tvN‘s ‘Retirement’ is drawing attention by foreshadowing a special appearance by actress Jang Hee-jin as the show approaches its end.

tvN’s Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Retirement’ (directed by Jung Ji-in/written by Choi Hyo-bi/planned by Studio Dragon/produced by Studio N, management mmm, and NPIO Entertainment) is a drama that depicts the competition, solidarity, and brilliant growth surrounding ‘natural vocal genius’ Jeong Nyeon-i, who challenges to become the best national theater actress after the Korean War in the 1950s. ‘Retirement’, which deals with the rare subject matter of ‘women‘s national theater’, is captivating viewers with the actors’ passionate performances, beautiful and lyrical directing, exciting narrative, and captivating national theater stage, creating a ‘Retirement craze’ in living rooms in the second half of 2024. Along with this, ‘Retirement Age’ is rising to 9th place among all tvN weekend dramas by surpassing the average viewership rating of 14.3% for households in the metropolitan area, a high of 15.4%, an average viewership rating of 14.1% for households nationwide, and a high of 15.5%, and is also topping various topic rankings and brand reputation surveys, enjoying unrivaled popularity. (Based on Nielsen Korea/Good Data Corporation/Kinolights/Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute)



Among these, the still cuts of Jang Hee-jin, who makes a special appearance in Episode 11 of ‘Retirement Age’, have been released, drawing attention. Previously, solid acting actors such as Moon So-ri (as Chae Gong-seon), Lee Deok-hwa (as Gong-seon Bu), Oh Dae-hwan (as Chang-ho), Lee Min-ji (as So-yi), and Woo Mi-hwa (as Jeong Nam-hee) appeared and received favorable reviews for adding a sense of weight. Accordingly, Jang Hee-jin, who took up the baton, is expected to decorate the unmissable finale in the special appearance relay of ‘Retirement’, which is approaching its final episode.

Meanwhile, Jang Hee-jin plays the character ‘Hong-mae’. Hong-mae was an early member of the Maeran National Theater Company along with Moon Ok-kyung (played by Jung Eun-chae) and Seo Hye-rang (played by Kim Yoon-hye), and she quit the national theater company to become the second wife of a wealthy man. Jang Hee-jin, who met director Jung Ji-in through his previous work ‘Red Sleeves’, is said to have readily accepted director Jung Ji-in‘s love call and showed off her shining loyalty.

In the still cut released along with this, Hong-mae shows off a gorgeous and captivating appearance with her bob cut and bright red lipstick. Also, he has a friendly meal with Mae-ran’s leader, So-bok (played by Ra Mi-ran), and So-bok‘s friendly eyes and smile towards Hong-mae create a warm feeling. Meanwhile, in episode 10, on the day when the joint performance, ‘The Fool and the Princess’, was to open, Ok-kyung suddenly retired and disappeared after finishing her first performance, shocking Mae-ran. Also, So-bok lost two of Mae-ran’s star actors at the same time when she chased away Hye-rang, who had harmed Jeong-nyeon (played by Kim Tae-ri). In the midst of all this, curiosity is rising as to why So-bok came to see Hong-mae, another former disciple.

Episode 11 of tvN‘s Sat-Sun drama ’Jeong-nyeon’ will air on Saturday, the 16th at 9:20 PM, and the long-awaited final episode will air on Sunday, the 17th.

Choi Yun-na, Donga.com reporter yyynnn@donga.com