince." With tears streaming down her face, Joo-ran bid a final farewell and turned to leave, marking the poignant end of Episode 11 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born."
