Dae Jang-geum

it was the first historical Koreean series who I saw. and this first contact remains, after more a decade after it, real significant. because it was the best introduction to an exotic universe. because the simple story about the success of a poor young lady has the flavor of spices and food and medicine and lovely costumes and dramatic events.Lee Young-ae is the best choice for the leading role and the explanation remains very simple - more than a nice girl , she gives to her character a subtle and delicate, impressive and fascinating force , remembering the heroes from legends. or, maybe, Soviet Unions good guys. a series about the small things in soft and charming manner. so, a n aesthetic gift and a beautiful story.

(Just finished the series in S.F./Oakland bay area channel 32 - KMTP (KMTP). On the 4th of July.) WOW! I was always reminding myself that she'll be OK, so calm down. (I looked up two sites to help me):

1. The Chicago Korean Drama Fan Club at:

http://deiner.proboards48.com/index.cgi?board=daejanggeum - excellent site!!

2. http://hkadb.net/info/Jewel_In_The_Palace - details of each hour.

The subtitles are fantastic and clear. The details of all the characters is again fantastic. The cooking and medicine details are amazing. Her adopted parents and friends are priceless. THE WHOLE SHOW IS FANTASTIC!!!

Being 2006, I'm sure, I'm the last to find this "jewel" (sorry - could not resist) it did first come out in 2003. Hope more are as lucky as I am, and find this great series.

I can't believe how captivating it is to watch people cook or how people diagnose sick people.

Unlike Hollywood where they seem to overdramatise these simple actions. In korean TV shows...they don't do this. But somehow it turns out more captivating and enthralling than any Hollywood show available.

Its still an mystery to me. But I can tell you I was glued to this show for days on end.

The storyline seems good. The story of the only ever korean royal physician. You can imagine how Hollywood would have protayed this.(Dr quinn medicine woman anyone?)

But when you watch the show..this story fades quickly into the background. Instead you are taken into life of young Jang Geum at the korean royal court and the daily workings of the kitchen and later medical/hospitalside.

This show has more a feel of a reallife documentary than that of a movie. I guess thats why this show and all other korean show is so good. They know how to make this show as realistic as possible....that you aren't exactly an audience anymore. But it's like you are watching someones real life. It has a feel of watching something like big brother show...but than with a (good) script. :) I

Jang-geum's story is engrossing, as other comments have noted, for all sorts of people. Very inspiring for its central moral drama, it is also full of great incidental historical and cultural information. The lead, Yeong-ae Lee, as Jang-geum, is a fine, subtle actress; here's hoping she will appear in more films. Since she apparently was part of the jury at 2006 Berlin Film Festival she should have a wider world cinema audience. Also, the English subtitles are exceptionally well done, but I regret that they don't give English language production information. Those writers, directors, producers and actors deserve to be honored. It is good that IMDb lets us fans research this, though. Thanks IMDb and commenters, too!

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.