Book Introduction

Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo are sharpening their talents, aiming to embody the legendary 'real Ondal' in the competitive world of national theater. Will their relentless efforts lead them to success?

Drama Adaptation Scheduled for 2024!

The duo prepares for auditions for the joint performance [The Fool and the Princess], but their journey is anything but smooth. After receiving criticism about his lackluster singing voice, Jeongnyeon seeks a mentor, only to be advised to “stop singing altogether.” Overwhelmed, he pushes himself too hard, leading to throat issues. Meanwhile, Yeongseo is driven to prove himself to his mother but finds his acting abilities reaching a frustrating plateau. Despite their determination, the audition results seem to elude their control. Who among them will ascend to claim the stage?

Publisher Review

"On a stage with no clear purpose, he must find his own reason—not someone else’s."

Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo’s compelling story of rivalry, resilience, and rediscovery unfolds as they strive to reclaim their place in the spotlight.

Volume 8 of [Jeongnyeon] is a dramatic continuation of the series, coinciding with excitement for the upcoming drama adaptation set to air in Fall 2024. This volume’s cover features recent updates from Seo-I-Re and Na-Mon, as well as exclusive photos from the filming of the [Jeongnyeon] drama, complete with thrilling cast insights.

The volume opens with heavy themes, as Yeongseo, chosen to portray young Ondal, faces internal conflicts with the national theater troupe after the audition results. Tensions escalate when Hye-rang, cast as Princess Pyeonggang, is pressured to step down. The resulting performance becomes a solo showcase by the Maeran National Theater Troupe, further deepening the cracks within the group.

Yeongseo’s world crumbles upon discovering that her mother, whom she deeply admires and sees as the reason she pursued national theater, manipulated the audition results in her favor. Simultaneously, Jeongnyeon faces her own struggles. After returning to her hometown with a severe throat injury, she swears off the national theater entirely. But a visit from So-Bok and Bu-Yong, directors of the Maeran National Theater Troupe, reignites her determination.

Bu-Yong’s words of encouragement, coupled with her mother Chae Gong-seon’s intervention, push Jeongnyeon to reconsider. Her mother, a legendary performer of [Chueolmanjeong] who vanished from the spotlight, agrees to teach Jeongnyeon despite her injury, moved by her daughter’s sincerity. Bolstered by their support, Jeongnyeon resolves to return to Seoul to retake the national theater troupe entrance exam.

Key Themes

Finding Purpose: The story explores how the protagonists, Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo, grapple with the loss of their initial motivation and work toward defining their own reasons for pursuing their passion.
Resilience: Despite personal and external setbacks, both characters push forward, showcasing the unyielding human spirit.
The Complexities of Ambition: The narrative highlights the struggles of ambition, including ethical dilemmas, self-doubt, and strained relationships.

Special Features

This volume includes delightful extras:

Supplementary Comics: A four-panel cartoon that humorously portrays the serious emotions of Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo, providing lighthearted relief.
Interactive Content: A "Reception Room" section addressing reader questions and concerns.
Bonus Stickers: First-edition releases feature adorable stickers, including mini-character versions of Maeran and friends, along with illustrations of two iconic scenes rendered by author Namon.

Dive into the richly layered narrative of Volume 8, where Jeongnyeon and Yeongseo navigate the intricate dynamics of the national theater, rediscover their motivations, and aim to shine once more on the stage.

Jeongnyeon - bande dessinée Vol 8