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Main cast: Lee Young-Ae, Ji Jin-Hee Hong Li-Na, Im Ho, Yang Mi-gyeong, Gyeon Mi-ri
Director: Lee Byeong-hun
Total Episodes: 54
Audio Tracks: Korean, Mandarin
Subtitle: English, Chinese
Rated: PG
Studio: MBC
Release Date: September 15, 2003
Production Year: 2003
Running Time: Approx. 3240 min (54 Episodes)
No. of Disc: 7

Technical Infomation

Format: NTSC
Dvd: Dvd 9 Dual Layer
Video: Mpeg 2
Audio: Dolby Digital AC3
Audio Channels: 2
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Resolution: 720x480 px
Format: NTSC
Region code: All Countries
Special Features: Interactive Menus, Scene Selections

Synopsis

About 500 years ago during the time of Chosun Dynasty, Korea boasted a rigidly hierarchical and male dominated social structure.

Set in this period, "Jewel in the Palace" is based on a true story about a legendary girl(Jang-Geum) who became the first woman to be the supreme royal physician of her times.

Despite her poor condition as a low class girl in the male dominated society, Jang-Geum overcame a series of social discrimination and landed herself as a royal cook, later becoming the royal physician, then ultimately the physician in charge of the king.

She was even given by the king the title"The Great Jang-Geum". The story of her checkered life on her success and breakdown as well as her love story beautifully unfold. "Jewel in the Palace" is sure to touch your heart.

Jang-geum (played by Lee Young-ae) is the daughter of Seo Cheon-su (played by ParkChan-hwan), a former judicial officer-turned butcher (the lowest social class) who lives in hiding after being expelled from the royal palace, and Madame Park (played by Kim Hye-seon), a former court lady working in the royal kitchen who narrowly escaped death following a murderous conspiracy planned by Court Lady Choi.

As a young child, Jang-geum loses both parents and enters the royal palace in the kitchen. In the royal kitchen, she spends a harsh childhood in continuous competition with Choi Geum-yeong (played by Hong Li-na). Under the protection and tutelage of Court Lady Han, Jang-geum makes every effort to become the best cook in the palace. Her endeavors enable her to become a recognized cook; but Lady Choi and her faction, jealous of the success of Lady Han and Jang-geum, plot a conspiracy, which leads to the death of Lady Han and Jang-geum's expulsion from the royal palace. Jang-geum is relegated to the position of maidservant for the local government office on Jeju-do Island.

While in exile, Jang-geum learns medicine. Through native intelligence and patient efforts, she earns her reputation as a woman doctor on the island. After a time, she returns to the palace, where she is recognized by the king and becomes the royal physician and also the first female physician in history to serve the king. The king falls in love with her, but she cannot return his love, as she is already in love with Min Jung-Ho, who has stood by her side during the most difficult times. * The concluding part omitted.

Reviews

The TV miniseries Daejanggeum, or Jewel in the Palace,set many new records. The miniseries, whose viewer rate averaged 47%, and even reached a high of 57.8%, is based on the story of a real historical figure (Jang-geum) who was the first and only woman to serve as head physician to the King in the rigidly hierarchical and male-dominated social structure of the Joseon Dynasty.

Daejanggeum, in English, "the Great Jang-geum," caught the attention of Korean TV viewers with its unique combination of two themes: the successful rise of a female, which is rarely covered in historical genre, and the elements of traditional food and medicine. For three months, beginning in May 2004, Daejanggeum aired in Taiwan, overtaking other Taiwanese miniseries, and snatching the title of most viewed program of the season. In fact, nowadays, visiting Taiwanese fans flock to the main filming locations on Jeju-do Island, the Korean Folk Village, Naganeupseong, Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace.

The series was also launched on NHK satellite TV beginning October 8, 2004. In spring 2004, Daejanggeum also gained popularity in the West when the drama aired in 60 episodes on WOCH-Ch in Chicago, drawing large numbers of Daejanggeum aficionados.These days, the main filming locations in Jeju-do Island, Korean Folk Village, Naganeupseong, Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are crowded with Taiwanese fans.

Cast

Seo, Jang-Geum (Acted by Lee, Young-Ae)

She is a beautiful and intelligent girl with a positive attitude. She's haunted by many series of trouble and difficulties yet she overcomes them with the iron-strong will. One day a rebellion breaks out and this brings her separation from her father and even her mother's death. She enters the royal palace at the age of ten and she puts her heart and soul, finally becoming the best royal cook of her times. One day she falls into a conspiracy and is kicked out from the palace becoming a maidservant. But she doesn't stop here. She studies medicines and re-enters the palace, ultimately becoming the supreme royal physician and also becoming the first woman physician in history to serve the king.

Min, Jung-Ho (Acted by Ji, Jin-Hee)

While he was working at a city hall, he encounters Jang-Geum and helps her get a golden pheasant. And this puts him a serious trouble where he even risks his own life. He's an outstanding scholar who combines both learning and the martial arts. He is a learned man with both good looks and high intelligence. He is left a widower soon after marriage, and volunteers to be on night duty which naturally brings him close to Jang-Geum. Admiring Jang-Geum's wisdom and passion for learning, he helps her in many ways and falls in love with her. But his love for Jang-Geum also puts him in a lot of trouble.

Choi, Geum-Young (Acted by Hong, Li-Na)

She enters the royal palace with Jang-Geum and becomes her long-time rival. She is an arrogant girl burning with ambitions and uses her beauty as a bait. Despite the disparity in social standing, ever since she was little, she has loved Jung-Ho but her love is never returned. She competes with Jang-Geum to become the best royal cook.

King Joong-Jong (Acted by Im, Ho)

He is the 11th king of Chosun Dynasty. He is a very gentle man but extremely irresolute and indecisive. He tries to reform the political system and meets Jang-Geum. He cherishes her warm-hearted nature and many talents. He later loves jang-Geum not as his physician but as a woman.