Jung Jae I is a character played by Roh Jeong Eui in the Korean drama released by Netflix, Hierarchy. She is the eldest daughter of the Jaeyul Group and a central figure at Jooshin High School. Despite being born into a wealthy conglomerate family, Jung Jae I’s life is fraught with difficulties and misfortunes. Let’s delve into the challenges she faces.
Attention, this article contains spoilers!
Having a Toxic Family
Jung Jae I faces constant pressure from her perfectionist father. (trailer for the drama Hierarchy, doc. Netflix/Hierarchy)
Jung Jae I is the first child of Jung Ki Young (Choi Won Young), the leader of the Jaeyul Group. As the eldest, she is constantly pressured to be perfect. Her perfectionist father and stepmother often compare her to her younger half-brother, Jung Jae Hyeok (Kim Jun Hyung), which only heightens her stress and anxiety.
Jung Jae I lives in fear of not meeting her father’s expectations, worried that she will be abandoned like her biological mother. Her strained relationship with her brother worsens when he records her intimate moments with Kim Ri An (Kim Jae Won) and threatens to expose them, adding to her turmoil.
Make Friends with Hypocritical and Manipulative People
Yoon He Ra and Jung Jae I have a complex and toxic friendship. (trailer for the drama Hierarchy, doc. Netflix/Hierarchy)
Jung Jae I’s friendship with Yoon He Ra (Ji Hye Won) is complex. They’ve known each other since kindergarten, but Yoon He Ra’s jealousy often turns their relationship toxic. She instigates trouble by encouraging Kim Ri An to date her after breaking up with Jung Jae I and influences others to think poorly of her.
Harboring Guilt Over the Death of a Friend
Jung Jae I is haunted by guilt over the death of her friend, Kang In Han. (trailer for the drama Hierarchy, doc. Netflix/Hierarchy)
Jung Jae I is deeply affected by the death of Kang In Han (Kim Min Chul), a scholarship student who was her close friend. Kang In Han supported her during tough times but was bullied because of his lower social status. Tragically, he died in an accident while fleeing from bullies. Jung Jae I is haunted by guilt, feeling responsible for his suffering.
Matched with a Much Older Man
Jung Jae I is forced into an uncomfortable arranged marriage. (trailer for the drama Hierarchy, doc. Netflix/Hierarchy)
In Hierarchy, it is common for children from conglomerate families to have arranged marriages to secure business ties. Jung Jae I is no exception. Despite her feelings for Kim Ri An, she is arranged to marry an older, rude man who makes her uncomfortable with his loudness and unwanted advances.
Pregnant but Ended Up Having a Miscarriage
Jung Jae I hides the pain of a miscarriage from those around her. (trailer for the drama Hierarchy, doc. Netflix/Hierarchy)
Jung Jae I and Kim Ri An have a long history, dating since they were six years old. Despite their deep connection, she breaks up with him to protect him from the fallout of their recorded video. She also hides a painful secret: she had been pregnant and suffered a miscarriage. Eventually, she confides in Kim Ri An and her father, revealing the burdens she has been carrying alone.
Even though Jung Jae I lives in wealth, her life in Hierarchy is far from happy. She bears a heavy burden, and one wrong move could have devastating consequences for those around her.
Hierarchy portrays the dark side of a privileged life, highlighting how wealth doesn’t shield one from pain and suffering. Jung Jae I’s story is a poignant reminder that external appearances can be deceiving. Her struggles with family pressure, toxic relationships, guilt, and personal loss make her a deeply sympathetic character. The drama does a commendable job of depicting her inner turmoil and resilience, making viewers root for her amidst her misfortunes.