New seasons bring new stories for CJ ENM, so grab your popcorn and get ready for fresh content
Now that the heat wave is behind us, CJ ENM is bringing in cool new content to celebrate the season.
Start this fall by time-traveling to the post-Korean War era with “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born.” The show tells the inspiring story of a “vocal prodigy” striving to become Korea’s best female classical opera performer. With a star-studded cast, including Kim Tae-ri, Ra Mi-ran and Shin Ye-eun, the show, released on October 12, was highly anticipated and well-received by the audience.
Moving back to the present day, “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard” is a spin-off of the critically acclaimed mystery drama “Stranger,” and premiered exclusively on TVING on October 10. The series stars Lee Jun-hyuk and Park Sung-woong, and is crafted by Lee Soo-yeon, the writer behind the original series.
Even though the colder weather might make you want to stay inside, a new variety show is set to ignite your wanderlust. The latest installment in the “Europe Outside Your Tent” series, “Europe Outside Your Tent: Romantic Italy,” showcases Ra Mi-ran, Kwak Sun-young, Lee Joo-bin and Lee Se-young’s journey to discover Europe’s hidden gems, from the Adriatic Sea to the Dolomites.
Meanwhile, hip-hop was reborn in Korea with the hit new survival show “RAP:PUBLIC.” Continuing the legacy of the “Show Me the Money” series, “RAP:PUBLIC,” which aired on October 2, combines rap competitions with psychological games. The show is hosted by the founder of the popular hip-hop record label AOMG, Jay Park.
From Young Vocal Prodigy to the Top of National Theater: “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”
Starring: Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran and Moon So-ri / Directed by: Jung Ji-in
tvN’s new weekend drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born” depicts the competition, camaraderie and remarkable growth of Jeongnyeon, a young vocalist striving to become the best gugak* performer in the aftermath of the Korean War in the 1950s. The drama displays a fresh take on the women’s perspective of national theater at the time. The series is directed by Jung Ji-in, known for her work in “The Red Sleeve.” The all-star cast includes Kim Tae-ri (as Yoon Jeongnyeon), Shin Ye-eun (as Heo Young-seo), Ra Mi-ran (as Kang So-bok), Jung Eun-chae (as Moon Ok-gyeong) and Kim Yoon-hye (as Seo Hae-rang), with special appearances by Moon So-ri (as Seo Yong-rye) and Lee Deok-hwa (as Gong Sun-bu).
*Gugak refers to traditional Korean music and is synonymous with Changgeuk (also known as Korean theater).
The women’s national theater, which enjoyed peak popularity in the 1950s, transformed the weary post-war world with their romantic performances.”
The teaser video brings the dazzling Korean theater stage to life, featuring Kim Tae-ri as the lead character Yoon Jeongnyeon. Fans of the original webtoon “Jeongnyeon” eagerly anticipated the show and were excited to see how the character was recreated for the film.
Dongjae is Back in the “Stranger” Spin-Off: “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard”
Starring: Lee Jun-hyuk and Park Sung-woong / Directed by: Park Gun-ho and Hwang Ha-jung
“Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard,” follows the tumultuous journey of Seo Dongjae (played by Lee Jun-hyuk), who aims to escape his stigma as a corrupt prosecutor and regain his reputation. Lee Soo-yeon, who created the original “Stranger” series, returns as the writer, while director Park Gun-ho ensures top-notch production quality. Fans eagerly anticipated the acting showdown between Lee Jun-hyuk, who has turned Dongjae into a beloved yet complex character, and the charismatic Park Sung-woong.
The released teaser highlights Seo Dongjae at another crossroads, like its prequel “Stranger.” The tumultuous and complex character raises curiosity amongst fans about what event will shake up his life as a prosecutor this time.
Tent Life With a Twist: Finding Italy’s Best-Kept Secrets
Starring: Ra Mi-ran, Kwak Sun-young, Lee Joo-bin and Lee Se-young / Directed by: Lee Min-jung
Instead of using traditional hotels, trains and restaurants, enjoy Europe with beautiful campgrounds, drive rental cars and try out the local markets!
A new season of the camping variety show series, “Europe Outside Your Tent,” is set to premiere on October 17, focusing solely on romance and freedom while traveling the world. Led by camping expert Ra Mi-ran, the new season, titled “Europe Outside Your Tent: Romantic Italy,” follows Kwak Sun-young, Lee Joo-bin and Lee Se-young as they embark on a camping adventure through Europe’s hidden landmarks.
“This is the essence of camping!”
The released teaser video highlights the playful chemistry between Ra Mi-ran, Kwak Sun-young, Lee Joo-bin and Lee Se-young as they explore Italy’s romantic regions. Fans are drawn to their lively banter as they uncover scenic, lesser-known destinations rarely seen by tourists.
Hip-Hop Enters a New Era With “RAP:PUBLIC”
Starring: Jay Park / Directed by: Choi Hyo-jin and Jung Woo-young
“RAP:PUBLIC” premiered on October 2 with a unique twist on the traditional rap survival show. Created by the team behind Mnet’s “Show Me the Money” series, rappers use their skills as a weapon in a strategic battle for survival. The title “RAP:PUBLIC” encapsulates the essence of individual rappers showcasing their distinctive talents, while collectively forming a “republic of rappers,” despite the competitive nature of their craft.
Set in a mysterious and exclusive space, participants hone their skills and build influence through rap battles as they compete for victory. The popular producer GroovyRoom, known for composing numerous hit songs, served as the music director. Jay Park, the founder of AOMG, hosted the show, further heightening the excitement.