Jewel in the Palace (2003) [The Great Jang Geum; Dae Jang Geum], also known is a South Korean historical drama television series directed by Lee Byung-hoon and starring Seo Jang Geum, Ji Jin Hee, Hong Ri Na, and Im Ho. It first aired on MBC from September 15, 2003 through March 23, 2004, where it was the 10th highest rated Korean drama of all time. It was exported to 91 different countries and became known as one of the primary proponents of the Korean Wave because it heightened the spread of Korean culture abroad.
Jewel in the Palace is about an orphaned kitchen cook, Seo Jang Geum (Lee Young Ae) who perseveres until she eventually becomes the king’s first female physician during the Joseon Dynasty, when women held little influence in society. Young apprentice cook, Jang-geum strives very hard to learn the secrets of Korean royal court cuisine and traditional medicine so that she can cure King Jung Jong (Im Ho) of his various ailments.
Episodes: 54
