It's based on a true story of the Korean's first and only female
Royal Physician.
Synopsis
Jang-geum
(played by Lee Young-ae) is the daughter of Seo Cheon-su (played by Park
Chan-hwan), a former judicial officer-turned butcher (the lowest
social class) who lives in hiding after being expelled from the
royal palace, and Madame
Park (played by Kim Hye-seon), a former court lady working
in the royal kitchen who narrowly escaped death following a
murderous conspiracy planned by Court Lady Choi. As a young child,
Jang-geum loses
both parents and enters the royal palace in the kitchen. In the
royal kitchen, she spends a harsh childhood in continuous
competition with Choi
Geum-yeong (played by Hong Li-na). Under the
protection and tutelage of Court Lady Han,
Jang-geum makes
every effort to become the best cook in the palace. Her endeavors
enable her to become a recognized cook; but Lady Choi and her faction, jealous
of the success of Lady
Han and Jang-geum, plot a conspiracy, which
leads to the death of Lady
Han and Jang-geums expulsion from the
royal palace. Jang-geum is relegated to the
position of maidservant for the local government office on Jeju-do
Island. While in exile, Jang-geum learns medicine. Through
native intelligence and patient efforts, she earns her reputation
as a woman doctor on the island. After a time, she returns to the
palace, where she is recognized by the king and becomes the royal
physician and also the first female physician in history to serve
the king. The
king falls in love with her, but she cannot return
his love, as she is already in love with Min Jung-Ho, who has stood by her
side during the most difficult times. * The concluding part
omitted.
