A historical drama based on a true story, Dae Jang Geum tells the tale of Jang-Geum, the first woman to become the King's personal physician. In a time when women held little influence in society, young apprentice cook Jang-Geum (Lee Young-Ae of Joint Security Area and One Fine Spring Day) strives to learn the secrets of Korean cooking and medicine in order to cure The King of his various ailments. But palace intrigue and politics impede Jang-Geum, as her fellow ladies compete to earn the King's favor and secure the top female positions in the Royal Kitchen. But Jang-Geum is far from ordinary. With her remarkable determination and wisdom, she takes on even greater odds, challenging numerous foes and even society to achieve a position never-before-held by a woman in Korean history!
"Compelling writing, a very competent cast, and frequent Iron-Chef-like cooking sequences make the hour-long episodes go by too quickly"