Dae Jang-geum

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.

(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

A fairy-story. Delicate, subtle, beautiful images and characters of childhood. A movie like a fall music. Life of a great woman and the way of self - definition. Enciclopedia and travel book in the Coreean past.It is an experience. Pieces of soap opera in the skin of food taste, songs of another time and impressive images. Love and persecutions, grace and cold events, joy and nostalgic wind. In fact, propaganda and courage to be more than a shadow on map.A film as a seed. In a chaotic world - a open window. In the crisis shadows - a spring morning. Without great ambitions. Without many desires. Picture of a universe, time and few feelings. A book about existence behind spectacular definitions. An Aladdin's carpet. To a place of a lost fragment of Asia.

This is a good drama recommended for ladies and young people as the show is about a persistent person who never give up, despite one obstacles after another. I have recommended to my son and daughter to watch. The plot revolves around how a common girl could work in a palace as a palace girl, be bullied and because she was determined to learn, she overcame all odds to be the top of her palace girl career, but was derailed by many political opponents. Although framed, she came back via a different career path as a female doctor. All throughout her struggles, it was her reminders from her mentors that made her succeed, and on the verge of giving up, motivated her to try harder. As I watch the drama, it reminded me of the way corporate world works where competition will prevent you from moving up. This story has many plots and subplots, love and romance, and sacrifices. There are also funny moments acted out by Jang-Geum's foster parents. As the story unfurled, I learned many things about taking care of one's health and traditional Chinese (in this case, Korean) medicine, and about healthy cooking. It also gave me insight into how medicine works. Recommend that you watch the Korean dialog version,with English subtitles, or Chinese subtitles, as it gives you the emotions from the Korean dialog and insinuations.