ENA’s My Troublesome Star: Could It Break the Record of Extraordinary Attorney Woo?

A fallen star awakens in a new world 
A romance of wounds, laughter, and healing 
My Troubled Star dares to chase ENA’s brightest record

After the massive success of Extraordinary Attorney Woo in 2022, which peaked at 17.5% viewership ratings, all eyes are now on ENA’s newest drama, My Troublesome Star. Starring Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon, the series is already sparking buzz before its premiere. The strong chemistry between the leads, combined with confidence from the production team, has fans speculating that the show might just become ENA’s next “syndrome drama.”

Directed by Choi Young Hoon and written by Park Ji Ha, the rom-com adds a touch of time and fantasy. It follows the story of Im Sera (Uhm Jung Hwa), a once-beloved top star who suddenly wakes up as a middle-aged woman named Bong Cheong Ja, losing both her career and 25 years of her memory. Her life takes another turn when an unexpected incident thrusts her back into the spotlight. Alongside her is Dok Go Cheol (Song Seung Heon), a former detective who, now demoted, disguises himself as her manager. Together, the fallen star and the reluctant partner embark on a journey full of laughter, healing, and romance.

At the press conference, Song Seung Heon admitted that the script was so enjoyable it made filming effortless. Half-jokingly, he even remarked that the series might surpass Extraordinary Attorney Woo, though he emphasized that beyond the comedy, the show explores the bond of two wounded people who find meaning in each other. Meanwhile, Uhm Jung Hwa embodies both the glamour of a legendary diva and the vulnerability of a woman struggling to reclaim her identity, bringing emotional depth to the romance-comedy framework.

A Reunion After 10 Years and a Strong Production Team

My Troublesome Star marks the reunion of Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon, who last worked together in the 2015 film Wonderful Nightmare. Their on-screen relationship is described as a chaotic comeback that blossoms into a heartfelt romance. For Uhm Jung Hwa, the role is almost like portraying two distinct characters—balancing the dazzling aura of Im Sera with the fragile reality of Bong Cheong Ja.

The supporting cast also adds richness to the story. Lee El takes on the role of Sera’s rival, Oh Dae Hwan plays her former manager turned powerful CEO, while Cha Chung Hwa and Hyun Bong Sik infuse comic relief. Younger versions of the leads, played by Jang Da Ah and Lee Min Jae, bring both freshness and nostalgia. According to the production team, every character contributes significantly to illustrating Sera’s past and present, creating a vivid, dynamic narrative.

Director Choi Young Hoon describes the drama as a human comedy about adults who lost their dreams and learn to fly again, while writer Park Ji Ha highlights that the strength to rise from despair comes from mindset and the encouragement of loved ones. Their goal is to deliver a story that offers both laughter and emotional resonance.

Early Audience Reactions and Global Discussions

Even before airing, My Troublesome Star generated high anticipation online, with comments like “Song Seung Heon is perfect for comedy,” “Uhm Jung Hwa is the queen of rom-coms,” and “Can’t believe it’s a reunion 10 years after Wonderful Nightmare.” Jang Da Ah’s appearance also caught attention, with fans recalling her strong debut performance.

The series has also been widely discussed on international platforms like Reddit.

Some of the comments include:

“I loved the first 40 minutes of the set up… but the current day crowd was mid for me. It must be a record for the number of times the leading character was hit by a vehicle in just 50 minutes.”

“I actually really enjoyed the first episode… but I hope they won’t complicate the plot too much. The mystery of her missing 25 years could eat up a lot of screentime.”

“I was trying to work out what was going on?? I thought she had been in a coma… the blurb doesn’t explain it very well.”

“Why, oh why, would you make your lead actress wear that awful wig?”

“Ummm what the heck was that first episode? I have no real idea what is supposed to be happening.”

These mixed reactions show that while many appreciated the strong setup and Uhm Jung Hwa’s charisma, some viewers found the execution confusing—especially regarding the 25-year memory gap and the mystery around her past. Others pointed out the excessive slapstick humor, like repeated car accidents, or criticized the styling choices such as the wig. Still, most agreed that the show has potential and plan to stick around for episode two, hopeful that the story will find its balance and deliver on the emotional depth promised.

With 12 episodes airing every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM KST on ENA, My Troublesome Star is positioning itself as more than just a light rom-com. It’s a drama about second chances, resilience, and the healing power of human connection. Now the big question remains: can it truly surpass the record set by Extraordinary Attorney Woo and become ENA’s next breakout hit?

Sources: Allkpop, Reddit