"Female Physician Dae Jang Geum" Explores Later Life of Iconic Character in an Original Story

Courtesy of MBC

Actor Lee Young-ae's upcoming historical drama, tentatively titled “Female Physician Dae Jang Geum,” is clarified to be an entirely new work, not a sequel or spinoff of the famed “Dae Jang Geum” series (2003-2004).

Reports last week suggested Lee's involvement in a new drama series based on “Dae Jang Geum” and its central character, Jang-geum, a role she portrayed two decades ago. Entertainment company Fantagio, aiming to commence shooting in October, hired a screenwriter last June for the new drama. It will focus on Jang-geum's later life as the King’s first female physician, starting as an orphaned kitchen cook. 

▲ Courtesy of MBCHowever, the production company and agency under Kim Young-hyun, the writer of the 2003 series, clarified that “Female Physician Dae Jang Geum” has no connection to the original series. Kim Young-hyun holds the rights to all characters, story, and episodes of the 2003 content.

KPJ, the drama production company, emphasized that Kim Young-hyun is not associated with the new series and only learned about it through media reports.

The 2003 MBC drama "Dae Jang Geum" achieved significant popularity, with a peak viewership rating of 57 percent over its 54-episode run. Lee Young-ae received accolades, including an MBC Drama Award in 2003, establishing her as a Hallyu star.

Jang-geum, a historical figure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), was recorded in 1515 as one of the royal palace's female physicians during King Jungjong's reign. Her last records date back to Nov. 15, 1544, coinciding with King Jungjong's death.

It's noted that "Dae" is not Jang-geum's surname but likely a title recognizing her excellence. Despite gaining fame as a palace cook after the MBC series, historical data records her as a physician.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com