It's rare that a k-drama gets a second season but when the drama is as popular as "Dae Jang Geum" was, it should probably not be a surprise. To imagine just how well liked the 2003 drama was, consider the popularity of "Empress Ki" but with twice the ratings.
"Dae Jang Geum," the story of a kitchen cook, who became the king's first female physician, had ratings of 57.8 percent with an average viewership rating of 46.3 percent. It was the 10th highest rated k-drama of all time and became one of the most successful Hallyu exports worldwide.
The drama starred Lee Young Ae as the cook who learned Korean medicine so that she could cure her Joseon dynasty king. The drama was based on a true story and viewers were fascinated by the insight it provided into Korean culture, cuisine and traditional methods of healing. Partly because of the success of the drama, the actress received the Medal of Culture Merit for her contribution to the Korean Wave in 2007.
So, rumors that there might be a second season and that it would star Lee Young Ae, 43, caused a stir.
"There is nothing official yet," said the actress in an interview with the Korea Herald. "I am certainly interested in it but I think that the second season will be have to be one that meets the high expectations of the audience. If I do come back I want to do something that has cultural significance."
The actress married a Korean-American businessman in 2009 and gave birth to twins in 2011. Her appearances were mostly limited to commercial work between 2005 and 2012, when she appeared in the film "Made in California."
Mostly she has been happy living in the suburbs, raising her kids, cooking and gardening.
"When I was busy with work, I didn't even have time to go into the kitchen but since I married I have cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for my family," she said.
Her Chinese fans are especially eager to see a second season.
"I appreciate the support of the Chinese fans for the series," she said. "But at the same time, we need to come up with even better results than the first season."
If the second season happens, she play the older version of Jang Geum and the drama will feature her fictional daughter.
MBC has released no information about the series but rumors say Lee Byung Hoon, who directed the first season, would direct the second.
