Friday, December 15, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Bleach -Story Summary:
BLEACH follows the life of Ichigo Kurosaki, a 15 year old high school student with the ability to see ghosts; and a female shinigami (??, shinigami?, lit. god of death), or Soul Reaper in the English manga, named Rukia Kuchiki, who runs into him one day while searching for a hollow (an evil spirit). During the ensuing confrontation with the spirit, she is wounded and forced to transfer all of her powers into Ichigo.
Thus the adventures of Ichigo and Rukia Kuchiki begin. Together they search for hollows and perform soul burials on wayward souls, cleansing the spirits and sending them to Soul Society.
The early parts of the story focus mainly on the relationships between the characters, rather than the actual occupation of the shinigami. However, as events unfold, the story begins to delve deeper into the world of these gods of death on the "other side" called Soul Society.
Bleach -Introduction
Ichigo is a rough-and-tumble teenager who has always had the special ability to see ghosts. The story begins with the sudden appearance of an oddly-dressed stranger in Ichigo's bedroom who seems surprised that he can see her at all. This stranger is Rukia Kuchiki, a shinigami. Their resulting conversation is interrupted by the appearance of a hollow, an evil spirit. When she is severely wounded, Rukia decides to transfer half of her powers to Ichigo, giving him the opportunity to face the hollow on an equal footing. Ichigo defeats it with a single sword-strike.
The next day, Rukia turns up in Ichigo's classroom as a transfer student. Much to his surprise, she is now apparently a normal human. It turns out that the strength of Ichigo's spirit caused him to fully absorb her powers rather than taking half, leaving her trapped in a gigai Ean artificial human body. While she recovers her abilities, Ichigo must take over her job, watching over the region and battling hollows in her stead.
credit http://www.markycielo.com/
Thus the adventures of Ichigo and Rukia Kuchiki begin. Together they search for hollows and perform soul burials on wayward souls, cleansing the spirits and sending them to Soul Society.
The early parts of the story focus mainly on the relationships between the characters, rather than the actual occupation of the shinigami. However, as events unfold, the story begins to delve deeper into the world of these gods of death on the "other side" called Soul Society.
Bleach -Introduction
Ichigo is a rough-and-tumble teenager who has always had the special ability to see ghosts. The story begins with the sudden appearance of an oddly-dressed stranger in Ichigo's bedroom who seems surprised that he can see her at all. This stranger is Rukia Kuchiki, a shinigami. Their resulting conversation is interrupted by the appearance of a hollow, an evil spirit. When she is severely wounded, Rukia decides to transfer half of her powers to Ichigo, giving him the opportunity to face the hollow on an equal footing. Ichigo defeats it with a single sword-strike.
The next day, Rukia turns up in Ichigo's classroom as a transfer student. Much to his surprise, she is now apparently a normal human. It turns out that the strength of Ichigo's spirit caused him to fully absorb her powers rather than taking half, leaving her trapped in a gigai Ean artificial human body. While she recovers her abilities, Ichigo must take over her job, watching over the region and battling hollows in her stead.
credit http://www.markycielo.com/
Friday, October 13, 2006
LOVE STORY IN HARVARD FINALE!
YES! finale na nga ng love story in harvard! waaahhh!! grabe na ang mga nagyayari! kagabi nagbago ng isip si dustin....di na raw nya itutuloy ang kaso....nagkausap sila ni allison....itutuloy na uli....tapos si alex....lumuhod kay dustin....umiiyak....haaayy....grabe isang gabi na lang sya....mamimiss ko talaga ang LSIH sa gabi....
Thursday, October 12, 2006
last 2 days of love story in harvard
yun nga....last 2 days na lang ang love story in harvard....kakalungkot kasi mawawalan na naman ako ng isang papanoorin sa gabi....rosy life? baka di ko makayanan...ewan....pero ayaw ko bitiwan ang love story in harvard....may DVD9 ako nito...imamarathon ko yun panigurado...pero isa lang masasabi ko....mamimiss ko ang mga boses nagboses kay dustin at allison....lalo na kay dustin....haaayy...i will never leave you LSIH!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
LOVE STORY IN HARVARD
nakakalungkot....kasi 2 weeks na lang ito sa tv.....kinakatay kasi nila ang mga scenes....kainis nga eh!! by the way...nakapanood ako ng epi12 at 13 nito nung monday night...kaya nga di ako nakapanood nung 2nd to the last monday epi nito....kagabi naman di rin ako nakapanood kasi ang papa ko eh! pero ok na rin siguradong napanood ko na yun eh! yun nga lang ilang araw na lang sya...mamimiss ko syang panoorin sa tv...although meron akong DVD9 maganda pa rin yung tagalized...waaahhh!! nakakainis!!
i love you dustin kim! i love you LSIH! i will never forget you!
i love you dustin kim! i love you LSIH! i will never forget you!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
LOVE STORY IN HARVARD
painit ng painit na ang mga eksena sa LOVE STORY IN HARVARD. balita ko nasa episode 10 na ito.... yun nga lang ang daming kinut kagabi!(sept. 19) di ko masyado napansin kasi yung papa ko nanonood ng ibang channel! kaya ayun! speaking of epsiode...episode 10 na nga pa ang pinapalabas ng GMA7....ibig sabihin ilang araw o weeks na lang matatapos na ito...sayang naman! ayaw ko pang matapos ito!! grabe! sana nga happy ending ito....
Thursday, September 14, 2006
I MISSED YESTERDAY'S EPISODE OF LOVE STORY IN HARVARD!!!
waaahhh!! nakakainis!! di ako nakapanood kagabi ng LOVE STORY IN HARVARD!!! yung papa ko kasi eh!! ayun!!! waaahhh talaga!!! nag iinternet ako nun eh...nauna ang papa kosa tv.....oras pa lang ng BAKEKANG sabi ko ilipat na sa LSIH...kaso di nya nilipat!! tigas nga ng ulo eh!!! waaahhh!!! nakakainis!! nung maisipang ilipat tapos na!! ang naabutan ko eh yung promo ng GMA na may tanong tapos sasagutan!! kakainis!! kimulitkulit ko kasi....nung last scene na siguro yun after commercial nilipat nya...at yun na nga un! kakainis!!! sana makapanood na ako mamaya!!!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Philipiines' ratings of Love Story in Harvard
September 06, 2006 Philippine Episode of Love Story in Harvard
Yap! Kagabing episode(wednesday) ng Love Story in Harvard ang tatalakayin natin. Buweno, napanood ko sya lahat! Kasi naman, nung tuesday di ako nakapanood! Kasi naman si papa! Ayun! Di ko napanood yung beach scene at bed scene nina Allison at Dustin. Sana nga may makita na akong DVD9 nito. Para lahat eh mapanood ko na...kaso sabi may dalawang versions daw ang LSIH. Ah ewan! Ah basta!
Kagabi nga ang napanood ko, iniwan na ni Allison si Dustin.. si Dustin naman syempre malungkot... tapos grumaduate na sya... at bumalik ng Korea. May nireto sa kanya ang daddy nya pero nung nagkasarilinan sila ng girl, tinapat nya na wala raw syang panahon(?). Tapos pati si Alex ay bumalik ng Korea kasam si Gina. Pinakita din si Allison na nasa eroplano rin ata ant mahaba na ang buhok. Pinakita nga na may picture sya nilang dalawa sa Laptop nya. Medyo emosyonal ang episode kagabi... si professor keynes.... all in all emosyonal nga. Ikaw ba naman matuwa na malungkot na nga pinapanood mo?! Langya! Di nga ako nag aral para sa exam kagabi eh! Bahala na si Batman! heheh...
Kagabi nga ang napanood ko, iniwan na ni Allison si Dustin.. si Dustin naman syempre malungkot... tapos grumaduate na sya... at bumalik ng Korea. May nireto sa kanya ang daddy nya pero nung nagkasarilinan sila ng girl, tinapat nya na wala raw syang panahon(?). Tapos pati si Alex ay bumalik ng Korea kasam si Gina. Pinakita din si Allison na nasa eroplano rin ata ant mahaba na ang buhok. Pinakita nga na may picture sya nilang dalawa sa Laptop nya. Medyo emosyonal ang episode kagabi... si professor keynes.... all in all emosyonal nga. Ikaw ba naman matuwa na malungkot na nga pinapanood mo?! Langya! Di nga ako nag aral para sa exam kagabi eh! Bahala na si Batman! heheh...
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
SYNOPSIS OF LOVE STORY IN HARVARD
Love Story in Harvard
Article posted August 16, 2006
Love comes when one least expects it. Experience another endearing and charming love story as Love Story in Harvard airs weeknights after I Luv NY.
Hopeless romantics will identify with this engaging tale of Allison and Dustin, set in the academic arena of Harvard University.
Hailed as the most romantic series in Korea, it brings together the stars of two highly popular Koreanovelas. The handsome Kim Rae Won, more popularly known to Filipinos as Kevin from the dramedy Attic Cat. and the beautiful Kim Tae Hee, last seen on Philippine TV as the scheming Eunice of Stairway to Heaven are the newest romantic pair to watch out for.
Kim Tae Hee plays the lovely, playful, and hardworking Allison. And the smart and dashing Harvard law student Dustin that falls for her is none other than Kim Rae Won.
Shot in the United States of America, the series begins with Dustin and Allison’s amusing first encounters. At first, Dustin has a very mistaken idea about Allison’s identity and what she does for a living. He eventually learns that she is in fact a student in Harvard Medical School who has to work odd jobs to pay for her own education and help support her family.
They eventually fall deeply in love with each other. But like any love story, theirs is not without many obstacles. This becomes very clear when Dustin’s classmate Alex (played by Lee Jung Jin) enters the picture. Dustin and Alex are not only rivals in class but also for the affections of Allison.
Yet is there a deeper reason for Alex and Dustin’s intense rivalry?
To make things more complicated, Allison’s goals in life are in conflict with her relationship with Dustin. She plans to leave for remote locations after she gets her medical degree.
When the time comes for Allison to decide between her dreams and her love for Dustin, which will she choose? Will their love withstand being apart from each other when they pursue their individual ambitions?
The theme song “Hindi Ko Na Kayang Masaktan Pa,” performed by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, provides the perfect background for this heartwarming tale. Witness this newest love story unfold weeknights only on GMA.
For episode updates text Harvard ON and send to 4627 for all telcos.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
A POEM TO REFLECT
A Man May Go To Heaven
Without health
Without wealth
Without fame
Without a great name
Wihtout learning
Without big earning
Without culture
Without beauty
Without friends
Without 10,000 other things
But he can never go to heaven....
WITHOUT CHRIST.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
10 things u should remember in a relationship.......
1. Be realistic about each other. Don't try to turn your partner into something he or she is not. Let's face it, guys-there's only 1 Pamela Anderson in the world, and even she has had her implants removed! Give your gal a break and understand that her physical appearance is NOT going to change overnight with the help of a few facials or treatments. And ladies, Brad Pitt has already been taken, so you're gonna have to do with what your guy is like! Chill out, love each other for what u are. There is more to your partner than what meets the eye.
2. Always talk things out. Now guys, I know this is not your favorite pastime or mode of resolving issues, but u know what? This works with the gals. Don't make assumptions about each other's feelings. Learn to express yourself better so that your partner understands what you're angry about, or hurt about, or even happy about! When u stop talking to each other from the heart, it's the beginning of the end.
3. Do stuff together. Make an effort to do things together. Do some sports or involve yourselves in some shared activities; something both of u enjoy or are interested in. It could be as simple as watching movies together, or jus strolling hand-in-hand down Orchard Road. Watch soccer with him once in a while though the green patch on TV puts u to sleep in 3 seconds. And guys, do give in if your gal asks for another day at window-shopping, rather than suggest that she go out with her girlfriends for "that sort of activities" instead. If you're spending more time with your friends rather than with your partner, it's a warning sign that you're drifting apart!!!
4. Meet each other halfway. If he agrees to throw out that rotten T-shirt with the "The Rock" print, u shouldn't kick up much of a fuss if he asks u to keep your room tidy. There's got to be a little giving and taking in a relationship, so learn to meet each other halfway.
5. Show your love Buy her flowers or candy or perfume every now and then, even if u have been together for 5years. It's wonderful to continue showing someone that u care for him or her. Cook him a special meal; paint him a Valentine's Day card. Knit him mini-socks he can't wear (like for decoration purposes =>), buy him a packet of milk for breakfast, or pack his wardrobe for him...so he knows u can still be romantic and loving despite having been together for quite a while.
6. Respect each other. Stop making jokes about her hair or skin, or whatever it is u love to laugh at. Ask yourself if she thinks if it’s funny. And if he has an inferiority complex about his height, stop ogling at tall guys and make him feel worse! Love is about respecting each other's feelings and being sensitive to each other at all times.
7. Bury the past. Stop bringing up the past, gals. Don’t bring up the happy things about u and your ex to your guy, it would jus make him jealous or unhappy. And guys, don't talk about the happy times that u had with your ex or mention about her in your every other sentence as it would make your gal feel un-happy and she might think that u saying all this because u are gonna get back with your ex or not interested in her anymore.
8. Sit on your jealousy. All of us go thru' spells of insecurity at the beginning of the relationship, but don't translate that insecurity into jealousy. If you're gonna go through your partner's mail and cupboard, and eavesdropping on conversations, you know something is wrong - with u!!! Jealousy is like a poison that slowly spreads thru' the relationship before finally killing it. Trust your partner; love has to have trust in it.
9. Keep your commitments to each other. If your partner is standing you up all the time and canceling dates and breaking promises, you need to talk! If you're in a relationship, make your partner your priority and don't disappoint them if you can help it. It's really terrible when someone promises to take you to dinner, and then calls to cancel it. Don't make promises you can't keep. If your partner starts to feel that he/she is not important enough to u, u may jus lose him/her.
10. Be honest. Honesty is not scowling at how awful she looks first thing in the morning, or telling him that he has the biceps of a fly~! When we say "be honest", we mean expressing your feelings clearly, not being bitingly cruel. When you're hurt, say so, and when you're angry, tell him/her, w/o getting hysterical. If you can't be honest with your partner, who can you be honest with? f Love is also about honesty, and a relationship where no honesty exists probably isn't worth it!
2. Always talk things out. Now guys, I know this is not your favorite pastime or mode of resolving issues, but u know what? This works with the gals. Don't make assumptions about each other's feelings. Learn to express yourself better so that your partner understands what you're angry about, or hurt about, or even happy about! When u stop talking to each other from the heart, it's the beginning of the end.
3. Do stuff together. Make an effort to do things together. Do some sports or involve yourselves in some shared activities; something both of u enjoy or are interested in. It could be as simple as watching movies together, or jus strolling hand-in-hand down Orchard Road. Watch soccer with him once in a while though the green patch on TV puts u to sleep in 3 seconds. And guys, do give in if your gal asks for another day at window-shopping, rather than suggest that she go out with her girlfriends for "that sort of activities" instead. If you're spending more time with your friends rather than with your partner, it's a warning sign that you're drifting apart!!!
4. Meet each other halfway. If he agrees to throw out that rotten T-shirt with the "The Rock" print, u shouldn't kick up much of a fuss if he asks u to keep your room tidy. There's got to be a little giving and taking in a relationship, so learn to meet each other halfway.
5. Show your love Buy her flowers or candy or perfume every now and then, even if u have been together for 5years. It's wonderful to continue showing someone that u care for him or her. Cook him a special meal; paint him a Valentine's Day card. Knit him mini-socks he can't wear (like for decoration purposes =>), buy him a packet of milk for breakfast, or pack his wardrobe for him...so he knows u can still be romantic and loving despite having been together for quite a while.
6. Respect each other. Stop making jokes about her hair or skin, or whatever it is u love to laugh at. Ask yourself if she thinks if it’s funny. And if he has an inferiority complex about his height, stop ogling at tall guys and make him feel worse! Love is about respecting each other's feelings and being sensitive to each other at all times.
7. Bury the past. Stop bringing up the past, gals. Don’t bring up the happy things about u and your ex to your guy, it would jus make him jealous or unhappy. And guys, don't talk about the happy times that u had with your ex or mention about her in your every other sentence as it would make your gal feel un-happy and she might think that u saying all this because u are gonna get back with your ex or not interested in her anymore.
8. Sit on your jealousy. All of us go thru' spells of insecurity at the beginning of the relationship, but don't translate that insecurity into jealousy. If you're gonna go through your partner's mail and cupboard, and eavesdropping on conversations, you know something is wrong - with u!!! Jealousy is like a poison that slowly spreads thru' the relationship before finally killing it. Trust your partner; love has to have trust in it.
9. Keep your commitments to each other. If your partner is standing you up all the time and canceling dates and breaking promises, you need to talk! If you're in a relationship, make your partner your priority and don't disappoint them if you can help it. It's really terrible when someone promises to take you to dinner, and then calls to cancel it. Don't make promises you can't keep. If your partner starts to feel that he/she is not important enough to u, u may jus lose him/her.
10. Be honest. Honesty is not scowling at how awful she looks first thing in the morning, or telling him that he has the biceps of a fly~! When we say "be honest", we mean expressing your feelings clearly, not being bitingly cruel. When you're hurt, say so, and when you're angry, tell him/her, w/o getting hysterical. If you can't be honest with your partner, who can you be honest with? f Love is also about honesty, and a relationship where no honesty exists probably isn't worth it!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
SONG
Narda
Kamikazee
Tila ibon kung lumipad, sumabay sa hangin akoy
Napatingin Sa dalagang nababalot ng hiwaga.
*Mapapansin kaya sa dami ng yong gingawa
Kung kaagaw ko ang lahat may pag asa bang makilala ka
**Awit na nananawagan, baka sakaling napakikinggan,
Pag ibig na palaisipan sa kanta na lang idaraan
Nag aabang sa langit, sa mga ulap sumisilip
Sa likod ng mga tala,kahit sulyap lang darna
Ang swerte nga nman ni ding, lagi ka nyang kapiling
Kung ako sa kanya niligawan na kita
*Mapapansin kaya sa dami ng yong gingawa
Kung kaagaw ko ang lahat may pag asa bang makilala ka
**Awit na nananawagan,baka sakaling napakikinggan,
Pag ibig na palaisipan sa kanta na lang idadaan
Nag aabang sa langit, sa mga ulap sumisilip
Sa likod ng mga tala,kahit sulyap lang darna
***Tumalon kaya ako sa bangin,para lang iyong sagipin
Ito ang tanging paraan para mayakap ka
Darating kaya sa dami ng ginagawa
Kung kaagaw ko sila paano na kaya?
**Awit na nananawagan,baka sakaling napakikinggan,
Pag ibig na palaisipan sa kanta na lang idadaan
Nag aabang sa langit, sa mga ulap sumisilip
Sa likod ng mga tala,kahit sulyap lang darna
Nag aabang sa langit, sa mga ulap sumisilip
Sa likod ng mga tala,kahit sulyap lang darna
Friday, March 03, 2006
FAVORITE SONG
High
The Speaks
So will it ever be
I tried so hard to find sweet serenity
Are you still afraid
Just close your eyes and dream
The feeling fade away
Chorus:
Time wont flow everyone knows
When the pain fades away
Dreams wont die tears in our eyes
Youve got to hold your head up high
...Yeah... yeah...yeah...
Hold your head up high
Its taken some time
And ive given off the will to change your state of mind
Im trying to understand
Its not so hard to see that i am just a man
repeat chorus
So will it ever be
Ive tried so hard to find sweet serenity
Im trying to understand
Its not so hard to see that i am just a man
repeat chorus
Monday, February 13, 2006
JEWEL IN THE PALACE summary link
i already posted some of JEWEL IN THE PALACE episode guide but i think i should stop it here and just link someone on the url i post
http://hkadb.net/index.php/Jewel_in_the_palace
oh well, just surf this site!
http://hkadb.net/index.php/Jewel_in_the_palace
oh well, just surf this site!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
JEWEL IN THE PALACE EPISODE GUIDE
ep. 5-6:
They've all grown up. Jang-Geum is becoming an excellent cook but she still retains her wild nature, inobedience and energetic.
The princess is sick and doesnt eat for many days so the kitchen staff are stressing over trying to figure out something for her to eat. She refuses to eat anything they bring to her after a bite.
Geum-Young (Hong Ri Na) goes to talk to Jang-Geum (Lee Young Ae) who is making her fermented soybean pastes. Geum-Young tastes one of the samples and comments on how it doesn't stink like it usually does. Jang-Geum tells her its because she used sojoo (rice wine) to kill off the smell. Geum-Young then goes back to the kitchen and asks her aunt if she can make the next meal for the princess. She makes something and the princess eats the whole thing because she added the same ingredient Jang-Geum used to kill the smell, revealing that the princess was turned off by the smell of the food. The whole kitchen department gets rewarded and all the supervisors are praising Geum-Young, but Geum-Young mentions she was inspired by Jang-Geum's method.
There is a big celebration in the palace: the king's birthday. A precious gold bird from China was shipped to be used for the party and Geum-Young is told to guard the bird for a couple of days. She puts it in the cage but the cage door loosens and the bird is gone the next morning. Geum-Young begins to panic and decides to sneak outside of the palace to ask her relative if he can find another gold bird for her (it's against the palace rules for the girls to leave without permission). On her way out, she runs into Jang-Geum who offers help, so the two sneak out together. They go out and arrived at the relative's house but he's gone for a few days so Jang-Geum offers to make a trip to her uncle's (the funny guy who raised her after she was 8) to see if he can help since he's well-versed in imported goods. Therefore, they part and decide to meet the next morning. Jang-Geum finds a bird after a lot of trouble but on her way to the relatives to meet up with Geum-Young she runs into a group of people fighting and she decides to save the injured person (Min Jung-Ho a.k.a Ji Jin Hee ), so she gets to the relatives really late and Geum-Young is already gone, not because she wants to but her aunt found out about the incident and forced her to leave. They also found a gold bird.
Jang-Geum has to sneak back in the palace all by herself but the route she used to escape was sealed off so she is stuck outside the palace and gets caught by the guards who took her to the kitchen department. (the writer would like to thank Dramaok for providing this summery.)
credits to http://hkadb.net/index.php/Jewel_in_the_palace
They've all grown up. Jang-Geum is becoming an excellent cook but she still retains her wild nature, inobedience and energetic.
The princess is sick and doesnt eat for many days so the kitchen staff are stressing over trying to figure out something for her to eat. She refuses to eat anything they bring to her after a bite.
Geum-Young (Hong Ri Na) goes to talk to Jang-Geum (Lee Young Ae) who is making her fermented soybean pastes. Geum-Young tastes one of the samples and comments on how it doesn't stink like it usually does. Jang-Geum tells her its because she used sojoo (rice wine) to kill off the smell. Geum-Young then goes back to the kitchen and asks her aunt if she can make the next meal for the princess. She makes something and the princess eats the whole thing because she added the same ingredient Jang-Geum used to kill the smell, revealing that the princess was turned off by the smell of the food. The whole kitchen department gets rewarded and all the supervisors are praising Geum-Young, but Geum-Young mentions she was inspired by Jang-Geum's method.
There is a big celebration in the palace: the king's birthday. A precious gold bird from China was shipped to be used for the party and Geum-Young is told to guard the bird for a couple of days. She puts it in the cage but the cage door loosens and the bird is gone the next morning. Geum-Young begins to panic and decides to sneak outside of the palace to ask her relative if he can find another gold bird for her (it's against the palace rules for the girls to leave without permission). On her way out, she runs into Jang-Geum who offers help, so the two sneak out together. They go out and arrived at the relative's house but he's gone for a few days so Jang-Geum offers to make a trip to her uncle's (the funny guy who raised her after she was 8) to see if he can help since he's well-versed in imported goods. Therefore, they part and decide to meet the next morning. Jang-Geum finds a bird after a lot of trouble but on her way to the relatives to meet up with Geum-Young she runs into a group of people fighting and she decides to save the injured person (Min Jung-Ho a.k.a Ji Jin Hee ), so she gets to the relatives really late and Geum-Young is already gone, not because she wants to but her aunt found out about the incident and forced her to leave. They also found a gold bird.
Jang-Geum has to sneak back in the palace all by herself but the route she used to escape was sealed off so she is stuck outside the palace and gets caught by the guards who took her to the kitchen department. (the writer would like to thank Dramaok for providing this summery.)
credits to http://hkadb.net/index.php/Jewel_in_the_palace
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
JEWEL IN THE PALACE EPISODE GUIDE
Summary for the first Five Episodes:
My attempt to illustrate further Dramaok's narration of the episode (Gerry Tan)
The backdrop story is set during the reign of King Seongjong (1200-1494). The King have deposed Queen Yiun, probably due to her involvement in some political intrigue. Yet the King did not execute her as she was the mother to the Crown Prince (Yeonsangun) who would later became the worst tyrant king in Korean history. I assume that Queen Yiun was a tyrant as well as bad apples do not fall far from a bad tree. However, the King was under enormous pressure from the Confusian Yanban to execute her. So our story starts...
The Royal Military Guards were having a competition to show their skills. Seo Chun Soo (Jang-Geum's father) was competing in an archery (target practice) competition. As he was happily retrieving his arrows, the arrows suddenly fell from the target, found his hand bleeding and that his bow string was broken. It was a bad omen.
Shortly after, orders came down from the palace to execute the deposed Queen by poisoning. The military commander given the task was reluctant to carry out the order himself. He deliberately injured his horse, thus throwing him off the saddle and hurting his leg. It then It fell to Seo Chun Soo to administer the poison. Before the Queen suucumbed to the poison, she cursed everyone who was involved, and handed her personal Court lady a handkerchief stained with her vomitted blood. She instructed the court lady to pass it to her son to seek revenge. This would be shown later to her son Yeonsangun when he grew up and became king. (This coincided with the Gap Ja Sa Hwa - a political massacre which Jang Geum's father was persecuted. Yeonsangun was noted for suppressing the Confucians, similar to Shih Huang Ti. He challenged and persecuted the Confucians whom he blamed for his mother's death.)
Guilt ridden, Seo Chun soo turned to wine to get over the incident. On his way home, in a state of drunkenness, the last words of the deposed Queen haunted him which caused him to slip and fall into a deep ravine.
When he regained conciousness, he found his injured arm attended to. A hermit was sitting in front of him. The hermit was probably a soothsayer. He asked the hermit the reasons behind his misfortunes. The hermit then told him of his fate. His destiny will be closely linked with three women. The first woman, "you will kill her though you did not want to" (refering to the deposed Queen Yiun), the second, "you will save her but she will die because of you", and the third woman "will get you killed but because of this many will be saved."
Seo asked how he can avoid meeting them. The hermit told him that he has already met the first woman and that is why he is suffering. Seo Chun Soo asked him to elaborate further on how not to meet the third woman who is going to kill him. The hermit replies that to not meet the third women would mean he should not meet the second as well. The hermit then writes three Chinese hanja. The 1st character is "jin" ( I will have to give the words in Chinese Pinyin as I have no idea what how is it read in Hangul), the second is "xun" the third is "hao". After throwing the characters at Seo, the hermit mysteriously disappears. Seo Chun soo takes the papers to a Buddhist abbot to find out the meaning of the characters. After analysis of the characters, the abbot says the the characters are the virtues of a woman. Since the characters do not stand for anything, he tries to analyse by braking the characters up individually. Chinese characters are a form of pictogram.
He gave a example that was a prediction that a family who have the character "Mu" & "zi" will be King, which when combined become the surname Lee, referring to the present Joseon Dynasty. So the Abbot broke the character individually. The first character "jin" have a combination of "nu" (lady) & "jin" (today). Since the characters was given to you yesterday, you would have meet this woman. Seo Chun soo face turn pale, and the Abbot knew he has met the woman. The second is "xun" has a combination of Xuan (flow) and "dao" (head). The third is "hao" a combination of "Nu"(lady) and "zi (son)" which intially mean daughther.
Fourteen years after the execution, Jang-Geum father was still haunted by the execution. He eventually resigned from his commission as he feared the King might find out and also because of his guilt conscience.
Meanwhile Yeonsangun becomes King. The royal kitchen busily prepares for the queen dowager's birthday ceremony. Yeonsanggun's reign was full of feasting - dinning & wining. Court lady Pak Meong Yi Royal Court Maid (Na In)or rather Jang Geum's mother sees her friend, Choi Cheng Qing( a.k.a Court Lady Choi) secretly putting something (monkshood - poisonious mushroom) into the dish which would be presented to the Queen Mother. She immediately reports this matter to Court lady not knowing that the Court Lady was in league with Lady Choi's Aunt who was the Head of the Royal Kitchen.
The Choi family has served as royal kitchen heads for five generations. In the process, they used the royal kitchen to maintain the family fortunes. The Choi family controls all procurement to the palace and used their position to help any political faction that may brings them further power and wealth. In essence, the past five generations of Lady Choi's family have used food as a weapon for political and material gains.
As a ploy to remove evidence of their sinister plot, Lady Park was flasely accused of having an affair with a Palace Guard (A violation of the code of ethics for court women as all women in the palace belongs only to the King). The Palace guard gave Lady Park some cosmetic after healing him from gastroenteristis. (A shadow of Jang-geum is seen here by using food as a medication comodity.) The young Lady Choi (the infamous) falsely told that Lady Park was seen with the guard alone in a room. For this, she was put to death by poisoning. Lady Han who was ordered to bring the poison added the antidote to nutralize the poison and fed to Lady Park and at the same time inserted a letter in her hanbook (petticoat). Lady Park was then left for dead.
Seo Chun Soo, retired from his commisson and now helping out at the temple, was walking at the river and saw Lady Park's head face down at the water and Seo rushed to save her from drowning. Thus the hermit's prediction about the second woman was fulfilled. He brought her back to the temple and asked the abbott to save her. The abbott then asked Seo to boil green bean soup to nutralize the poison while he goes out to look for herbs. The Abbott said that without he finding her, she would have died and that he has saved her. The words of the hermit echoed back to him concerning the 2nd woman as he did find Lady Park's head immersed under flowing water. Deciding that he cannot escape his destiny, he nursed Lady Park back to health. Lady Park recovers and read Lady Han's letter as it fell from her hanbook. The letter told her that Lady Han refused to believe the crime she has been accused and she have put the antidote. She pleaded that Lady Park remain outside the palace and hope to meet again someday.
After regaining her strength back, Lady Park decided to leave and thanked Seo. But Seo remained worried as he was fully aware of the hermit's prediction, secretly follow her by taking care of her food and lodging. He also make sure her path was safe.
She came upon a village with a wine tavern where she was able to find employment. While busy in her work, a few drunks started harrassing her. Seo, who was secretly following her came out and fought the drunkards. He requested Lady Park not to work in the tavern anymore as she was not suited to the job. Lady Park relented and decided to follow Seo. Seo then told Lady Park, that a soothsayer once said if Lady Park stays with him, it will be the death of her. Lady Park replied that her life is no longer hers.
Seo and Lady Park started over in a bakjeong village. Bakjeong is a pheasant class and very low in rank. Oftentimes, people in this class were butchers or skilled only in manual work such as farmers. They are not even allowed to learn how to read or write. (Even until today, no mother will allow their daughters to marry a butcher.) It was the perfect place to hide their previous identities but also meant that their higher education were practicaly worthless in such a "labor"-oriented community (Seo who is a Royal Military Guard come from the Middle class society and Lady Park is from the upper class yanban, her grandfather was a court official but lost favour in the court.). Seo is now a ironmonger/silversmith.
Jang-Geum is now 8 years old, an always curious and very bright girl. (Later Lady Han will tell Jang-geum that her mother Lady Park was exactly the same.) In one instance, Jang-geum went up the mountain to catch rabbits. She wondered why rabbits cannot walk on 2 feet. In another instance, Lady Park scolded her for being constantly missing, only to find out that she have secretly been going to the village school and playing with the official's children. Jang-geum asked her mother why she can't read and write like other children. Lady Park told her because they were pheasants, to which Jang-geumm said her father was in the army and was a Royal Palace Guard. This surprised Lady park as Seo later admitted telling their daughter their real indentities to raise hope to Jang-geum. Jang-geum promised never to reveal their identities without their permission.
One court lady came to asked if Seo can make a knife for her as she has heard that his workmanship is very good. Lady Park was very uneasy around the Court Lady fearing she may be recognised.
In the meantine, all is not well at the palace. King Yeonsangun (considered to be the most violent King recorded in the Korean Ancient History) finds out that his mother's death was because of poinson and was shown the bloody handkerchief. This enraged him and ordered his men to execute everybody involved with his mother's death. This became the famous Gap Ja Sa Hwa incident - a political massacre of Confucian intellects and a outright witch hunt.
Seo gave Jang-geum a silver knife - a small handy pocket knife that can help her in cutting vegetables as well as a self-defense weapon or an instrument to end her life should her virtue be attacked. Seo also gave her a small writing brush and an ink pad.
While going to the town village, Seo and Jang-geum saw people westling, Jang-geum asked Seo to participate since there was a prize award. Seo succeded in subduing his opponent but was falsely accused of cheating as his opponent feigned a knife cut injury. The crowd agreed and and wanted to report this to the authorities. Jang-Geum fearing for her father, accidentally revealed that his father was an ex-Royal Military Guard. The authories recognised him from the wanted posters and hence he was arrested. Thus the prediction that 3rd woman will be the cause of his death came to pass. Jang-geum was the third woman.
Jang Geum and her mother wanting to find out about Seo's whereabout goes to Hanyang to seek information. By now Seo would be presumed excuted. Lady Park had Jang-geum dress as a boy to avoid recognition. Failing to find any information, Lady Park met with Gang Duk Goo and his wife. Gang Duk Goo is a part-time chef (Sook So) in the palace. and also runs a wine shop that supplies wine to the palace and customers in the capital.
Lady Park writes to Lady Han who was now a Sanggung (a court Lady). The letter was passed to Lady Han and she met Lady Park in a tearful reunion as she recounted the events of 8 years ago. Lady Han also told Lady Park that all the news coming out from the palace were true. Kitchen supplies were running out as King Yeonsangun was having to much feasting and taking many concubines daily. Lady Park told Lady Han tthat Seo have been arrested and asked Lady Han to help find information.
Meanwhile the Choi family finds out that Lady Park was still alive and sought to kill her again. Pan Su, the brother of Lady Choi, merchant who monopolises the all the business to the palace through the intervention of her sister. (Later to be referred to as the "Choi Corporation" which handles all supply procurements to the palace as their only client - a cash rich cow) captures Lady Park and Jang-geum and locks them up temporarily in the Choi's house. Upon seeing them being let away, Lady Han informs the local judical officer of Lady Park, a task made easier because of the ongoing "witch hunt". The judical guard came to Choi house and took Lady park & Jang-geum away in the process saving them.
Choi sets up an ambush, mortally wounding Lady Park when an aroow hit her while trying to protect Jang-Geum. One of the assasins tried to complete the task but was thwarted by a guard. Knowing she was about to die soon, the prediction of the hermit came back to her and realizes the third woman as being her daughter. She writes 2 letters while Jang-Geum was out looking for food. When Jang-Geum comes back, she relates her own story as a Court Lady. She asked Jang-geum to become the Head of the Royal Kitchen (Su-ran-kan-jae-jo-sanggung)and write her grievances in the journal. But it was her own choice t make. If she does not want to be a Court lady or the head of the Royal Kitchen, then she must not read the 2 letters nor should she show or tell others about it. A tall order for an 8 years old. Lady park then gave her the 2 letter - One to open once she becomes a Court Lady (Na In) the other when she becomes the Head. Jang-Geum decides to find a way to get into Palace to fulfill her mother's wishes.
Jang-Geum then went to Gang Duk goo's house and stayed at their house. Gang took a liking to Jang-geum as he has lost his only son to a plague, and subseuntly adopted her. Mrs Gang was willing as Jang-geumm did all the housework.
The reign of Yeonsangun was getting worse and unrest was brewing. The confucian intellects, under Official Park, started planning a revolt to install Prince Jinsung as King. As Prince Jinsung was closely guarded, Official Park sent a message hidden under the pretext of birthday gift. The task was given to young Jang-geum as she usually delivers wine to the Officials and therefore will not arouse suspicion. She was asked to deliver four bottles of wine, to be given in proper order and was asked to memorise the names of the wines.
A man servant, came to Prince Jinsung residence and showed the delivered wine. Prince Jinsung was in attendance of Lady Kim who was the personal court Lady to Prince Jinsung's mother. She was reporting on Prince Jinsung mothers welfare. Prince Jinsung asked who delivered the wine and the manservant told it was a child and asked the child to enter. Jang-geum saw Lady Kim who was a Court Lady, paid respect to her not knowing she owed more respect to Prince Jinsungas he was the current Crown Prince.
Prince Jinsung was silently displeased with Jang-geum who only showed his displeasure until later. Lady Kim told the rude Jang-geum to pay respect to Prince Jinsung.
She pleaded with Lady Kim to let her enter the palace to be a Court Lady.
Prince Jinsung on seeing the child who risk her life to bring him the wine. He asked Jang-geum is the wine given by Official Park, Jang-geum replied the wine indeed was from Official Park and that he should drink the wine in correct order. Prince Jinsung asked if the the wine was in the correct order, Jang-geum said him that they were not, rearranged them and introduced the name of each wine and told him that she needed to bring back a reply message to Official Park. After correctly arranging the wine, Prince Jinsung realized with suprise the implications of the arranged wine names.
This has some historical precedence. (I will tried to explained, all my boring Chinese Classic classes are returning back to me. I used to hate the lessons as I was force to take them to retain some knowledge about my Chinese heritage). This is made to reference of a rebellion called the yellow scarves or turban rebellion. During the late 2nd century (circa AD184) in China, peasants revoke a rebellion wore yellow turban and had a slogan loosely translated as "It is the Heaven wish, that the Yellow turban will be enthroned and all under the heaven shall be auspicious" The rebellion was crushed but it was the start of the sprial downfall of the Han Dynasty who was already weak and frail and eventually led to the Three Kingdom period and more fighting. On the pretext, as Prince Jinsung who should know his classics well, knew that the Confucian officials have planned to rebel and will make him King. Jang-geum was seeing Prince Jinsung reaction told him she will sent a message that he accepts in good faith but had his worries. Prince Jinsung seeing jang-geum intelligence said to pass her message she mentioned. Jang-geum left and Prince Jinsung told Lady Kim if it is possible to grant Jang-geum wish to be a Royal Maid. Lady Kim said she will see to it and reinstate that Jang-geum was right that he look worried. Jang-geum replied to Official Park, Prince Jinsung message The next day Prince Jinsung became King Jungjong. As you may know the Confucian played a strong influence on the reign of King Jungjong. It is a backlash to King Jungjong as he is rendered powerless. This is seen when he tried to bestow Jang-geum a Official rank and made her his royal physician King Jungjong is a benevolent king. though he is weak in his position,However the people loved him and his policies as he brought benefits to the country in other aspects (was to mentioned by Jang-geum when she tried to consoled the King who was ridden by guilt). Lady Park sent some one to take Jang-geum to the palce. That is how Jang-Geum successfully entered the Palace and away from the hands of Choi pan su and his hench man. Jang-geum became Saeng Gak Si - This is a probation period of Court Lady who eventually become Na In - junior Court Lady. First they are taught the rules and regulations of the palace. They she met Yeon Sheng, Young Ro. Yeon Sheng became her friend. Most of the girls who are sent here the official daughther who lost favour with the courts and they way out was to become Court Lady where they are look after by the palace and received rank and salary One night jang-geum and Yeon-sheng sneak out to In the palace, she met her best friend, Yeon-Sheng and also Geum Yeung(they used to be very close). With determination, Jang-Geum passed through the exams, and she was taught by Court Lady Han, which is her mother's best friend in the Palace. Court Lady Han had no clue at all about Jang-Geum being her best friend's daughter.
Under the strict supervision, the talented Jang-Geum showed her determination and hard-work in learning the basic cooking skills from Court Lady Han.. And later, Court Lady Zheng, has became the temporally Highest Person In-Charged of the Kitchen,breaking the tradition of Family Choi inheriting the same position for generations and generations.There is where all the rivalry starts, because the Choi Family and their supporters had under-estimated Court Lady Zheng's determination and will, to break Choi Family's tradition. In fact, Court Lady Zheng was hoping that Court Lady Han to inherit her place after her death.
Soon, Jang-Geum and her fellow friends became adults
credits to http://hkadb.net/index.php/Jewel_in_the_palace
My attempt to illustrate further Dramaok's narration of the episode (Gerry Tan)
The backdrop story is set during the reign of King Seongjong (1200-1494). The King have deposed Queen Yiun, probably due to her involvement in some political intrigue. Yet the King did not execute her as she was the mother to the Crown Prince (Yeonsangun) who would later became the worst tyrant king in Korean history. I assume that Queen Yiun was a tyrant as well as bad apples do not fall far from a bad tree. However, the King was under enormous pressure from the Confusian Yanban to execute her. So our story starts...
The Royal Military Guards were having a competition to show their skills. Seo Chun Soo (Jang-Geum's father) was competing in an archery (target practice) competition. As he was happily retrieving his arrows, the arrows suddenly fell from the target, found his hand bleeding and that his bow string was broken. It was a bad omen.
Shortly after, orders came down from the palace to execute the deposed Queen by poisoning. The military commander given the task was reluctant to carry out the order himself. He deliberately injured his horse, thus throwing him off the saddle and hurting his leg. It then It fell to Seo Chun Soo to administer the poison. Before the Queen suucumbed to the poison, she cursed everyone who was involved, and handed her personal Court lady a handkerchief stained with her vomitted blood. She instructed the court lady to pass it to her son to seek revenge. This would be shown later to her son Yeonsangun when he grew up and became king. (This coincided with the Gap Ja Sa Hwa - a political massacre which Jang Geum's father was persecuted. Yeonsangun was noted for suppressing the Confucians, similar to Shih Huang Ti. He challenged and persecuted the Confucians whom he blamed for his mother's death.)
Guilt ridden, Seo Chun soo turned to wine to get over the incident. On his way home, in a state of drunkenness, the last words of the deposed Queen haunted him which caused him to slip and fall into a deep ravine.
When he regained conciousness, he found his injured arm attended to. A hermit was sitting in front of him. The hermit was probably a soothsayer. He asked the hermit the reasons behind his misfortunes. The hermit then told him of his fate. His destiny will be closely linked with three women. The first woman, "you will kill her though you did not want to" (refering to the deposed Queen Yiun), the second, "you will save her but she will die because of you", and the third woman "will get you killed but because of this many will be saved."
Seo asked how he can avoid meeting them. The hermit told him that he has already met the first woman and that is why he is suffering. Seo Chun Soo asked him to elaborate further on how not to meet the third woman who is going to kill him. The hermit replies that to not meet the third women would mean he should not meet the second as well. The hermit then writes three Chinese hanja. The 1st character is "jin" ( I will have to give the words in Chinese Pinyin as I have no idea what how is it read in Hangul), the second is "xun" the third is "hao". After throwing the characters at Seo, the hermit mysteriously disappears. Seo Chun soo takes the papers to a Buddhist abbot to find out the meaning of the characters. After analysis of the characters, the abbot says the the characters are the virtues of a woman. Since the characters do not stand for anything, he tries to analyse by braking the characters up individually. Chinese characters are a form of pictogram.
He gave a example that was a prediction that a family who have the character "Mu" & "zi" will be King, which when combined become the surname Lee, referring to the present Joseon Dynasty. So the Abbot broke the character individually. The first character "jin" have a combination of "nu" (lady) & "jin" (today). Since the characters was given to you yesterday, you would have meet this woman. Seo Chun soo face turn pale, and the Abbot knew he has met the woman. The second is "xun" has a combination of Xuan (flow) and "dao" (head). The third is "hao" a combination of "Nu"(lady) and "zi (son)" which intially mean daughther.
Fourteen years after the execution, Jang-Geum father was still haunted by the execution. He eventually resigned from his commission as he feared the King might find out and also because of his guilt conscience.
Meanwhile Yeonsangun becomes King. The royal kitchen busily prepares for the queen dowager's birthday ceremony. Yeonsanggun's reign was full of feasting - dinning & wining. Court lady Pak Meong Yi Royal Court Maid (Na In)or rather Jang Geum's mother sees her friend, Choi Cheng Qing( a.k.a Court Lady Choi) secretly putting something (monkshood - poisonious mushroom) into the dish which would be presented to the Queen Mother. She immediately reports this matter to Court lady not knowing that the Court Lady was in league with Lady Choi's Aunt who was the Head of the Royal Kitchen.
The Choi family has served as royal kitchen heads for five generations. In the process, they used the royal kitchen to maintain the family fortunes. The Choi family controls all procurement to the palace and used their position to help any political faction that may brings them further power and wealth. In essence, the past five generations of Lady Choi's family have used food as a weapon for political and material gains.
As a ploy to remove evidence of their sinister plot, Lady Park was flasely accused of having an affair with a Palace Guard (A violation of the code of ethics for court women as all women in the palace belongs only to the King). The Palace guard gave Lady Park some cosmetic after healing him from gastroenteristis. (A shadow of Jang-geum is seen here by using food as a medication comodity.) The young Lady Choi (the infamous) falsely told that Lady Park was seen with the guard alone in a room. For this, she was put to death by poisoning. Lady Han who was ordered to bring the poison added the antidote to nutralize the poison and fed to Lady Park and at the same time inserted a letter in her hanbook (petticoat). Lady Park was then left for dead.
Seo Chun Soo, retired from his commisson and now helping out at the temple, was walking at the river and saw Lady Park's head face down at the water and Seo rushed to save her from drowning. Thus the hermit's prediction about the second woman was fulfilled. He brought her back to the temple and asked the abbott to save her. The abbott then asked Seo to boil green bean soup to nutralize the poison while he goes out to look for herbs. The Abbott said that without he finding her, she would have died and that he has saved her. The words of the hermit echoed back to him concerning the 2nd woman as he did find Lady Park's head immersed under flowing water. Deciding that he cannot escape his destiny, he nursed Lady Park back to health. Lady Park recovers and read Lady Han's letter as it fell from her hanbook. The letter told her that Lady Han refused to believe the crime she has been accused and she have put the antidote. She pleaded that Lady Park remain outside the palace and hope to meet again someday.
After regaining her strength back, Lady Park decided to leave and thanked Seo. But Seo remained worried as he was fully aware of the hermit's prediction, secretly follow her by taking care of her food and lodging. He also make sure her path was safe.
She came upon a village with a wine tavern where she was able to find employment. While busy in her work, a few drunks started harrassing her. Seo, who was secretly following her came out and fought the drunkards. He requested Lady Park not to work in the tavern anymore as she was not suited to the job. Lady Park relented and decided to follow Seo. Seo then told Lady Park, that a soothsayer once said if Lady Park stays with him, it will be the death of her. Lady Park replied that her life is no longer hers.
Seo and Lady Park started over in a bakjeong village. Bakjeong is a pheasant class and very low in rank. Oftentimes, people in this class were butchers or skilled only in manual work such as farmers. They are not even allowed to learn how to read or write. (Even until today, no mother will allow their daughters to marry a butcher.) It was the perfect place to hide their previous identities but also meant that their higher education were practicaly worthless in such a "labor"-oriented community (Seo who is a Royal Military Guard come from the Middle class society and Lady Park is from the upper class yanban, her grandfather was a court official but lost favour in the court.). Seo is now a ironmonger/silversmith.
Jang-Geum is now 8 years old, an always curious and very bright girl. (Later Lady Han will tell Jang-geum that her mother Lady Park was exactly the same.) In one instance, Jang-geum went up the mountain to catch rabbits. She wondered why rabbits cannot walk on 2 feet. In another instance, Lady Park scolded her for being constantly missing, only to find out that she have secretly been going to the village school and playing with the official's children. Jang-geum asked her mother why she can't read and write like other children. Lady Park told her because they were pheasants, to which Jang-geumm said her father was in the army and was a Royal Palace Guard. This surprised Lady park as Seo later admitted telling their daughter their real indentities to raise hope to Jang-geum. Jang-geum promised never to reveal their identities without their permission.
One court lady came to asked if Seo can make a knife for her as she has heard that his workmanship is very good. Lady Park was very uneasy around the Court Lady fearing she may be recognised.
In the meantine, all is not well at the palace. King Yeonsangun (considered to be the most violent King recorded in the Korean Ancient History) finds out that his mother's death was because of poinson and was shown the bloody handkerchief. This enraged him and ordered his men to execute everybody involved with his mother's death. This became the famous Gap Ja Sa Hwa incident - a political massacre of Confucian intellects and a outright witch hunt.
Seo gave Jang-geum a silver knife - a small handy pocket knife that can help her in cutting vegetables as well as a self-defense weapon or an instrument to end her life should her virtue be attacked. Seo also gave her a small writing brush and an ink pad.
While going to the town village, Seo and Jang-geum saw people westling, Jang-geum asked Seo to participate since there was a prize award. Seo succeded in subduing his opponent but was falsely accused of cheating as his opponent feigned a knife cut injury. The crowd agreed and and wanted to report this to the authorities. Jang-Geum fearing for her father, accidentally revealed that his father was an ex-Royal Military Guard. The authories recognised him from the wanted posters and hence he was arrested. Thus the prediction that 3rd woman will be the cause of his death came to pass. Jang-geum was the third woman.
Jang Geum and her mother wanting to find out about Seo's whereabout goes to Hanyang to seek information. By now Seo would be presumed excuted. Lady Park had Jang-geum dress as a boy to avoid recognition. Failing to find any information, Lady Park met with Gang Duk Goo and his wife. Gang Duk Goo is a part-time chef (Sook So) in the palace. and also runs a wine shop that supplies wine to the palace and customers in the capital.
Lady Park writes to Lady Han who was now a Sanggung (a court Lady). The letter was passed to Lady Han and she met Lady Park in a tearful reunion as she recounted the events of 8 years ago. Lady Han also told Lady Park that all the news coming out from the palace were true. Kitchen supplies were running out as King Yeonsangun was having to much feasting and taking many concubines daily. Lady Park told Lady Han tthat Seo have been arrested and asked Lady Han to help find information.
Meanwhile the Choi family finds out that Lady Park was still alive and sought to kill her again. Pan Su, the brother of Lady Choi, merchant who monopolises the all the business to the palace through the intervention of her sister. (Later to be referred to as the "Choi Corporation" which handles all supply procurements to the palace as their only client - a cash rich cow) captures Lady Park and Jang-geum and locks them up temporarily in the Choi's house. Upon seeing them being let away, Lady Han informs the local judical officer of Lady Park, a task made easier because of the ongoing "witch hunt". The judical guard came to Choi house and took Lady park & Jang-geum away in the process saving them.
Choi sets up an ambush, mortally wounding Lady Park when an aroow hit her while trying to protect Jang-Geum. One of the assasins tried to complete the task but was thwarted by a guard. Knowing she was about to die soon, the prediction of the hermit came back to her and realizes the third woman as being her daughter. She writes 2 letters while Jang-Geum was out looking for food. When Jang-Geum comes back, she relates her own story as a Court Lady. She asked Jang-geum to become the Head of the Royal Kitchen (Su-ran-kan-jae-jo-sanggung)and write her grievances in the journal. But it was her own choice t make. If she does not want to be a Court lady or the head of the Royal Kitchen, then she must not read the 2 letters nor should she show or tell others about it. A tall order for an 8 years old. Lady park then gave her the 2 letter - One to open once she becomes a Court Lady (Na In) the other when she becomes the Head. Jang-Geum decides to find a way to get into Palace to fulfill her mother's wishes.
Jang-Geum then went to Gang Duk goo's house and stayed at their house. Gang took a liking to Jang-geum as he has lost his only son to a plague, and subseuntly adopted her. Mrs Gang was willing as Jang-geumm did all the housework.
The reign of Yeonsangun was getting worse and unrest was brewing. The confucian intellects, under Official Park, started planning a revolt to install Prince Jinsung as King. As Prince Jinsung was closely guarded, Official Park sent a message hidden under the pretext of birthday gift. The task was given to young Jang-geum as she usually delivers wine to the Officials and therefore will not arouse suspicion. She was asked to deliver four bottles of wine, to be given in proper order and was asked to memorise the names of the wines.
A man servant, came to Prince Jinsung residence and showed the delivered wine. Prince Jinsung was in attendance of Lady Kim who was the personal court Lady to Prince Jinsung's mother. She was reporting on Prince Jinsung mothers welfare. Prince Jinsung asked who delivered the wine and the manservant told it was a child and asked the child to enter. Jang-geum saw Lady Kim who was a Court Lady, paid respect to her not knowing she owed more respect to Prince Jinsungas he was the current Crown Prince.
Prince Jinsung was silently displeased with Jang-geum who only showed his displeasure until later. Lady Kim told the rude Jang-geum to pay respect to Prince Jinsung.
She pleaded with Lady Kim to let her enter the palace to be a Court Lady.
Prince Jinsung on seeing the child who risk her life to bring him the wine. He asked Jang-geum is the wine given by Official Park, Jang-geum replied the wine indeed was from Official Park and that he should drink the wine in correct order. Prince Jinsung asked if the the wine was in the correct order, Jang-geum said him that they were not, rearranged them and introduced the name of each wine and told him that she needed to bring back a reply message to Official Park. After correctly arranging the wine, Prince Jinsung realized with suprise the implications of the arranged wine names.
This has some historical precedence. (I will tried to explained, all my boring Chinese Classic classes are returning back to me. I used to hate the lessons as I was force to take them to retain some knowledge about my Chinese heritage). This is made to reference of a rebellion called the yellow scarves or turban rebellion. During the late 2nd century (circa AD184) in China, peasants revoke a rebellion wore yellow turban and had a slogan loosely translated as "It is the Heaven wish, that the Yellow turban will be enthroned and all under the heaven shall be auspicious" The rebellion was crushed but it was the start of the sprial downfall of the Han Dynasty who was already weak and frail and eventually led to the Three Kingdom period and more fighting. On the pretext, as Prince Jinsung who should know his classics well, knew that the Confucian officials have planned to rebel and will make him King. Jang-geum was seeing Prince Jinsung reaction told him she will sent a message that he accepts in good faith but had his worries. Prince Jinsung seeing jang-geum intelligence said to pass her message she mentioned. Jang-geum left and Prince Jinsung told Lady Kim if it is possible to grant Jang-geum wish to be a Royal Maid. Lady Kim said she will see to it and reinstate that Jang-geum was right that he look worried. Jang-geum replied to Official Park, Prince Jinsung message The next day Prince Jinsung became King Jungjong. As you may know the Confucian played a strong influence on the reign of King Jungjong. It is a backlash to King Jungjong as he is rendered powerless. This is seen when he tried to bestow Jang-geum a Official rank and made her his royal physician King Jungjong is a benevolent king. though he is weak in his position,However the people loved him and his policies as he brought benefits to the country in other aspects (was to mentioned by Jang-geum when she tried to consoled the King who was ridden by guilt). Lady Park sent some one to take Jang-geum to the palce. That is how Jang-Geum successfully entered the Palace and away from the hands of Choi pan su and his hench man. Jang-geum became Saeng Gak Si - This is a probation period of Court Lady who eventually become Na In - junior Court Lady. First they are taught the rules and regulations of the palace. They she met Yeon Sheng, Young Ro. Yeon Sheng became her friend. Most of the girls who are sent here the official daughther who lost favour with the courts and they way out was to become Court Lady where they are look after by the palace and received rank and salary One night jang-geum and Yeon-sheng sneak out to In the palace, she met her best friend, Yeon-Sheng and also Geum Yeung(they used to be very close). With determination, Jang-Geum passed through the exams, and she was taught by Court Lady Han, which is her mother's best friend in the Palace. Court Lady Han had no clue at all about Jang-Geum being her best friend's daughter.
Under the strict supervision, the talented Jang-Geum showed her determination and hard-work in learning the basic cooking skills from Court Lady Han.. And later, Court Lady Zheng, has became the temporally Highest Person In-Charged of the Kitchen,breaking the tradition of Family Choi inheriting the same position for generations and generations.There is where all the rivalry starts, because the Choi Family and their supporters had under-estimated Court Lady Zheng's determination and will, to break Choi Family's tradition. In fact, Court Lady Zheng was hoping that Court Lady Han to inherit her place after her death.
Soon, Jang-Geum and her fellow friends became adults
credits to http://hkadb.net/index.php/Jewel_in_the_palace
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
JEWEL IN THE PALACE
Ever since I watched the pilot episode of this, I've been addicted to this series. It entertains its viewers by the good story plot and also informative in terms of the foods being cooked in the series. Because of this series, I've been craving for korean dishes, especially kimchi.
Back to the series, I am amazed at the lead character, SOO JANG GEUM. I really, really like her. I like her attitude, philosophy in cooking and everthing else. As for this series, I'll post some episode of this very beautiful series.
Friday, January 06, 2006
BLUE MOON MOVIE THEME SONG
Blue Moon
Orange & Lemons
Blue moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love on my own...
Blue moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love on my own...
Blue moon
You knew just what i was there for
You heard me saying a prayer
For someone i really could care for.
And suddenly there appeared before me
The only one my arms could ever hold
I heard someone whisper, "please, adore me"
And when i looked my moon had turned to gold.
Blue moon,
Now i'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart,
Without a love of my own
Without a love of my own...
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