Actors Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Seung-heon have reunited on screen after a decade, but their new drama is off to a rocky start.
The two stars, who last worked together in the 2015 film Miss Wife, promised delightful chemistry in their long-awaited reunion. Their comeback project, Genie TV’s original series My Troublesome Star, tells the story of Korea’s biggest top star who suddenly wakes up as an ordinary middle-aged woman, navigating a tearful yet comedic second chance at life.
The drama premiered on August 18, with episode 1 recording a nationwide paid household rating of 1.3% according to Nielsen Korea. Episode 2, aired on August 19, saw a slight rise to 1.9%. Despite the buzz around its casting, the figures indicate a challenging start.
Uhm Jung-hwa as a Fallen Star, Song Seung-heon as Her Chaotic Partner
In episode 2, Uhm Jung-hwa transformed into Bong Cheong-ja (formerly top star Im Sera), who suddenly loses 25 years of her life and must adjust to a completely different reality. From living in a goshiwon (tiny dormitory) to working at a cafeteria, her once-glamorous star life is reduced to harsh survival, creating both humor and pathos.
Song Seung-heon plays Dok Go-chul, who constantly crosses paths with Cheong-ja. Their bickering, accidental encounters, and reluctant teamwork deliver lighthearted comedy, fueling anticipation for their bittersweet romance after 10 years apart on screen.
The Creative Team Behind the Scenes
My Troublesome Star marks the reunion of director Choi Young-hoon and writer Park Ji-ha, who previously worked together on SBS’s Good Casting. Choi described the drama as “a human comedy with the charm of a fairy-tale fantasy, about adults who have lost their dreams finding the courage to soar again.”
Writer Park added, “I wanted to show that true happiness and recovery come from mindset and encouragement from loved ones. The idea of a top star suddenly losing 25 years of her life itself is the biggest hook of this story.”
A Strong Supporting Cast
The drama also features Lee El, who plays Go Hee-young, a rival actress who takes over Im Sera’s spot as Korea’s leading star. Oh Dae-hwan appears as Kang Doo-won, once a road manager, now a powerful entertainment CEO. Cha Chung-hwa, Hyun Bong-shik, and Jo Yeon-hee add comic relief, while rising stars Jang Da-ah and Lee Min-jae portray the younger versions of Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Seung-heon’s characters.
Jang Da-ah, in particular, left a strong impression as the young Im Sera, exuding confidence as a top star in her prime. Her fiery clashes with Go Hee-young heightened the rivalry narrative and teased future conflicts.
Despite its promising premise and powerhouse cast, My Troublesome Star faces an uphill battle with its early ratings. As the story unfolds, viewers are curious whether the heartwarming comedy and the reunion of Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Seung-heon will be enough to turn the tide.
Sources: TV Report
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