Synopsis: The popular South Korean mini-series DAE JANG GEUM (aka JEWEL IN THE PALACE) earned that country's highest-ever television ratings with an epic blend of historical and personal intrigue. Based on a true story, the period-piece costume drama centers on its titular heroine, Jang-geum... The popular South Korean mini-series DAE JANG GEUM (aka JEWEL IN THE PALACE) earned that country's highest-ever television ratings with an epic blend of historical and personal intrigue. Based on a true story, the period-piece costume drama centers on its titular heroine, Jang-geum (Yeong-ae Lee), a 16th-century orphan girl who enters the king's royal court as a lowly kitchen maid. When the political machinations of an evil duchess send Jang-geum into exile, she leaves to study medicine and triumphantly returns to the palace as the King's personal physician. Bolstered by strong acting, gripping plotlines, and well-drawn characters, the series' most remarkable achievement remains the lavish, detail-rich production design that presents a historically accurate depiction of 16th-century Korean history, culture, and politics--as well as mouthwatering cooking sequences a la BABETTE'S FEAST. This volume introduces the series with episodes 1-18. [More]