The epic Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace,” which sparked Hallyu or Korean Wave across Asia including the Philippines, will be returning with a sequel after 20 years.
“Jewel in the Palace,” also known as “Dae Jang-geum,” aired with 54 episodes from September 2003 to March 2004.
Korean actress Lee Young-ae in "Jewel in the Palace" in 2003 (left) and today (MBC, Instagram)
Lee Young-ae as Seo Jang-geum (left) and villain Lady Choi (played by actress Kyeon Mi-ri) (MBC)
Seo Jang-geum (Lee Young-ae) with Lady Han (actress Yang Mi-kyung) in "Jewel in the Palace" (MBC)
"Jewel in the Palace" villain Lady Choi (played by actress Kyeon Mi-ri) (MBC)
Seo Jang-geum (Lee Young-ae) with Min Jeong-ho (played by Ji Jin-hee) in "Jewel in the Palace" (MBC)
"Jewel in the Palace" sparked interest about Korean food among global viewers (MBC)
It starred actress Lee Young-ae as Seo Jang-geum, Ji Jin-hee, Hong Ri-na, Im Ho, Yang Mi-kyung and Kyeon Mi-ri.
In South Korea, “Jewel in the Palace” achieved a rating of 57.8 percent for its last episode, making it the 10th highest rated Korean drama of all time.
Lee Young-ae, who was 32 at the time of the airing of the drama, will reprise her role as Seo Jang-geum.
The actress, who turned 52 today, Jan. 31, achieved global popularity through “Jewel in the Palace.”
Production company Fantagio said on Jan. 30 that it was aiming to air the “Jewel in the Palace” sequel in 2025.
"Following the casting of Lee Young-ae, the lead actress of the drama 'Dae Jang-geum,’ in June of last year, we recently signed a contract with the drama's writer. We are planning to start filming for the first time in October and aim to air it early next year,” it said.
“Dae Jang-geum” has been initially chosen as the working title of the sequel. The airing date and broadcast platform have not been announced.
The sequel will feature the life story of Seo Jang-geum, who became a medical woman, following the story in the original MBC drama.
“Jewel in the Palace” sparked a tourism boom in South Korea and increased interest in Korean culture including food.