The tension is palpable as two powerhouse actresses go head-to-head in ENA’s hit drama “My Troublesome Star.” Uhm Jung Hwa and Lee El’s on-screen rivalry is creating the most compelling K-drama moments of 2025.
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Uhm Jung Hwa Setup: When Former Rivals Reunite
“My Troublesome Star” follows Korea’s biggest star Im Se Ra (Jang Da Ah), who mysteriously vanishes and wakes up as Bong Cheong Ja (Uhm Jung Hwa), an ordinary middle-aged woman after losing 25 years. The drama takes an intense turn when Bong Cheong Ja confronts her past through Go Hee Young (Lee El).
Lee El portrays Go Hee Young, a longtime supporting actress who “endured bitter tears while living in the shadow of Im Se Ra”. Now that Im Se Ra has mysteriously disappeared, Go Hee Young has risen to become a top star herself, setting the stage for an explosive reunion.
Drama Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Drama Title | My Troublesome Star (금쪽같은 내 스타) |
| Network | ENA, Genie TV |
| Episodes | 12 episodes |
| Air Schedule | Mondays & Tuesdays, 10:00 PM KST |
| Genre | Romance, Comedy, Drama |
| Key Tension | Uhm Jung Hwa vs Lee El rivalry |
The Battle of Nerves: What Makes This Confrontation Special
In the latest episodes, “the spotlight shifts to her reunion with Go Hee Young” as Bong Cheong Ja takes “her first bold step toward a comeback”. This isn’t just any ordinary confrontation – it’s a masterclass in psychological warfare between two exceptional actresses.
The dynamics are particularly compelling because Go Hee Young represents everything Bong Cheong Ja (formerly Im Se Ra) has lost. While Bong Cheong Ja struggles to navigate her new reality as an ordinary woman, Go Hee Young has claimed the throne she once occupied.
Character Development That Hits Different
Uhm Jung Hwa’s Complex Journey
Uhm Jung Hwa’s character “wakes up in the body of middle-aged woman Bong Cheong Ja” and “decides to return to acting, hoping to restore her former glory”. Her performance captures the vulnerability of someone trying to reclaim their lost identity while facing the harsh reality of time’s passage.
Lee El’s Power Play
Lee El’s Go Hee Young is described as “sharp and chic,” having risen from supporting actress to main star. Her character represents the ruthless nature of the entertainment industry, where one person’s downfall becomes another’s opportunity.
Why This Drama is Resonating with Audiences
The show has garnered impressive viewer engagement, with fans describing it as “beyond comedy” with “glimpses of serious plot twists that will make this a standout drama-comedy”. The writing has been praised as “well written, well presented, well directed, fast-paced and very well acted.”
The Supporting Cast That Elevates the Drama
Song Seung Heon stars as detective Dokgo Chul, who “helps Bong Cheong Ja struggles to navigate life after losing 25 years of her memory”. The ensemble also includes Oh Dae Hwan as Kang Doo Won, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected relationships.
What Sets This K-Drama Apart
Unique Time-Jump Premise
The 25-year time gap creates fascinating opportunities for character development and social commentary about how the entertainment industry has evolved.
Stellar Acting Performances
The drama maintains a 7.8 IMDb rating, reflecting strong audience appreciation for the cast’s performances, particularly the tension between Uhm Jung Hwa and Lee El.
Perfect Balance of Genres
The show successfully combines fantasy comedy elements while maintaining dramatic tension, creating a viewing experience that’s both entertaining and emotionally engaging.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
“My Troublesome Star” airs “twice a week every Monday and Tuesday at 10:00 PM KST on ENA and Genie TV”, with international availability on Viki and other streaming platforms.
As the drama approaches its midpoint, viewers can expect even more intense confrontations between these powerhouse characters, promising to deliver some of the year’s most memorable K-drama moments.
Related Reading: Explore more K-drama reviews and stay updated with the latest Korean entertainment news on TechnoSports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main conflict between Uhm Jung Hwa and Lee El’s characters in “My Troublesome Star”?
A: The tension stems from Lee El’s character Go Hee Young being a former supporting actress who lived in Im Se Ra’s shadow for years. After Im Se Ra’s mysterious disappearance, Go Hee Young rose to become a top star, creating a complex dynamic when they reunite as Bong Cheong Ja tries to reclaim her former glory.
Q: How many episodes does “My Troublesome Star” have and where can I watch it?
A: “My Troublesome Star” has 12 episodes total, airing on ENA and Genie TV every Monday and Tuesday at 10:00 PM KST. International viewers can watch with subtitles on Viki and other streaming platforms.
