History Behind The Drama "Dae Jang Geum"

 

 ※WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS about "Dae Jang Geum."

image credit: mbc

Dae Jang Geum is a 2003 South Korean historical drama television series that first aired on MBC from September 15, 2003, to March 23, 2004. It is a drama about the process of Seo Jang-geum, a court lady of the Joseon Dynasty, becoming a doctor, and it shows the love and growth of Jang Geum. The drama was a huge hit, bringing substantial social impact. In addition, Dae Jang Geum was exported to Korea and many foreign countries and became very popular.

A historical record about Dae Jang Geum

Jang-geum was favored by King Jungjong and served as a doctor. Unfortunately, there are not many records about Janggeum, but she is the most recorded woman in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. There is no record confirming that Daejanggeum was the attending physician of King Jungjong. However, if you look at the records of "The Annals of King Jungjong," it is highly likely that it was "Daejanggeum = King's doctor."

Jang Geum appeared in the Annals in 1515. A problem arose when Queen Janggyeong, the first queen of King Jungjong, gave birth to Won-Ja and died a week later. As a result, Dr.Ha Jong-hae and Jang Geum were subject to impeachment for "the crime of using the wrong medicine." In particular, the crime of Jang Geum was even more significant. Because Dr.Ha made a medicine based on the symptoms that Jang-geum told him. However, King Jungjong defended Jang Geum. 

Later, if you check the records of the Annals of King Jungjong, it is recorded that King Jungjong sent other clinics outside except Janggeum and received medical treatment only from Jang-geum. In addition, the record of rewarding Jang Geum can confirm that she was the king's attending physician.