Actress Lee Young Ae was honored at the Historical Drama Festival, which took place on October 24, at the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Veteran actor Song Il Gook hosted the ceremony and presented the award to her.
The 44-year-old actress was honored for a role she played 12 years ago. That may seem unusual but her drama was one of the most popular k-dramas of all time.
Lee Young Ae was recognized for her role in the 2003 drama series, "Dae Jang Geum," which was filmed at the folk village. "Dae Jang Geum" or "Jewel in the Palace" told the true story of the Jang Geum, first female royal physician of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). The drama was so popular it earned nearly 50 percent in viewer ratings. It was exported to 90 countries and became a Hallyu hit. It was estimated that half the population of Hong Kong watched the drama's finale.
The actress has not worked on a drama since 2003 but she is filming her current drama "Shin Saimdang: The Herstory" at the same location. And it's another historical drama.
"I'm currently shooting my new drama series here, and this is my first drama since 'Dae Jang Geum,'" said Lee. Her remarks at the award ceremony were reported in the Korean media outlet Joongang Daily.
Her new character is again based on a real-life heroine.
"My new drama tells the story of Shin Saimdang, who is revered by many people," said Lee.
Shin Saimdang was a writer, calligrapher, poet and mother of the Confucian scholar Yul Gok. Shin Saimdang was also known for challenging sexist stereotypes in a time when women's roles were limited. She is the first woman to be represented on a South Korean banknote.
Lee plays two characters in the drama. She plays a modern day art history lecturer who discovers the diary of Shin Saimdang and she plays Shin Saimdang.
"You can expect a lot from it," she said.
"Shin Saimdang: The Herstory" co-stars Song Seung Hoon, Oh Yoon Ah, Yun Da Hun, Kim Hae Sook, Choi Jong Hwan and Kim Mi Kyung. The drama's first script reading took place in August. The drama is set to air in the first half of 2016.
According to the American Entertainment publication Variety, based on Lee Yong Ae's reputation alone, Turner International Asia Pacific has acquired syndication and broadcast rights in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
