Dae Jang Geum

With thirteen more episodes to go as of writing time, “Jewel in the Palace” is indeed taking the country by storm. I am no television soap opera addict, much more the kinds where the lips of the actors and actresses don’t quite follow the proper movement of the dialogue you hear. I never expected I would be hooked by this jewel from Korea.

About three or four months ago, my friend Marcel insisted that I watch this Korean telenovela. I refused, but one evening while I was moping around the house looking for something better to do, I flicked on the television and was hooked since then. I even gave up my gimmick nights for the show because it started at ten in the evening and after it aired there was nothing else to do but to hit the sacks. Anyway, what is it with this TV hit that stole the nation’s heart away? Hmmmm esep-esep.

Well, for one, the heroine, Jang Geum is played by a very pretty Korean actress who happens to be thirty-five years old already. She has managed to maintain her youthful and supple appearance that looking at her, one would definitely say that she could have discovered the fountain of youth or the philosopher’s stone or whatever else we might call it. Aside from Jang Geum other characters also played it well. Lady Hann who is the mentor of Jang Geum in Korean cuisine (because they were cooks in the palace of the king) had the sympathy of the audience especially when the villainess, Lady Choi, subjected her to one of her vengeful and very schemy tricks. The actress who played Lady Choi also did a sterling performance although we all know that playing the “kontrabida” is leaps and bounds much easier than playing a “sympatico” down to earth character like Jang Geum or Lady Hann. The actors and actresses all played their parts well giving the show its inherent charm.

Aside from just the actors and actresses, what got me into this Korean telenovela was the fact that it had a very cultural theme. I am very curious about the culture of our Asian neighbors and “Jewel in the Palace” offered me an authentic glimpse of this culture. The costuming was superb. I loved how they recreated the native costumes of the period. Knowing that the story of Jang Geum is based on an actual historical person also added to my interest in the show. Here is a chance for me to see how ancient Korean women were treated during their time and how one rose to the opportunity of changing all that. I am reminded of our very own historical heroines namely Gabriella Silang, Melchora Aquino, and many others who have changed the course of Philippine History by utilizing girl power. “Jewel in the Palace” is in itself a work of art. The culinary theme of the show is also a come on for me because aside from my love and passion for food and cooking, I find the cuisine in the show very authentic to the last and final detail; this is despite their not really showing how the food is cooked to the minutest detail. One very interesting feature of the culinary theme of the show is the philosophical significance of food. I noticed that every time something is cooked for the monarch in the show, the chefs/cooks explain to the monarch the reasons why such an item is cooked and the effects of the various ingredients put into the recipe. All throughout the show, the culinary philosophy being repeated again and again is the belief that when one cooks he/she should cook with the welfare and benefit of the recipient of the food in mind. If this philosophy is not exercised then there is no use in cooking any kind of food in the first place.

Now, aside from the food-chat, there is also one very striking feature that I noticed about the show, the beautiful cinematography. Every scene in the show is a picture-perfect post card in itself. Actors and actresses are seamlessly united with the scenery that the entire show becomes a feast for the eyes. The colors are not too harsh in that one does not tire when watching how the actors and actresses interact with themselves and with the setting. In its entirety, the show is a beautiful cultural masterpiece. Although it has not ended yet, I am looking forward to how the screenplay writer would wrap together wonderful ribbons around the wonderful cultural material of Jewel in the Palace and in its final episode, present the show as a worthwhile gift not only to the Filipino audience but to the Filipino television and movie industry as well.

Source: News Today 29 May 06

On June 13, the gates to the Royal Palace will close as Jang Geum (Lee Young Ae) bids farewell to the countless viewers who have been moved by and grown to love her in Jewel in the Palace, GMA Network’s consistently top-rating Koreanovela since it premiered in the country in November last year.

Jewel in the Palace fans will finally witness the grand conclusion to the compelling true story of a court lady in the Royal Kitchen who rose above conspiracies and intrigues and turned out to be the first female physician in the Royal Palace of Korea.

This would be the last chance for Jang Geum’s countless admirers to see the woman who made them laugh and cry and inspired them to fulfill their dreams.

In the days to come, it would also be revealed whether Jung Ho Min (Ji Jin Hee) or King Jungjong (Im Ho) would finally win the heart of the one and only Jewel in the Palace.

Jung Ho and King Jungjong finally got the chance to talk about Jang Geum. Jung Ho admitted that the reason he and Jang Geum returned after they tried to escape before was so she could fulfill her dreams.

Jung Ho asked the King to allow Jang Geum to become a doctor, even at the cost of his own life. The King, on the other hand, would finally confess his love to Jang Geum. The Queen was supposed to release a decree that Jang Geum is officially a concubine of the King. Would Jang Geum and the King accept and allow this decree to become official?

The King would proclaim Jang Geum as his personal physician. She is tasked to attend to the King alone and was given the title “The Great Jang Geum.”

However, the King’s condition would worsen, and Jang Geum would be held responsible for it. She intends to perform an operation on the King, but a lot of people are against it, including the Queen (Park Jung Sook). What would Jang Geum do to cure the King? Would she succeed in doing so?

Meanwhile, the palace officials look down on Jung Ho and decide to punish him by throwing him into exile.

The King would give them permission to do so. What will Jang Geum do when she finds out about Jung Ho’s misfortune? Would their love stand a chance now that Jang Geum is a key person in the palace as the King’s personal physician?

Prepare for the grand conclusion of Korea’s No. 1 drama for 2004, which made waves all over Asia and even the US and has swept the Philippines in a Jewel fever since it began. Jewel in the Palace airs weeknights after Love of the Condor Heroes on GMA-7.

Source: Sun.Star 8 June 06

Jewel in The Palace has everyone from toddlers to aunties to grandmas hooked

A 12-year-old girl and a 42-year-old woman love it so much, they’ve seen it at least five times.

The object of their obsession? Jewel In The Palace, a 70-episode Korean historical drama series showing on Channel U at 10pm on weekdays.

It tells of how a palace maid becomes the first female imperial physician.

The serial has captured the hearts of over 1.8 million viewers aged 15 and above, says TNS Media research firm.

This means every two in five Singaporeans rush home before 10pm to see it.

With an average rating of 13, Jewel is the most watched weekday drama in the time slot to date, beating Hong Kong serials such as Take My Word For It.

The serial has attracted not just women but a large number of men, too.

So, what is it about this serial that appeals to so many?

For 15-month-old Swen Teo, it is the chirpy melody of the theme song.

She can barely stand but jiggles her diaper-clad bottom to the music.

Mum Neo Lay Yiing, 30, a civil servant, said Swen watches the show with her every day.

‘Sometimes she lies on her stomach, cups her face and watches transfixed. Sometimes she smiles at the screen.’

Older viewers are drawn to the gripping and well-knit plot, lush backdrop and excellent acting.

Fans told The New Paper that it was ‘the best Korean drama’ they had seen.

They love the detailed portrayal of Korea’s history and palace culture and insights into royal cuisine and medicine - a refreshing change from the usual mushy Korean love stories.

In particular, they love the show’s protagonist, Jang Geum (Lee Young Ae). With her heart of gold, never-say-die attitude and passion, she has become the epitome of female perfection and a role model to fans.

Management executive Phua Ping Ping, 43, who doesn’t normally watch Korean serials, said: ‘Jang Geum inspires by the way she faces difficulties with courage and optimism.

‘Her parents died a wrongful death but she never resorts to underhanded methods. She is forgiving and has a magnanimous heart.’

Pri 6 student Lianne Ng, who has watched it five times - twice on DVD, twice on cable and now on Channel U - said: ‘I find it very inspiring and touching that Jang Geum never gives up and helps others.’

Last year the Raffles Girls’ Primary School student visited the places in Korea where the drama was filmed.

The never-ending power struggle between the righteous Jang Geum and the evil Lady Choi and her minions also makes for riveting viewing.

Cleaner Anna Tan, who is in her 40s, said she was hooked from the day the young Jang Geum was instructed to deliver all sorts of water - hot, cold, salty, sweet - to her mentor until she learnt to fulfil unspoken needs.

‘Jang Geum is so pitiful. Someone is always trying to harm her and I’ve been watching to see what will happen in the end. Lady Choi is so devious I feel like whacking her!’

Property agent Noorine Ahmad, 42, who has watched the series five times on DVD, said: ‘The writer is so imaginative! There are so many unexpected twists.

‘On the Internet, people were discussing who was the most evil character, and someone said it was Jang Geum because she let us sleep only two or three hours (a day) because we’re hooked on the drama.’

Housewife Chua Khah Ching, 65, who is watching Jewel for the second time on Channel U, loves the drama’s heart-rending scenes.

‘Some scenes can really make you cry, like when little Jang Geum feeds her dead mum berries.’

Then there is the romance between Jang Geum and an imperial guard, Min Jeong Ho (Ji Jin Hee).

Tour executive Zhong Tingting, 25, who has seen Jewel three times, said: ‘Their love is so pure, they don’t need mushy words to convey their feelings. Just one glance speaks volumes.’

Even MediaCorp actress Kym Ng is hooked. She watches and cries ‘until I get cramps’.

Kym, who watched the entire DVD set in just three weeks, said: ‘It’s so touching to have somebody love you so much. Like when Jang Geum is exiled to Jeju and he goes to save her. He asks her to wait and he’ll seek redress for her. It’s sooo touching!’

Men love it for the story, the history

Teacher Tan Guan Heng, 28, rushes home before 10pm to watch his favourite TV show, Jewel In The Palace.

‘Every night I follow it diligently. I saw the first three episodes and I’ve been watching it since,’ he said.

Mr Tan is not alone. Of the 1.8 million Singaporeans who tune in, almost half (44.2 per cent or 795,600 viewers) are men, according to TNS Media.

The biggest group is men aged 45 years and above (39.8 per cent). The 15-24 age group makes up 20 per cent.

But, why are the men glued to a drama aimed primarily at housewives?

Fans say the captivating story line and insight into Korean history.

Mr Tan said that he was able to relate to the drama as he finds Korea’s ancient culture similiar to Chinese culture.

‘Jang Geum gives people hope that if you persist, you will succeed. It reminds us of the Japanese drama Oshin, that you must persevere to the end and not be afraid of hardship.’

For retiree Wong Tat Meng, 67, it was the plot that was so absorbing.

‘There’s not a dull moment! It’s a lively story with sadness, happiness, comedy and some romance. But the most important part is that it exposes Korea’s palace politics.’

Senior tour officer Johnston Loh, 34 and his wife also tune in every night, despite having seen it on DVD.

He said: ‘This is the best Korean drama I’ve watched so far. It’s not just a love story, it also deals with Korean cuisine and medicine.’

Once I mocked, now I am hooked (By Lee Xin En)

I used to mock my friend, a Korean drama junkie, after she put a picture of Ji Jin Hee (who plays royal guard Min Jeong Ho in Jewel In The Palace) on her MSN profile.

It seems that karma really exists because recently, I have been searching frantically for pictures of Jin Hee with his dorky, I mean dashing, Korean headgear.

He has been the apple of my eye ever since I started watching the drama - initially to see what the fuss was all about, only to become a devout fan myself.

Before I get mocked, let me explain the allure of Jeong Ho.

Chivalry doesn’t seem to exist in this era - which is why I love him for doing the craziest things such as moving hundreds of kilometers to Jeju island to be near the object of his affections - palace cook Jang Geum (Lee Young Ae)

He also has this subtle look that says ‘I’m repressing my feelings for you’ whenever he is near Jang Geum. Very cute.

Best of all, the couple doesn’t kiss or get up to any hanky-panky, which is rare in dramas these days. I’m bred on MTV’s sexual innuendos but the overwhelming flood of sex on primetime serials is getting to me.

Hunk aside, I’m sure most people wouldn’t link an 18-year-old like me to a Korean weepie.

But teenagers (and everyone else) love a kind-hearted underdog, which is essentially what Jewel is all about.

Source: The New Paper 28 May 2006

Sure, it can get weary watching Jang Geum getting into trouble in every episode - like getting on the wrong side of the devious Lady Choi or being maligned for poisoning the emperor’s food.

But when I see her getting out of each mess, it makes me feel like there is an answer to all problems. And everyone likes answers.

In some ways, Jewel is like an episode of Oprah - it inspires me to get to work every day, ready for all the challenges ahead of me.