Source: Korea.net
By Yoon Sojung



'Jewel in the Palace' wins hearts in Iran

Since Korea's hit drama "Jewel in the palace" ("Dae Jang Geum" in Korean) was a big hit on Iranian television, the fever of the drama is still strong in viewers.

Four months after Iran's state TV Channel 2 finished airing the drama, the main actors -- Lee Young-ae and Ji Jin-hee -- have become some of the favorite celebrities that Iranian viewers wish to meet.

"Jewel in the Palace", which became an Asian-wide mega-hit, is based on the life of a 16th century royal cook in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) named Janggeum, who became the first and only woman physician to serve a Korean king.

Janggeum's story of overcoming hardships and achieving her goal despite many obstacles, the beautiful court costumes and court cuisines captured many Iranians who have high interest in Asia and share similar emotions with Koreans, Korea's Yonhapnews reported Monday (March 17).

Thanks to the show's popularity, Iranians now display a more favorable attitude towards Koreans they meet, talking about "Yanggum", as "Janggeum" is called in Persian, the report said.

Reflecting the fame of the drama among Iranians, Iran's state broadcaster visited Korea to make a special program on the drama and interviewed other supporting actors that include Ji Jin-hee, who acted as court official Min Jung-ho.

In May 2007, "Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum" in Korean) topped the ratings in Iran, according to China's Weekly World News. It also mentioned "Yen Yen" as one of the most active Daejanggeum-related Internet sites where users can discuss Korean culture and exchange information about the drama, as an increasing number of blogs and online cafes in Iran covered the drama series.