The Great Jang-Geum 

A series based on a real person in Korean history, Suh, Jang-geum.

Stars:

Yeong-ae Lee, Hyeon-shik Lim, Jin-hee Ji

2 wins.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Yeong-ae Lee	...	Seo Jang-Geum 50 episodes, 2003-2004
Hyeon-shik Lim	...	Kang Deok-Gu 49 episodes, 2003-2004
Jin-hee Ji	...	Min Jeong-ho 48 episodes, 2003-2004
So-yi Kim	...	Court Lady Min 47 episodes, 2003-2004
Bo-ra Geum	...	NaJudaek 47 episodes, 2003-2004
Eun-hye Park	...	Lee Yeon-Saeng 44 episodes, 2003-2004
Ja Hye Choi	...	Chang-Yi 44 episodes, 2003-2004
Mi-ri Gyeon	...	Court Lady Choi 43 episodes, 2003-2004
Kuk Shin	...	Eunuch 43 episodes, 2003-2004
Ho Lim	...	King Jungjong 42 episodes, 2003-2004
Hie-do Lee	...	Choi Pan-Sul 41 episodes, 2003-2004
Ri-na Hong	...	Choi Geum-young 40 episodes, 2003-2004
Ip-sae Lee	...	Yoon Young-roh 36 episodes, 2003-2004
Jeong-soo Park	...	Queen Munjeong 30 episodes, 2004
Mi-kyeong Yang	...	Attendant court lady Han 29 episodes, 2003-2004
Sang-hun Maeng	...	Dr. Jeong Woon-Baek 28 episodes, 2003-2004
Ji-min Han	...	Shinbi 23 episodes, 2004
Eun-su Park	...	Dr. Shin Ik-Phil 23 episodes, 2004
Kyeong-hwan Jo	...	Prime Minister, Oh Gyeom-Ho 23 episodes, 2003-2004
Yeo-jin Kim	...	Dr. Jang-Deok 22 episodes, 2004

Storyline

The story of Suh, Jang-geum, who struggles in life begins with being the child of fugitives, to being a Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen, to becoming the first Female Royal Physician. This show that could be shown on the Soap Opera Channel, History Channel, Food Channel, and Medical Channel at the same time! This is based on a REAL character in Korean History.

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Plot Keywords:

eunuch | female lead | palace | court maid | torture | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Details

Official Sites:

Offficial site [South Korea]

Country:

South Korea

Language:

Korean

Release Date:

13 September 2003 (South Korea)

Also Known As:

A Jewel in the Palace

Filming Locations:

Changdeokgung, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Company Credits

Production Co:

MBC-TV Korea

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min (episodes 1-54)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The script originally included a kissing scene between Seo Jang-geum and Min Jung-ho, but Yeong-ae Lee, who plays Jang-geum, felt it wasn't necessary and that the drama did not need such scenes in order to generate viewer ratings. Hence the scene was removed.

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Quotes

Jeong-ho Min: This woman isn't meant for this era. When will women have their place?

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Connections

Spin-off Jang Geum ieui Kkum (2005)

User Reviews

Definitely a great show!

The very first time I first heard of this hit Korean drama here in my country was when it was reported that many in Hong Kong watched the finale and it broke the record in terms of viewership ratings there. From then on, it had got me intrigued.

Based on the life of the first ever woman royal physician in the now Korea, it will definitely pull your heartstrings and move you. The age-old philosophy of perseverance and facing whatever adversaries no matter how big or small is dominant in this drama serial.

Lee Young-Ae plays the role of Jang Geum very well. So do the other cast members as well. Those who play the evil court ladies are really so convincing that it made me forgot for a moment that it is only just a show.

The spread of food being shown in the drama serial can really make you go mouth-watering. You will be surprised as to why each dish has its own significance and all that. The medical knowledge that Jang Geum has later on in the serial is really impressive but then at times, it got her into trouble as well. But she always persevered and save the day. The scenes with Lord Min are always very sweet and romantic.

In this current age and times where the traits Jang Geum possesses really make people try to understand more of the world they are in, this show is definitely a winner. Virtually almost no sex is involved here and this is something Asian societies has been waiting for a long time, given our culture can be conservative at times. But as long as anyone is interested in checking out this drama serial, you need to find out first whether there's dubbing and/or subtitles involved if your local TV station is showing it. Chances are there will be, given the original language is in Korean. As I watched this drama serial through DVD, the dubbing and subtitles really helped me understand what is happening.

After finishing watching this show, I understand why so many love it. I do too.