The Queen of K-Drama Returns
When Uhm Jung-hwa shows up, you know drama is about to get real—and funny. The iconic actress made her much-anticipated return in Genie TV’s new original ‘My You-Like Star’ (Korean title: Geumjjokgateun Nae Star), which premiered on June 18. True to form, Uhm brought both the laughs and the feels in her role as Bong Cheong-ja, a former K-pop diva and drama queen who wakes up one day having lost the last 25 years of her memory.
Throwback Star in a Modern World
Cheong-ja, who once ruled the screens as top celebrity Lim Sae-ra, is stunned to find herself in her 50s—and no longer famous. After a car accident lands her in the hospital, it’s clear something is… off. She struts around like she’s still the it-girl of the late ’90s, oblivious to modern jargon and technology. Her encounter with Dokgo Chul, played by Song Seung-heon, over a pair of sunglasses? Comic gold.
From Tears to TikToks: What Makes This Drama Work?
‘My You-Like Star’ leans hard into a nostalgic-meets-modern vibe. One minute you’re laughing at Bong Cheong-ja’s meltdown after seeing her aged reflection; the next, you’re tearing up as she grapples with a reality she refuses to accept. Uhm nails the emotional rollercoaster—swinging between hilarious delusions and poignant self-discovery.
And let’s talk visuals—Uhm’s wild curly perm and overly rosy cheeks are both on-point and over-the-top, adding to the hilarity of a character trapped in her glittering past. It’s like her glam squad was frozen in the year 2000—and she’s loving it.
Uhm Jung-hwa: Still Got It
If this role proves anything, it’s that Uhm Jung-hwa remains a scene-stealer. Whether she’s trading witty lines with co-stars or giving a masterclass in facial expressions, she owns the screen. Viewers found her portrayal of a woman clinging to stardom both cringey and oddly relatable—which is the magic that fuels many successful K-comedies.
With memorable chemistry, a juicy memory-loss setup, and classic Uhm Jung-hwa flair, the show is already making waves among K-drama fans. Could Bong Cheong-ja be the next iconic rom-com heroine? We wouldn’t bet against it.
Where to Watch
‘My You-Like Star’ airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM KST on ENA. Catch up with free VOD on Genie TV right after the broadcast. For international K-drama addicts, it’s also available via TVING’s OTT platform.
Photo Credit: Broadcast Screen Capture
