In tvN‘s weekend drama ‘Jeongnyeoni’, a new prince is born between Kim Tae-ri and Shin Ye-eun of Maeran.

‘Jeongnyeoni’ (directed by Jung Ji-in/written by Choi Hyo-bi) will air its long-awaited final episode today (the 17th).

In the previous 11th episode, Yoon Jeong-nyeon (played by Kim Tae-ri) returns to Maeran with her dream of becoming a national theater actress, and dreams of revitalizing the Maeran National Theater Troupe, which is headed toward decline after the departure of its star stars Moon Ok-kyung (played by Jung Eun-chae) and Seo Hye-rang (played by Kim Yoon-hye). She also begins competing with her rival Heo Yeong-seo (played by Shin Ye-eun) for the position of ‘new prince.

Along with this, Jeong-nyeon, who was preparing for the audition for the new national musical ‘Ssangtap Jeonseol’, also had a heartbreaking farewell to Hong Joo-ran (played by Woo Da-bi), with whom she had promised to stand on stage as the lead actress in the future, causing viewers to shed tears. Attention is being paid to whether Jeong-nyeon, who has overcome painful trials and tribulations and is growing little by little, will be able to become a bright star in the new world of national musicals.

With the final episode of ‘Jeong-nyeon’ remaining, interest is rising as Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo are shown auditioning to win the role of ‘Asadal’, the main character in ‘Ssangtap Jeonseol’. Jeong-nyeon and Yeong-seo capture attention as they act out their own ‘Asadal’ under the serious eyes of the troupe leader So-bok (played by Ra Mi-ran). First, Yeong-seo expresses the inner self of an artist obsessed with madness with her burning eyes and explosive gestures, eliciting admiration. Above all, Yeong-seo is so completely immersed in ‘Asadal’ that she can’t even think about the past days when she wasn‘t able to fully immerse herself in her role. Accordingly, attention is focused on how Yeong-seo’s passionate acting, which has overcome her own limitations, will be portrayed in the drama.

Jeong-nyeon overwhelms those around her with only her calm and charismatic gaze without any particular gestures. Accordingly, curiosity is rising about what kind of character Jeong-nyeon‘s interpretation of ‘Asadal’ will be and what kind of acting she will show to match Yeong-seo’s passionate acting that shows explosive power. In addition, keen interest is focused on what kind of face the new prince born from ‘Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe’ will have.

The production team of ‘Jeong-nyeon’ said, “Today, the final curtain rises on ‘Jeong-nyeon’. The final broadcast will feature the last national theater performance by the ‘Maeran National Theater Troupe’, which many viewers have been waiting for.” It will be a sensational national theater performance with a different charm from the ‘Chunhyangjeon’, ‘Jamyunggo’, and ‘The Fool and the Princess’ that have been presented so far. Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, and all the other actors and staff members said, “Please look forward to the last stage where we gave it our all.”

tvN’s Saturday-Sunday drama ’Jeongnyeon-i’ is a drama that depicts the competition, solidarity, and brilliant growth period surrounding ‘natural vocal genius’ Jeongnyeon-i, who challenges to become the best national theater actor after the Korean War in the 1950s. The final episode will air tonight (the 17th) at 9:20 p.m.

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com