"Jewel in the Palace" South Korean actress Lee Young Ae is back on the small screen after 14 years with the new historical drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary," which topped in viewership ratings on its time slot. Her new drama's first two episodes kicked off as strong as those of its predecessor, "The Legend of the Blue Sea."
In "Saimdang: Light's Diary," Lee plays two roles, the modern-day historian Seo Ji Yoon and the calligrapher artist Shin Saimdang in the Joseon era. The new series tells the story of a university lecturer who discovers an ancient artist's personal diary.
In 2003, Lee enjoyed massive popularity with the famous drama "Jewel in the Palace" or "Dae Jang Geum," which earned her several awards. Her " Saimdang: Light's Diary" co-star Song Seung Heon admitted he was nervous on the set.
"I believe we were shooting our first ever scene together," Soompi quoted Song as saying during the press conference for "Saimdang: Light's Diary." "I was so nervous, I kept messing up. My heart was beating so fast."
At the press conference, Lee was asked about her impression of actress Park Hye Soo who plays the young Saimdang. She revealed she was impressed with Park's acting who was so composed playing the role. Lee added she learned a lot from Park and anticipates the young actress will grow more in her career.
Also known as "Saimdang: The Herstory," the drama is penned by Park Eun Ryung and directed by Yoon Sang Ho. Aside from Lee, Song and Park, the new drama also stars Kim Hae Sook as Saimdang's grandmother, as well as Oh Yoon Ah and Yoon Da Hoon as Whieumdang Choi and Lee Won Soo, respectively.
The new period drama follows the historical series "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" which was a massive hit on SBS. With drama fanatics around the world loving historical dramas these days, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is among the most anticipated South Korean series this year. Initially set to start airing on Oct. 11, 2016 on Drama Fever, it premiered on Jan. 26, Thursday.
Watch the trailer for "Saimdang: Light's Diary" below: