Lee Young-ae to reprise role in 'Dae Jang Geum' sequel

Lee Young-ae is set to reprise her role in a new drama based on the hit series 'Dae Jang Geum.'

Actor Lee Young-ae poses for photos at a press conference for the tvN drama ″Maestra″ at a hotel in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Dec. 6, 2023. [NEWS1]

Actor Lee Young-ae will return as the titular character in a new series based on the hit MBC drama “Dae Jang Geum” (2003-2004), entertainment company Fantagio said Tuesday.

“We have cast Lee in the title role last June after signing a screenwriter,” Fantagio said. “We will begin filming in October this year and aim for airing the drama early next year.”

The new drama will follow the later days of Jang-geum, an orphaned kitchen cook, after she goes on to become the King’s first female physician. The platform on which the new sequel will air has not yet been decided.

“Dae Jang Geum” aired its 54-episdoe run with a peak 57 percent viewership rating and garnered massive popularity overseas as well as domestically. Lee received many accolades including a MBC Drama Award in 2003, solidifying her position as a Hallyu star.

Lee is a 51-year-old veteran actor who debuted through a chocolate advertisement in 1990. She kicked off her acting career with the KBS drama series “How's Your Husband?” in 1993. Some of her prominent works include films “Last Present” (2001), “Lady Vengeance” (2005) and “Bring Me Home” (2019), as well as dramas “Saimdang, Memoir of Colors” (2017) and “Maestra” (2023). To find out more about Lee Young-ae, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]