this be the first time i have write a comment on imdb in all the year i have use it avidly to search for worthy video to watch . i be write it not because there be not enough comment already for this wonderful series and but to additionally help you decide if you should invest a whopping 54 hour of your life on watch one drama . since this be aim at convince you why you should watch it and i will keep spoiler to a minimum . so how do i get involve with it . i be search for worthy korean tv series to watch after have see the more contemporary set drama such a stairway to heaven and which be highly recommend . when i come across this and although rat highly by others and i shy ed away from it for the same reason above . i just couldn not imagine how this kind of drama can entice me . but . someone i know ask if i have it to lend them due to the fact i tell people i watched korean dram . i do not in spite of my collection of top dvd title . i decide to get it just to find out what it be all about . at the time and imdb do not have this title rat to assist in my decision . episode one be interest . not hooked but enough interest to keep me go . same with the next one . and then when i finally get to the part when the little jang geum become orphan and out shone the other little girl in the palace in her determination and diligence and that be when i really get hooked and which bring me to a suggestion . watch the first 3 episode in their entirety . if you be still only on the sideline not sure to continue or not after watch episode 3 and then you should probably stop watching ( really unthinkable to me but i suppose it be possible ) . the actor or actress be handsome or pretty and but that be not why i continue . the first set of dvd i purchase be make in china and have ok english translation . the problem with the english translation and while subtle and surface more in the second half and a one can tell they be not do by the same person ( s ) . an anal movie buff that i be and i sell it and buy the yesasia edition and more expensive but have much good translation ( a very prominent example would be represent palace girl in the china edition be court lady in the yesasia edition while palace girl be the literal translation and the proper equivalent by title be court lady ) . the picture quality be also well . in fact and my wife comment that jang geum ( grow up ) be not as pretty a in the china version now that she can see the imperfection on her face close up . so i end up spending yet another 54 hour re watch . but it be worth it . because the translation clarify thing that otherwise would have be lose a cultural difference . this be the set that will remain in my library a one of the rare worthy tv drama to collect in it original form . by the way and the china edition in the green box have bonus material of interview with some of the cast member as well a the last 7 day of film even though there be no english subtitle on the bonus material and it be still quite enjoyable to see how the cast look in modern attire and their reaction to the question . positive . with so many tv program try to buy an audience with sex and violence and and improper language ( lack of respect ) screen time nowadays and it be truly refreshing to see something that not only serve to entertain but also educate at the same time without emphasis on sex and violence . it be little wonder that this series have sweep away audience all over and realign some of the young generation to the ideal that seem to be erode away in the modern world . in closing and none of the episode disappoint and they be all enjoyable and but it be just a small few minute here and there of extra detail that seem to drag a bit in the first 10 episode . in fact and i have a feeling that if you be korean you will probably not feel the drag due to your ability to relate those detail good than non korean like me . the quality of research that have go into make this production ( the cuisine and the medicine ) be impressive and educational . the music excellent . combine with the singular vision of one director and one writer for this drama and it be a complete experience that and in short and will enrich the life of anyone who be open mind and willing to invest the time to watch it . please let me know if my comment be helpful to you . thanks . p. s. here be some additional research sit that have help me to connect and enjoy the drama more represent stillwatersca . blogspot . com/2005/04 or dae jang geum background information . html ( please take out the space for it to work ) wikipedia . org lee young ae ( lead actress ) 2006 new year message to fan @ http represent or or mydjg . blogspot . com or copy and past it into your browser .