Jewel in the Palace (2003)
The groundbreaking Korean historical drama that sparked a global wave of interest in Korean culture, cuisine, and storytelling.
Jewel in the Palace - Series Information
- Original Title: 대장금
- First Air Year: 2003
- Last Air Year: 2004
- Created by: Kim Young-hyun
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 54
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: September 15, 2003 (United States - NR), September 15, 2003 (India - U), September 15, 2003 (Mexico - A), September 15, 2003 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: MBC
- Alternative Titles: La Gran Jang Geum (ES), یانگوم (IR), The Great Jang-Geum (US), Jewel in the Palace (FR), සුජාත දියණි (LK), 大長今 (HK), 大長今 (TW), Великая Чан Гым (RU)
- Production Companies: MBC
- Production Countries: South Korea
Jewel in the Palace - Plot
Orphaned Jang-geum becomes the first female physician in the Joseon Dynasty and her determination is tested when people around her start showing their true faces.
Jewel in the Palace - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the world of Joseon-era Korea:
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Jewel in the Palace - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kim Young-hyun
Main Cast
- Lee Young-ae
- Ji Jin-hee
- Im Ho
- Lee Se-eun
- Geum Bo-ra
- Jo Jung-eun
- Jo Kyeong-hwan
- Park Chan-hwan
- Uhm Yoo-shin
- Kim So-yi
Writers
- Kim Young-hyun
Jewel in the Palace - FAQs
Where can you stream Jewel in the Palace?
Jewel in the Palace is available to stream via Kocowa and the Kocowa Amazon Channel, both offering the full series through a flatrate subscription. You can compare all current viewing options available in your region by visiting JustWatch for up-to-date platform availability.
Is Jewel in the Palace based on a true story?
Yes, Jewel in the Palace is inspired by a real historical figure. Jang-geum was a physician who served during the reign of King Jungjong in the 16th-century Joseon Dynasty. While the drama fictionalizes much of her story, her existence is documented in historical records of the era.
Who stars in Jewel in the Palace?
The series stars Lee Young-ae as the determined protagonist Seo Jang-geum, alongside Ji Jin-hee as Min Jeong-ho and Im Ho as King Jungjong. The ensemble cast also includes Lee Se-eun, Geum Bo-ra, Jo Jung-eun, Park Chan-hwan, Uhm Yoo-shin, and Han Ji-min.
What is Jewel in the Palace about?
Set in 16th-century Korea, the series follows orphaned Jang-geum as she rises through the royal court, mastering culinary arts and medicine against formidable opposition. Her journey to become the Joseon Dynasty's first female royal physician is a story of resilience, ambition, and survival in a male-dominated world.
Why did Jewel in the Palace become so popular internationally?
Jewel in the Palace became a global phenomenon credited with igniting the Korean Wave (Hallyu) across Asia and beyond. Its compelling storytelling, rich depiction of Korean cuisine and traditional medicine, and Lee Young-ae's acclaimed performance resonated with audiences in over 90 countries, making it one of the most-exported Korean dramas in history.
How many episodes does Jewel in the Palace have?
Jewel in the Palace consists of 54 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, making the complete series a substantial and immersive viewing experience. It originally aired on MBC in South Korea from September 2003 through March 2004.
Who created and wrote Jewel in the Palace?
Jewel in the Palace was created and written by Kim Young-hyun, a prolific Korean screenwriter known for crafting historically grounded narratives. Kim's meticulous research into Joseon-era court life, culinary traditions, and medical practices gave the series its distinctive depth and authenticity.
Did Jewel in the Palace win any awards?
Yes, Jewel in the Palace received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. Lee Young-ae won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the MBC Drama Awards, and the series swept multiple categories. It also earned international recognition, winning awards across Asia and cementing its status as a landmark Korean drama.
More About Jewel in the Palace
Explore further details about this landmark Korean drama through these authoritative sources: