In My Troublesome Star episode 1, Uhm Jung-hwa is back with a bold role. In the first episode of the Genie TV drama My Troublesome Star, which aired on the 18th, she played Bong Cheong-ja, a former top star who lost 25 years of her life after an accident. The character was once known as Im Se-ra, the “queen of the living room.” Now, she wakes up in her fifties, facing a life she never imagined.
The story is described as a romantic comedy, but the tone already feels heavier. Bong Cheong-ja opens her eyes in a hospital, wandering around like she is still a celebrity.
She is confused, loud, and oddly funny. The humor hits strongest when she meets Dokgo Chul, played by Song Seung-heon. Their clash begins with something as small as sunglasses, but it sets the stage for sharp tension and comedy.
The shock grows when Cheong-ja learns she has retrograde amnesia. She doesn’t remember that time has passed. She stares into a mirror and cannot accept her older face.
The denial is raw and desperate. Uhm Jung-hwa sells every second of that panic, making the scene both heartbreaking and oddly dramatic. The drama mixes comedy and tragedy in a way that feels risky, but it also feels honest.
Viewers can sense that Uhm Jung-hwa poured herself into this role. She portrays a woman living in two timelines: the glamorous memories of a top star, and the harsh reality of middle age. Her balance of pride, confusion, and vulnerability keeps the drama alive. Even when the story feels familiar, her presence gives it new weight. This is not just a comeback. It feels like a statement.
Song Seung-heon and Jang Da-ah Leave Strong Marks
Song Seung-heon’s role is just as layered. He plays Dokgo Chul, a detective who goes undercover as Cheong-ja’s manager. His goal is to return to the violent crimes unit, but his dynamic with her becomes the real spark of the drama. From their first chaotic meeting, he shows a mix of confidence and frustration. His reactions feel both funny and grounded.
The first episode ends with him saving Cheong-ja from another accident. The rescue scene could have been predictable, but his teary expression gave it more power. The chemistry between the two actors is obvious, even in small details. Their bickering feels natural, not forced. This pairing could drive the whole series if the writing keeps the same energy.
Another standout was Jang Da-ah, who plays the younger Im Se-ra from 25 years ago. Her version of the character is bold, fierce, and unwilling to bend to pressure. She walks off a set when she witnesses bullying, then later faces down an investor who tries to exploit her. These scenes give context to the woman Cheong-ja once was. They also show the cost of her choices.
Strong First Impressions
What makes Jang Da-ah’s performance interesting is not just the confidence, but the cracks behind it. In private moments, she breaks down, admitting her pain.
Her line, “I’m human too,” cuts deeper than expected. She captures both the strength and the loneliness of a star at her peak. The styling also deserves mention. The late 1990s look, from flashy makeup to bold costumes, fits perfectly and feels authentic.
The mixture of three strong performances—Uhm Jung-hwa, Song Seung-heon, and Jang Da-ah—gives My Troublesome Star its shape. Each represents a different piece of the timeline. Each adds weight to the unfolding mystery.
For a first episode, that balance matters. It prevents the drama from leaning too far into either comedy or melodrama.
The production team also plays a role here. The director, Choi Young-hoon, keeps the tone shifting but not chaotic. Writer Park Ji-ha sets up sharp conflicts early without dragging the story. Still, one question lingers: will the drama be able to keep this mix of comedy, tragedy, and romance balanced? Korean dramas often lose steam after strong starts. It remains to be seen if this one can hold its ground.
Balancing Comedy and Drama
From an outside view, My Troublesome Star looks like more than just another romantic comedy. It pushes themes of memory, identity, and aging into the spotlight. The fact that the lead character is a woman in her fifties is also rare in mainstream K-drama. That detail alone makes it stand out. The drama seems to ask: what happens when the glamour fades, but the memories remain fresh?
For viewers curious about whether this is worth watching, the first episode makes a solid case. It is funny, sad, and dramatic all at once. The acting is strong, especially from Uhm Jung-hwa. There are moments that feel cliché, but the execution makes them feel alive again. As a My Troublesome Star K-drama review, it is fair to say the series carries both promise and risk.
The show airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ENA, with streaming available on Genie TV and Tving. For those who like character-driven stories with messy emotions, this might be a drama to follow.
It is not light fluff, but it also does not sink into heavy melodrama. The first episode hints at a balance worth exploring. Whether it keeps that balance or not will define its place in 2025 K-drama discussions.
At its core, My Troublesome Star is about a woman confronting time itself. The laughs are sharp, the tears are genuine, and the tension feels real. This is not a perfect start, but it is a striking one.
Which K-drama moved you the most with its story?
How Does this Article Make You Feel?
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
We pour our hearts into every K-drama recap. If our work brings you joy, please buy us a coffee. Your support keeps us going ❤️
🛍️ Earn Cash Back
Sign up on Rakuten via my link to get cashback + bonus when shopping online.
Join & Get Cash BackReferral link — you get a bonus too!
