Lee Young-ae Makes a Comeback After 20 Years in New Drama Series “The Righteous Woman, Dae Jang-geum”

Lee Young-ae Makes a Grand Return to Television in “The Righteous Woman, Dae Jang-geum”

After a two-decade hiatus, acclaimed actress Lee Young-ae is set to illuminate the small screen again with her leading role in the upcoming drama titled The Righteous Woman, Dae Jang-geum (working title). Notably, this new project is an independent production, distinct from the beloved characters and storyline of the 2003 MBC series, Jewel in the Palace.

Plot and Character Development

This highly anticipated drama will follow the journey of Seo Jang-geum, a court lady striving to become a royal physician. Lee Young-ae, reprising the role of Jang-geum, promises to present a fresh perspective on her character’s evolution, diverging from the narrative established in the original series.

Nostalgia and Anticipation

Despite its separate storyline, The Righteous Woman, Dae Jang-geum is piquing public curiosity as it revisits the compelling saga of the iconic character. The original Jewel in the Palace was a groundbreaking 54-episode drama that depicted Jang-geum’s remarkable rise during the Joseon dynasty.

Record-Breaking Success of “Jewel in the Palace”

The series achieved astounding viewership ratings, peaking at an impressive 57.8%, which places it as the 10th highest-rated drama in South Korean history. With an average viewership rating of 46.3%, it secured the 5th spot among the nation’s most popular dramas.

Launching on September 15, 2003, Jewel in the Palace started with a viewership rating of 19.8%. It quickly captured the audience’s attention as ratings soared past 30% within weeks. By the 17th episode, the show exceeded the 40% threshold, and in March 2004, it reached over 51.4% in its 48th episode. The series finale made history with a staggering 57.8% viewership.

Global Influence and Lee Young-ae’s Stardom

As a cultural phenomenon, Jewel in the Palace was broadcast internationally, capturing audiences in countries such as China and Japan. Lee Young-ae’s portrayal of Jang-geum significantly elevated her status as a leading figure in the Hallyu wave.

Upcoming Productions and Community Involvement

According to the production company, The Righteous Woman, Dae Jang-geum is currently in the preparatory stages with plans to commence production in the latter half of 2024. While the exact airing schedule remains under wraps, it is anticipated to debut in early 2025. Fans of the original series are keen to see how this new narrative unfolds.

Personal Life of Lee Young-ae

Beyond her career, Lee Young-ae continues to capture public interest following her marriage in 2009 to Jung Ho-young, a businessman of Korean-American descent, who is 20 years her senior. The couple shares twin children, Seung-bin and Seung-kwon. Recently, she participated in a charity bazaar at her children’s school, engaging with the community by selling cosmetics, which sparked considerable discussion among her supporters. In May, she also took part in a parent observation class, offering updates about her family life.

Source: Wikitree

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