Can ENA break its all-time highest rating of 17.5% set in 2022 by 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'?
The upcoming Genie TV original drama 'My Troubled Star,' starring Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon, is drawing explosive interest ahead of its premiere. Even before its first broadcast, the strong confidence of the lead actors combined with the anticipation of viewers had already sparked talk of a potential "syndrome."
'My Troubled Star' (directed by Choi Young Hoon, written by Park Ji Ha, planned by KT Studio Genie, produced by Jumbo Film) is a romantic comedy about time and transformation. The story follows a top star of Korea who suddenly becomes an ordinary middle-aged woman overnight. Once a legendary celebrity beloved by the entire nation, Im Sera (played by Uhm Jung Hwa) loses both her memory and her career in an instant, living under the name Bong Cheong Ja. An unexpected incident, however, brings her back into the spotlight.
Cast expresses anticipation for the series to reap the biggest success in ENA history
At the recent press conference, Song Seung Hun expressed unshakable confidence in the project. He shared, "The script was so much fun that filming was an absolute joy." He joked, "Internally, we even said, 'This might become the biggest hit in ENA’s history.' I have this uneasy (?) feeling that it could even surpass 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' which hit a whopping 17.5%." He added, "If the emotions I felt while working with Uhm Jung Hwa are conveyed directly to viewers, I believe we can surpass that record."
Reflecting on his genuine confidence in the series, he continued to say, "Of course, 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' is a drama I personally loved and a source of pride for ENA. But 'My Troubled Star' isn’t just a comedy that ends with laughs. It tells the story of two wounded people who become precious to each other. It’s a drama packed with humor, warmth, and healing."
Reunion of trusted stars after 10 years
Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Hun reunite 10 years after they collaborated in the 2015 film 'Wonderful Nightmare.' In the new series, they cross paths again at the lowest points of their lives, staging both a "chaotic comeback show" and a "fantastic romance."
Uhm Jung Hwa plays both legendary top star Im Sera and Bong Cheong Ja, a woman who lost 25 years of memory. Taking on what is nearly a dual role, she delivers a performance that moves between glamor and vulnerability. The tearful journey of Cheong Ja preparing for a comeback show to reclaim her shining past promises both laughter and deep resonance.
Song Seung Heon plays Dok Go Cheol, a former violent crimes detective who is unexpectedly reassigned to the traffic police. Disguising himself as Cheong Ja’s manager, he becomes her partner and supporter in preparing for her return to the stage. Together, the fallen star and the demoted cop, two people with very different wounds, embark on a "collision-course romance" set to brighten living rooms this summer.
Production team also expresses confidence in the series: "Laughter, tears, love, and recovery all included"
Director Choi Young Hoon and writer Park Ji Ha, reuniting five years after 'Good Casting,' expressed strong confidence.
Director Choi explained, "'My Troubled Star' is a human comedy about adults who lost their dreams, finding the courage to soar again. I hope viewers accompany the characters on their journey and rediscover their own ‘precious dreams and happiness.’"
Writer Park added, "The strength to rise again from despair comes from ‘mindset’ and ‘encouragement from loved ones.’ The comeback story of a top star who lost 25 years of her life will be both delightful and moving."
A powerhouse supporting cast
Alongside Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Hun, a strong supporting cast enriches the drama. Lee El plays actress Go Hee Young, who replaced Im Sera in her absence, forming a tense rivalry with Uhm Jung Hwa. Oh Dae Hwan appears as Kang Doo Won, Sera’s former manager and now the head of a global entertainment company.
Cha Chung Hwa takes on the role of Min Tae Sook, Sera’s former makeup staff turned beauty salon owner, while Hyun Bong Sik plays Koo Nam Joo, the “icon of misfortune,” adding comic flair. Jo Yeon Hee portrays Sa Sun Young, a stylist-turned-influencer who brings humor, while Jang Da Ah and Lee Min Jae portray the youthful versions of the two leads, adding freshness and nostalgia.
The production team commented, “Every character vividly brings out Im Sera’s past and present. Thanks to the talented actors who breathed life into each role, the drama feels dynamic and real.”
Positive reactions even before broadcast
Viewer anticipation is already surging online: “Song Seung Heon is perfect for comedy,” “Uhm Jung Hwa is the queen of rom-coms,” “Can’t believe it’s a reunion 10 years after Wonderful Nightmare,” and “Jang Da Ah was legendary in her debut, and she’s going to shine again this time.”
ENA expects 'My Troubled Star' to go beyond a simple romantic comedy, offering universal messages of second chances in life and the healing of relationships, adding depth to the genre.
Comprising 12 episodes, 'My Troubled Star' premiered tonight, August 18, at 10 PM KST on ENA and will air new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
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