Another OG Korean drama ever shown in the Philippines.... Dae Jang Geum or popularly known as Jewel in the Palace. If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the first Historical Korena drama that invades the Philippine television that has two-digit ratings every episode. It occupies the primetime slot on GMA and consists of 54 episodes. This was the most successful historical drama ever aired in Southeast Asia.
Starring Lee Young-ae in the title role, it tells the tale of an orphaned kitchen cook who went on to become the King's first female physician. In a time when women held little influence in society, young apprentice cook Jang-geum strives to learn the secrets of Korean cooking and medicine to cure the King of his various ailments. It is based on the true story of Jang-geum, the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty. The main themes are her perseverance and the portrayal of traditional Korean culture, including Korean royal court cuisine and traditional medicine.
I clearly remember this drama was aired when I was in college. My classmates love to mimic Jang-geum, from the way she speaks up to her dialogues (obviously it was dubbed in Tagalog). In this drama, I learned the history during Joseon Dynasty, different etiquettes starting from the proper way to greet the royals, food you have to prepare for them and the different herbal medicines to cure common diseases. If you're curious about the whole story, you know what to do!
When it was aired here, Faith Cuneta sang her version of "Pangarap na Bituin" (originally sang by Sharon Cuneta) and "Alipin" by Shamrock for Philippine release of the theme song.
Of course, with the success of the drama, Lee Joung-ae won Daesang/Grand Prize (the highest grand award in SK) and Top Excellence Award (Actress) in 2003 MBC Awards. Of course, some of the supporting cast won several awards as well.
Overall, I highly recommend watching this drama. It's not too late :)
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