Jewel in the Palace

Dae Jang Geum, also known as Jewel in the Palace, is a 2003 South Korean historical drama television series directed by Lee Byung-hoon. It first aired on MBC from September 15, 2003, to March 23, 2004, where it was the top program with an average viewership rating of 45.8% and a peak of 57.1% (making it the 10th highest-rated Korean drama of all time).

The story of Jewel in the Palace is about an orphaned child in 15th century Korea who becomes the first woman to overcome a series of social prejudices. She rises through the ranks to become the royal chef and, subsequently, the supreme royal physician. The play is based on a true tale of a wonderful and motivated young woman. It's a tale of heartfelt friendships, star-crossed love, and political machinations (with some repetitive and predictable plot twists though).

It may take some time to have the confidence to watch this series because it is another drama with 50+ episodes. Nonetheless, Jewel in the Palace became an international phenomenon, airing in over 90 countries and earning the title "the series that helped promote Korean culture over the world."

Detailed information:

Directed by: Lee Byung-hoon
Stars: Lee Young-ae, Ji Jin-hee, Hong Ri-na

Running time: 60 minutes

Original release: September 15, 2003 –March 23, 2004

Link to watch: https://www.yidio.com/show/jewel-in-the-palace