Jewel in the Palace (2003)

Awesome Show. Awesome acting by the stars

I loved the show because of the following :
1. Strong and awesome story
2. Hauntingly beautiful OST
3. Acting

1. Strong and awesome story
This drama has a long detailed story but every episode is worth it. I really liked all the child actors they were very cute especially young Jang Geum (played by Jo Eun Jung) that part of the character was heavy. I loved Lee Young Ae also. She was perfect for the role. Loved her voice. Her cheerfulness complements the character. Its a heavy budget production. Some of the scenes had insects come on camera which added to realism. Kudos to the actors for pulling it off in such situations. Overall the story shows lot of struggle both from protagonist Jang Geum's side (more from this side) and the antagonist Lady Choi's side. The nice protagonist characters start off weak because of their naivety. Some protagonists die due to that. Jang Geum by the stroke of good luck and good karma is able to avoid fatal situations, matures into a careful person but still not as crafty as Lady Choi.
It was sad and little rewarding to watch the end of Lady Choi team. The show clearly shows a human hearts degradation if it lives off of power.

2. Hauntingly beautiful OST
The music score of the series is awesome. Some of it seems to be voiced by child artists which when used in an emotional scenes brings out the element of childlike innocence. Depending on the scene it sometimes invokes hope and gratitude or sometimes invokes grief by contrasting innocence of the score with the brutality of the scene.
some of the score is Opera style which adds weight to the emotions of the scenes.

3. The cast did a good Job in playing their part. especially the lead actors.
Apart from the lead actors the support / guest actors also did stellar job.
There was an episode (I think 17) where the ill Jo-Sang Goon (mother figure for the Queen) passes away. Hers was a sad story. The actor who performed that character did a wonderful job. I can still cry thinking about that scene.

I am a fan of happy ending. the show closed off with a Happy ending.
Now that I have ended the show after watching it on a binge, I feel empty. The show was that good.

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Jewel in the Palace is a historical drama that all kdrama connoisseurs should watch. When it came out it was a smash hit in Korea and it's heavily referenced in Korean pop culture even today. It has a story that will grip you from start to finish and that is quite a feat considering this is a story about cooking and medicine. I do not recommend this series to someone who is new to kdramas, this is for those of us who've already delved deep into Korean culture before.

Story (9/10):
The absolute strong point of this drama is the story. In every single episode something interesting is going on and it never seems forced or manufactured. The story arch works really well and the pacing is the best I've ever seen in a drama. The story also has historical facts and intricate details that will keep you interested. Also it was quite special to follow the main character from birth to maturity. The romance in the story was really well done - built for a loooooong time upon mutual trust and respect. Instead of the usual kdrama perks: hotness and wealth...

Acting/Cast (7/10):
The acting was extremely good at parts. Yang Mi-Kyeong and Ji Jin-Hee for example were awesome, but there were some side characters that were really lacking. I am not a fan of over-acting and they made you feel like you were at a summer theater watching a kids' play. The main character (Lee Young-Ae) relied too much on exaggerated facial expressions and sometimes I found her character really annoying due to this, although the story gives her all the tools to really grab your sympathies. All in all though, I think the acting was this dramas weak point.

Music (9/10):
This drama has a soundtrack that you instantly recognize. Some might not like it, since it's a weird combination of synthesized sounds and traditional instruments and choirs. I feel the music really played a big part in building the epic atmosphere and I can still remember the main theme although it's been a while since I last heard it. Can't say the same for about 95% of all the dramas I've watched. Also I enjoyed the fact that the music was mostly instrumental or choir notes, no lyrics to draw you away from what you are watching.

Rewatch value (7/10):
This drama is quite long and I doubt I will be watching it again any time soon. I usually rewatch a drama if it has those super cheesy, romantic scenes and this one has almost none of those. Still it's possible I might watch it again when I'm in a retiring home... :D

Overall (8.5/10):
I remember dropping this drama a few times. It is a bit much to chew on, especially when compared to dramas that come out these days. Still I really recommend it to anyone who loves kdramas A LOT, or who is interested in cooking and Korean history in general. It will definitely suck you in if you let it, but it requires some determination to invest so much time into one drama (54 episodes). If you want to give it a try, please watch at least 10 episodes before you make up your mind.

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Of all the historical dramas I’ve seen, this is the best at portraying daily life in the Joseon era and in the palace. It’s been a few days since I finished and I’m still recovering. I was not expecting this show to have such a strong impact. It made me feel probably every emotion in existence.

I have to say though that it is in the 2nd half that the story really takes off. From a few episodes in, to about the halfway point, the plot settles in a groove and gets extremely repetitive. If I were rating it then I’d say maybe an 8.

Once the revenge plot and the love story develop it hits another level. At the end of the revenge storyline you feel her elation at achieving her long hoped for goal. Most dramas would stop there. But this one also makes you feel sadness for the loved ones who can’t be there and then feel the emptiness after completing something that took so many years of her life. The love story is very simple, but because you know the characters so well, it is very moving. The scenes in the snow are my favourites.

I decided to watch this as it’s the highest rated show from 2000-10. So there are definitely signs of it’s age. The fighting scenes aren’t the best. The directing and/or editing especially could be better. I don’t know why but you can really see the acting faults clearer in older dramas. These days directors are better at hiding them or they get edited out. Also, the comedy routine with Jang Geum’s adoptive parents got annoying very fast.

With these flaws I should probably give it a 9. However, it moved so much, and so much more than other dramas that it gets a 10.

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My very first drama I watched on tv when I was a child...:)
Now I don't watch dramas this long but back then whenever it was on tv I sat down and watched it all ... which makes 5 or 6 re-watch.(My personal record.^^)
Naturally, Jang Ge um and Jung oh min is my very first ship.As I was watching it I used to pray that they'd be together in the end.
I sympathized so much with jang geum.A girl beautiful at heart and appearance, hardworking, friendly, tenacious,and very kind.She makes a lot of delicious-looking food as well so that's also a reason to watch her.Kitchen scenes and competitions were amazing.^^ I like the attachment as mom and daughter between her and Lady Han.
Though sometimes it was unbearable to watch, palace life really attracted me...and Jeju island and its' nature as well..It made me want to visit those places and I still do.
Jang geum's life has its' ups and downs but it is never boring and the story was wrapped up nicely in the end.
:)

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Masterpiece.

If you would've asked me before what my favourite drama ever was, I would've told you "Wang's Family" (aka King's Family). But if you ask me today, I would tell you "Jewel In The Palace". This drama was phenomenal. The story was superb. The characters were fantastic. The whole thing was just amazing. From the first few episodes that introduce you to the palace world, to the 8 or or so episodes carried by that little girl, to the Lee Young Ae's masterful portrayal. If you haven't seen this one, then watch it. It's a classic, and until something tops it. It is my favourite drama I've ever seen!

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One of my first Korean dramas. I watched it at the beginning of the 2010s and it was a really good project that gave me much more interest to keep watching kdramas.

The story developed around the really existed historical characters gave me a good impression of the production and storytelling of Korean movies and dramas. The good development and the historical representations of the facts, that are mostly as the historic archives report (I can bring as evidence for this, other historical dramas too, which have the stories and productions trying to follow as much as possible the real facts but bringing some fantasy or other elements to make the story interesting and not a documentary).

It was a really good drama. And I am happy to have been introduced to Korean entertainment thanks to this drama.

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Truly a jewel of a drama, the music and story is one of a kind

My all time favorite drama, even though an old one, it was full of wisdom and encouragement. Just like saimdang, an historical drama. This one tops every other drama I have watched, from the characters, the setting, the story. It contains beautiful moments and you learn a lot. Some scenes were repetitive, and some of the acting too. However, the large amount of episodes were not a problem for me! It is a gem.

The found out about this drama through the soundtrack. When I heard the music I just had to find out about where it came from, the music gives this pure feeling of historic times with beautiful asian cultured melodies, and the most amazing traditional songs. The most beautiful song to me was onara(오나라 |). This drama was unique in every way. You won’t find another like this, likely. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

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Lengthy Sageuk With Inspiring Character Growth

54 Episodes. This sort of thing likely works best watching weekly as watching the episodes in a short time frame all together highlights some definite flaws. There are plenty of filler episodes that could have easily been cut down or replaced with something different. For example, Jang Geum being sent off to a banishment section of the palace could've been stretched out longer as it seemed too easy to escape when no one else was able to. Have that replace some of the rather empty episodes and you have a more complete drama. The obstacles were a little one note. Jang Geum gets framed for something, she gets out of it with talent. It was basically like that. Some work really well such as Jang Geum, as a child, becoming a Court Lady through her wit and intellect despite not being allowed in the lessons was something that showed how great and worthy she is of her legacy bestowed upon her. However this was an excellent drama overall despite some of the flaws. This drama is split into a few sections, the introduction with Jang Geum’s parents, how they came to meet and her upbringing. Jang Geum’s first days as a court lady, her transition into a Doctor and then her junior into the King's personal physician. The best section of the story was the introduction, as it gives a unique and well written background for the world we are in and an inspiring story regarding Jang Geum’s parents and their sad demise. Jang Geum herself was a wonderful character. Pure at heart, modest, talented and earnest in her actions. Even her relationship with the antagonists is nothing short of respectful on her side. Her and Lady Han’s relationship was a true kinship that won't be replicated anytime soon. They truly felt together and made each other better. Lady Han tested Jang Geum’s skills and got the best out of her, while acting as her Mother would. Jang Geum was able to fill the gaping hole and guilt that Lady Han felt from the death of Jang Geum’s mum, Myung Yi (who is a dead ringer for Lee Young AE at times). The romance between Jang Geum and Min Jung Ho is a slow burn. Very natural and not forced at all - started off with a few Kind words and grew as they met more and more . That's where the long episode number benefits. The antagonists were somewhat understandable over their circumstances. Choi Geum Yeong and Head Lady Choi were forced into being Court Ladies and forced to act against the King by their families, so they are sympathetic initially, but there are vindictive actions in there which make them more hateable.

Overall this is well worth watching. It had some interesting stories based on factual history and folklore around Jang Geum. But ultimately this is a story about overcoming backgrounds, gender and other obstacles. This drama expertly delved into the system of the Court Ladies, their roles and expectations. If you want historical accuracy, this is for you.

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A true masterpiece

Man where do I start?? I really regret watching this, because now nothing will live up to it ever again its this kind of drama that is made once every decade and nothing can top it, a true gem. Jang geum is such a strong, smart and refined woman seeing her grow up (ps kudos to the little girl playing child jang geum absolutely nailed it) and a shout out to ml for being the most supportive and loving lover in kdrama history, he believed in her and staked everything for her. The villains where also so well acted i felt bad for keum she actually isn't a bad person but jealousy from love lead her to do many wrong doings. The story is divided in two for not giving spoilers to people she first does something and excels at it then finds her true calling by doing that other thing. While I was watching the last eps especially I kept thinking this has probably been hundreds year ago since it's based off a true story yet to this day women have to fight for their rights because of jealous men and taboo and because of women with internalized misogyny. Uh aside for her journey to become greatest figure in chosun the friendships and the relationship with her and lady Han was so wholesome and the ending of them just heart breaking i bowled my eyes watching it. The queen is also a very important figure, I ended up loving her a lot tho she did make a mistake with the prince. Some dramas have inflated rating esp now most of these are pure trash. This one of the few dramas that really deserved 10. Great Great one

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Dae Jang Geum/Jewel in the Palace (2003) - this is by far the earliest released drama that I watched on my list. Released date of this was last 2003, so that would be 20 years from now. Wow. This drama for me has all the elements of a historical drama that I would likely want to watch.

Focuses on the cooking aspect, but at the same time gives highlight to the medicinal aspect of food which is really great to see in a korean drama.

I also like the decision of Jang Geum in the end. One of the dramas that I felt happy to see who the lead end up with. Classic drama, worth the 54 episodes of my time. Recommended drama still.

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