Jewel in the Palace is a historical drama television series that aired on South Korean network MBC from 2003 to 2004. The show became a huge hit, both in its home country and overseas, and is considered one of the greatest Korean dramas of all time. The series stars Lee Young-ae as Jang-geum, a young woman who becomes the first female physician to the king during the Joseon dynasty.
The show opens with Jang-geum as a young girl living with her mother in a small village. Her mother, a skilled cook, teaches her daughter everything she knows about preparing food. However, tragedy strikes when Jang-geum's mother dies suddenly, leaving her alone and heartbroken. Despite the tremendous loss, Jang-geum is determined to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a chef.
Jang-geum's talents and resilience soon catch the attention of the palace, and she is brought to serve as a court lady. It is here that Jang-geum's true journey begins as she navigates her way through the strict rules and protocol of the palace. Jang-geum's intelligence, hard work, and determination impress her superiors, and she is eventually promoted to be a part of the royal kitchen.
As Jang-geum rises through the ranks of the palace, she faces many challenges and obstacles. The palace is a hotbed of political intrigue, with everyone vying for power and control. Jang-geum must be careful not to fall into any of the traps set for her by her enemies. Additionally, as a woman in a male-dominated society, Jang-geum constantly battles sexism and discrimination. But Jang-geum proves herself time and time again, winning the respect of those around her.
Jang-geum's journey is not just one of professional success, however. Along the way, she also finds love and friendship. Ji Jin-hee plays Min Jung-ho, a physician who becomes Jang-geum's mentor and later, her love interest. Their budding romance is fraught with challenges, such as Jung-ho's fianc
Jewel in the Palace is a series that ran for 1 seasons (54 episodes) between October 15, 2003 and on MBC