Episode 2 of "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" dawns just on the cusp of the crucial audition for the prestigious theatre company. Amidst the tense anticipation, the other aspirants cast disparaging glances at Jeong-nyeon, branding her with the stigma of being a fishmonger's daughter.
As the audition unfolds, disaster strikes during the dance segment, Jeong-nyeon's injured shoulder betraying her, hindering her graceful movements. However, the acting portion presents an opportunity for redemption. Given the theme of sadness, Jeong-nyeon is called upon to improvise. Drawing from a wellspring of emotion, she revisits the devastating memory of her father's passing during wartime. Her eyes well up with authentic tears, silently conveying the agony that had rendered her voiceless in grief's throes. So-bok, intrigued, inquires about her tears without words, prompting Jeong-nyeon to recount the helplessness that had stifled her cries.
Outside, whispers about the newly arrived trainee, Ok-gyeong, swirl among the students. Transitioning to the singing segment, Jeong-nyeon astonishes everyone with her soaring vocals, her melodious voice unlocking a distant memory within So-bok. Flashbacks reveal a girl singing the same haunting melody onstage, her youthful counterpart gazing at her with envious eyes. Could this elusive past intertwine So-bok with Jeong-nyeon's mother in some unforeseen way?
Amidst the revelations, three students are hailed as the official trainees, Jeong-nyeon's name conspicuously absent from the list. Yet, fate in her favor, as she is granted a special position as an understudy. Escorted to So-bok, she learns that her acceptance wasn't a mere act of favor; rather, it was a challenge to prove her merit. So-bok's curiosity piqued, she inquires about Jeong-nyeon's mother's name, only to receive the unexpected reply of "Seo Yong-rye."
Despite the curveball, Jeong-nyeon's heart swells with joy, and Ok-gyeong beams with pride for her newfound friend. In a private exchange, So-bok confides to Ok-gyeong that Jeong-nyeon evokes memories of a talented trainee from her past, hinting at a deeper connection yet to be unveiled.
Jeong-nyeon ventures into her designated quarters, where the other girls mischievously tease her about her soon-to-be roommate. Despite the taunts, she perseveres, settling in for a peaceful slumber. As the night draws to a close, her elusive roommate arrives, only to vanish again by dawn's early light.
While sweeping the serene courtyard, Jeong-nyeon encounters Hong Joo-ran, a fellow novice who warmly introduces herself. Seizing the moment, Joo-ran offers to serve as her guide, leading her through the labyrinth of training grounds. As they witness Hye-rang's impeccable rehearsal, Joo-ran is summoned away for duties, leaving Jeong-nyeon captivated by the enchanting pansori practiced by another girl.
The novice trainees embark on their official training sessions, and in an icebreaker exercise, Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo are tasked with harmonizing the same melody. Their voices intertwine, captivating the crowd, yet as Jeong-nyeon attempts to forge a friendship with Yeong-seo, she encounters a chilly reception; Yeong-seo's aristocratic pride prevents her from accepting a fishmonger's daughter as an equal.
Later, Joo-ran enlightens Jeong-nyeon about Yeong-seo's regal nickname, 'Her Highness,' stemming from her family's esteemed status within the musical realm. But the revelation pales in comparison to the shocking encounter that awaits Jeong-nyeon as nightfall descends once more. Yeong-seo, her very own roommate, silently enters her chamber, turning the tables on Jeong-nyeon's expectations and setting the stage for an unexpected camaraderie amidst their contrasting backgrounds.
The following day dawned with Yeong-seo gracefully stepping into her mother's abode, arms laden with a resplendent bouquet of flowers. Within, her mother's ears were enraptured by the ethereal melodies of Young-in's opera piece emanating from the radio, her eldest daughter's talent hailed as the pinnacle of her existence. A lingering note of discontent lingered, however, over Yeong-seo's choice of gukgeuk over opera; yet, her mother's resolve remained firm—if this was her daughter's path, she must excel.
As the melody segued into a pansori recording, graced by the enchanting voice of Chae Gong-seon, Yeong-seo's mother reminisced about their encounters, her admiration undiminished. The sudden disappearance of the talented singer lingered as a mystery, eliciting a whisper of wonder.
Meanwhile, within the confines of the academy, Jeong-nyeon found herself at the center of a turmoil. A simple oversight—her uniform's absence—turned into a conundrum, her classmate Cho-rok's claim of misplacement ringing hollow. Punishment came swiftly, in the form of an unexpected absence from class. Fuelled by indignation, Jeong-nyeon confronted Cho-rok, their words clashing like swords in a silent battle.
Cho-rok, ever the provocateur, dared Jeong-nyeon to prove her mettle by stealing an audition script from Do-aeng, a seasoned member of the troupe. In exchange, he promised a favor and an apology, the stakes high. Joo-ran, a voice of reason, counseled against such recklessness, warning that trainees were forbidden from such endeavors.
Yet, Jeong-nyeon's determination was unshaken. She ventured forth, meeting with Do-aeng, her pleas echoing through the halls. Eventually, Do-aeng's stern facade softened, offering a challenge: secure a role in the upcoming trainee performance, and perhaps, the door to the official audition would creak open.
Emboldened, Jeong-nyeon joined the ranks of trainees, her eyes fixed on the rehearsal of Chunhyangjeon, Yeong-seo at its helm. Months of meticulous preparation enveloped the room, but Jeong-nyeon's hunger for a part was relentless. When an opening presented itself, Yeong-seo, recognizing her drive, bestowed upon her the role of Bang-ja, igniting a spark of hope and ambition amidst the hustle and bustle of rehearsals.
Later in the day, Joo-ran pens an affectionate letter to her elder sister, inspiring Jeong-nyeon to reciprocate the gesture towards her own sibling. She gently presses a blossom into Jeong-nyeon's hand, suggesting it as a token to enclose within her letter. Jeong-nyeon embarks on her rehearsal with determination, yet the road is rocky; her struggles become evident. Yeong-seo, growing impatient, demonstrates the nuances of the act, her words tinged with a hint of disdain. She nonchalantly mentions the possibility of abandoning the endeavor, knowing full well that Jeong-nyeon had been intentionally assigned the challenging part. Undaunted, Jeong-nyeon vows to defy the odds and reveal her true potential. However, in a moment of vulnerability, she confides in Joo-ran, admitting her uncertainty and uncertainty about her path.
Suddenly, news arrives that Ok-gyeong has summoned her to her opulent abode, where Jeong-nyeon discovers Hye-rang residing too. The encounter with Ok-gyeong, seated amidst the grandeur, watching a film, is both daunting and intriguing. Jeong-nyeon courageously inquires about the elusive art of portraying male roles, and Ok-gyeong's reply is disarmingly simple: a profound understanding of the character's essence. As a testament to her faith, Ok-gyeong hands her the script for the prestigious audition, the one Cho-rok had taunted her into pursuing.
As Jeong-nyeon: The Star is Born Episode 2 draws to a close, Ok-gyeong declares her intention: Jeong-nyeon shall focus solely on preparing for this audition, freeing her from the need to prove herself through the trainee showcase. Her ambition is to foster a rivalry within the realm of male leads, with Jeong-nyeon as her worthy opponent. Jeong-nyeon stands stunned, the realization dawning on her that the whispers among her peers, accusing her of favoritism, held a grain of truth.
