Episode 12 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" kicks off with So-bok's bombshell announcement that Cho-rok will portray Asanyeo, the regal princess. Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo are granted the liberty to select the scene for their audition, amidst the lingering sorrow of Joo-ran's departure. In a fit of emotional turmoil, Jeong-nyeon discards the pin she had once cherished with Joo-ran, only for Yeong-seo to stumble upon it and thoughtfully return it to her.
Mr. Ko's suspicious presence looms over the premises, and Yeong-seo catches snippets of Do-aeng's heated exchange with him, realizing the gravity of their financial woes. The debt incurred from their collaborative performance has left Maeran abandoned by investors. Matters escalate as ruthless debt collectors descend upon the theater, turning it into a scene of chaos.
Returning home, Yeong-seo discovers her sister preparing to depart for the United States, announcing her engagement and her intention to abandon her singing career. It transpires that her sister had never harbored a genuine passion for music. Confronting her mother, Yeong-seo demands her rightful share of their grandfather's inheritance, stirring up a tempest of emotions.
Han Ki-joo, in a storm of despair, vents her frustration over being labeled a sinner for failing to bear a son. Caught in a desperate bind, Yeong-seo strikes a heart-wrenching bargain: she vows to comply with her mother's every whim if only she can secure her inheritance and perform one final time.
Back at Maeran, a cluster of fervent fangirls express their excitement to Jeong-nyeon about her role as the new prince, emphasizing their undying love not just for Ok-gyeong, but for the entire Maeran troupe. Yeong-seo, driven by desperation, offers So-bok her money, but her gesture is politely declined. Dejected, Yeong-seo prepares to leave, but Jeong-nyeon, sensing her friend's plight, urges her to stay and continue performing, fueling the fire of their shared passion.
So-bok ventured into a credit union seeking a loan, painting a vivid picture of a forthcoming production that promised to usher in a fresh male lead and herald a new epoch in their theatrical journey. The creditor, captivated by her vision, readily agreed to grant the loan. However, Do-aeng harbored doubts, suggesting they might reconsider the timing of the play's premiere.
Upon her return, So-bok found Jeong-nyeon grappling with a challenging scene. With compassionate guidance, So-bok offered her insights, which Jeong-nyeon gratefully accepted. Jeong-nyeon then poured out her heart, elucidating the profound significance gukgeuk held for her and her fellow troupe members, igniting a spark of determination in So-bok. In an unexpected twist, So-bok subsequently sold the building to Mr. Ko, asserting that her true pride lay in furnishing her troupe with a worthy production stage.
In a heartfelt conversation with Yeong-seo about her interpretation of Asadal, So-bok encouraged Yeong-seo to emulate Jeong-nyeon's perseverance through life's inevitable ups and downs. The audition commenced, with Maeran's students serving as esteemed judges. Intriguingly, Yeong-seo and Jeong-nyeon chose to perform the same scene, depicting Asadal's return from sculpting a Buddha statue to the heartbreaking news of his wife's demise.
Yeong-seo took the stage first, delivering an emotionally charged and deeply moving performance that left the judges pondering the audition's purpose. As Jeong-nyeon stepped up, the audience was treated to a glimpse of her talent before the scene transitioned to thunderous applause. Yeong-seo herself conceded that the judges' decision was a foregone conclusion. Jeong-nyeon was crowned the new prince, with So-bok and the panel concurring.
So-bok's visit to Hye-rang revealed a woman drowning her sorrows in alcohol, having abandoned hope. So-bok gently reminded her that Eun-jae, the young girl, still needed her guidance and love. Meanwhile, Do-aeng extended the role of Dal-bi, the antagonist, to Yeong-seo, who eagerly accepted the challenge. Later, Jeong-nyeon encountered So-bok contemplating Maeran's building, sparking a conversation about the sale. So-bok emphasized that Maeran's essence resided in its people, not its physical location.
The anticipated day of the performance dawns, and Hye-rang arrives at the theatre, accompanied by Eun-jae. With a tender heart, she asks the little girl to address her as "mom" rather than "aunt," emphasizing the bond of motherhood that unites them. The students prepare anxiously behind the stage, their chatter tinged with a hint of melancholy as they ponder that this might be their final performance together. Yet, they reassure one another that every stage appearance holds unparalleled significance.
Among them, Jeong-nyeon receives a resplendent bouquet adorned with a heartfelt note. It's from Joo-ran, who considers Jeong-nyeon her aspiration and sends her best wishes.
As the curtains part, unveiling the performance, Ki-joo, Yong-rye, Jeong-nyeon's sister, and Patricia find their seats amidst the audience. On stage, Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo transform into sculptors, passionately building their respective stone pagodas. Dal-bi, eager to witness Asadal's ingenious masterpiece, delicately plants seeds of distraction between Asadal and his wife, unaware of the悲剧 that unfolds. Tragically, her actions inadvertently lead to the untimely demise of Asadal's wife.
The scene shifts back to the audition, where Asadal, drowned in sorrow, laments the loss of his beloved wife. This time, Jeong-nyeon's complete and emotive performance unfolds, captivating the audience. She receives a thunderous standing ovation, even Yong-rye's eyes welling up with tears. Episode 12 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" concludes on a high note, with the audience cheering Jeong-nyeon's name as she gracefully takes her bow, the stage glowing with her talent and perseverance.
