Lee Young-ae's new drama is not a 'Dae Jang Geum' sequel, writer confirms

MBC's hit historic drama “Dae Jang Geum” (2003-4) starring Lee Young-ae [MBC]

Actor Lee Young-ae's upcoming historical drama, tentatively titled “Female Physician Dae Jang Geum,” is not a sequel to the famed “Dae Jang Geum” (2003-4) series, but rather an entirely new work based on the same historical character, the original writer said Monday.

Local media reported last week that Lee would be taking part in a new drama series based on “Dae Jang Geum” and its main character, Jang-geum, who Lee played 20 years ago.

Entertainment company Fantagio signed a screenwriter last June and said it aims to start shooting this October. The new drama will follow the later days of Jang-geum, an orphaned kitchen cook, after she goes on to become the King’s first female physician, reports said.

However, the new series has “nothing to do with the 2003 'Dae Jang Geum' series and is neither a spinoff, a sequel nor a prequel,” according to KPJ, a drama production company and agency under Kim Young-hyun, the 2003 series' writer.

“The 2003 MBC drama 'Dae Jang Geum' is an original content created by writer Kim Young-hyun, who holds the rights to all the characters, story and episodes of the work,” KPJ said in a news release.

“Writer Kim Young-hyun has nothing to do with 'Female Physician Dae Jang Geum.' The writer only found out about the production through media reports.”

“Dae Jang Geum” aired its 54-episdoe run with a peak viewership rating of 57 percent and garnered massive popularity both domestically and overseas. Lee received many accolades including an MBC Drama Award in 2003, solidifying her position as a Hallyu star.

Jang-geum is a historical figure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) who was first recorded in 1515 during King Jungjong's reign as one of the royal palace's female physicians. Her last records came on Nov. 15, 1544, along with King Jungjong's death.

“Dae” is not Jang-geum's surname but was likely a title given as a recognition of her excellence, according to historical data. She became famed as a palace cook after the MBC series but is recorded as a physician.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]