It has been more than a decade since actress Lee Young Ae made drama history with her award-wining role in the 2004 production "Dae Jang Geum," also known as "Jewel in the Palace." She played a Joseon-era cook and royal physician in the 10th-highest rated Korean drama of all time. Ratings exceed 50 percent in Korea and the drama was also popular throughout Asia. It was exported to over 90 countries.
After achieving success in that drama, Lee Yong Ae starred in the film "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance," directed by Park Chan Wook. Then she spent the next 10 years at home with her family.
In 2014 she was offered a role in a drama sequel to "Dae Jang Geum" but she ultimately declined the role. Instead she has decided to return to dramaland with a new production titled "Saimdang, the Herstory."
On March 25, the production company Group 8 confirmed her appearance in the drama.
"Lee Young Ae has confirmed that she will appear in 'Saimdang, the Herstory.' With the goal of airing in 2016, the production will begin.
In "Saimdang, the Herstory," the 44-year-old actress will play two roles, that of a university lecturer in Korean art and also the role of Shin Saimdang, a gifted Joseon-era artist, poet and scholar. Shin Saimdang's work was so influential that she is depicted on Korea's 50,000 won bill.
When the drama's university lecturer finds Shin Saimdang's journal, she discovers secrets about her art and life. The drama will move between the past and the present, portraying Shin Saimdong's artistic genius and free spirit.
Group 8 planned the production with Lee Young Ae in mind.
"We decided that Lee Young Ae's traditional and elegant image fit very well with 'Saimdang, the Herstory.' We're already excited to see how Lee Young Ae will act in the drama."
The Group 8 representative said that the news that Lee Young Ae would join the production has resulted in a flood of inquiries from China and Japan.
"China is even considering airing the drama at the same time," said the Group 8 representative.
Park Eun Ryung, who wrote, "Women Next Door," "Second Proposal" and "Saving Ahjumma Go Bong Sil" is writing the screenplay for "Saimdang, the Herstory."
The drama will begin filming in June.
Because of Lee Young Ae's contribution to drama and the Hallyu, BusinessKorea described her as "Korea's greatest living actress" and a "national treasure."
