South Korea's theatre culture has transformed from street performances to sophisticated indoor shows. Tving’s 2024 historical drama, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, captures this journey, reviving the nearly forgotten gukgeuk or all-female Korean theater.
Set in the 1950s, Jeongnyeon follows Jeong-nyeon (Kim Tae Ri), a singer joining the Yeoseong Gukgeuk troupe. Her path to mastering gukgeuk — a genre that challenges gender norms — unfolds as Korea rebuilds, offering audiences a glimpse into this unique art form.
Korean Theater's Historical Roots
Traditional Korean theatre began with talchum (mask dance) and pansori (narrative singing). These art forms were central to village life, offering storytelling and entertainment. Korea’s isolationist policy in the 17th century allowed these to thrive without outside influence.
In the early 20th century, Korea embraced foreign influences like Japanese shinpa theatre and Western drama. This era saw changgeuk, modern Korean musical theatre, replace traditional pansori, with "The Silver World" ("Eunsegye") debuting in 1908 as Korea’s first changgeuk.
The Rise and Decline of Gukgeuk
Gukgeuk combines pansori and Western drama, with all-female casts challenging societal norms. Gukgeuk allowed women unique performance opportunities but declined by the 1960s as actors moved to film and television. Unlike pansori, gukgeuk wasn’t preserved as a cultural asset, leading to its disappearance.
Jeongnyeon Revives Cultural Memory
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born revives gukgeuk, presenting Jeong-nyeon’s dedication to mastering this art. The drama highlights the resilience of Korea’s female performers, using traditional sounds and dances to connect with younger audiences.
Since its October 12 premiere, Jeongnyeon has captivated viewers with an impressive 13% average rating. The series bridges generations, educating viewers about Korea’s rich theatrical heritage.
Korean Theater as a Cultural Asset
South Korea’s National Changgeuk Company, established in 1962, has been crucial in preserving theatre. By adapting classical stories and inviting global directors, the company modernizes changgeuk, enhancing global appreciation for this art form.
The "Changgeuk of World Master's Choice" program updates changgeuk for global audiences, celebrating Korea’s intangible cultural assets.
Influence on Modern K-Drama and K-Pop
The legacy of all-female theater like gukgeuk impacts modern Korean entertainment, from K-dramas to K-pop. Jeongnyeon parallels gukgeuk training with the rigorous training of K-pop idols, resonating with today’s audiences through shared themes of ambition.
Cultural critic Jung Duk-hyun highlights how Jeongnyeon modernizes gukgeuk by blending traditional themes, appealing to both Korean and global viewers through universal stories.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born showcases South Korea's theatre renaissance, preserving gukgeuk for future generations. By bridging past and present, the drama redefines Korea’s cultural heritage as a valuable and relevant aspect of contemporary entertainment.
This revival enriches public appreciation for Korea’s theatrical traditions, ensuring their significance in the modern world. Productions like Jeongnyeon are pivotal in celebrating traditional arts, securing their legacy for future generations.
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