Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) is a highly acclaimed historical fiction drama based on the Joseon Dynasty era of Korea. The story revolves around a woman who is a skilled cook and becomes the royal palace cook. She also has knowledge of medicine, but during that time, male doctors or physicians dominated the medical field. However, she is later trusted to become the personal doctor of the king due to her unique medical knowledge and treatment system. As she gains the trust of the male doctors, the king slowly starts to fall for her while she is in love with someone else.
The protagonist’s life becomes more challenging and she faces numerous difficulties and sufferings. The story depicts how the woman overcomes these obstacles and stands out as an incredible female figure in history.
Synopsis:
The drama series Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) was released in the year 2003 as an MBC production under the direction of Lee Byung Hoon. The series features Lee Young Ae, Ji Jin Hee, Hong Ri Na, Im Ho, Yang Mi Kyung, Kyeon Mi Ri, Park Chan Hwan, Kim Hye Sun, Im Hyun Sik, Geum Bo Ra, Park Eun Hye, Lee Ip Sae, and Kim So Yi. It consists of 54 episodes, each filled with gripping intrigue and suspense.
The drama began with Seo Cheon Soo, who was on the run after being given the duty to execute the empress. He met an elderly man who told him that his life was connected to three women. The first woman was one whom he killed, the second was one who would give her life for him, and the third was one who would save many people. Many years later, Cheon Soo saved a palace maid named Park Myeong Yi, who was poisoned as punishment for uncovering a conspiracy in the palace kitchen. Cheon Soo helped her and they eventually got married and raised a daughter named Seo Jang Geum. However, they had to stay hidden because the palace authorities would kill them as witnesses to the past conspiracy.
One day, Cheon Soo got caught, and Myeong Yi was killed. Jang Geum was adopted by Na Ju Daek and Kang Duk Gu, and Jang Geum followed her deceased mother’s wishes and became a palace maid. Despite facing many difficulties and challenges, she eventually proves her worth and becomes a highly skilled maid. However, she had to hide her true identity and the fact that she was searching for her mother’s secret recipe journal.
After a series of events, Jang Geum is transferred to a livestock farm. There she meets Professor Jeong Woon Baek and shows him her determination to revive the land. Her relentless efforts gain attention and she is summoned back to the palace. Her life there is not easy, as she has to compete with other maids and face pressure from the higher authorities. But, she slowly forms a bond with Min Jeong Ho, which ignites jealousy in rival maid Choi Geum Young.
As the story progresses, Jang Geum finally finds her mother’s secret recipe journal, but gets caught and almost faces punishment for refusing to reveal her true identity and the contents of the journal. She then decides to pursue medicine and becomes a trusted doctor. The king starts developing feelings for her and his mother urges him to make Jang Geum his concubine. However, she rejects the offer as she is in love with Jeong Ho. The king attempts to separate them, but Jang Geum’s undying love for Jeong Ho helps her overcome the challenges.
In the end, Jang Geum becomes the personal doctor of the king and Jeong Ho is reunited with her. The king dies and Jang Geum is forbidden from entering the palace, but the newly crowned king reunites her with Jeong Ho, and the series ends.
Conclusion:
Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) is a must-watch historical fiction drama that stars a brave and strong female figure in the lead role. The storyline is well-written, and the acting is outstanding, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korea. If you’re interested in historical dramas and stories of triumph over adversities, then this is a perfect choice for you.
