Kapanlagi.com - Who doesn't know the figure of Lee Young Ae? She is one of the most influential actresses in Korean drama history, who successfully brought the Korean Wave to an international level through her iconic role. Her brilliant career has inspired the next generation of actresses in the Korean entertainment industry.
After the phenomenal success of Jang Geum, Lee Young Ae continues to prove her acting skills through various high-quality drama projects across diverse genres. Each of her performances is eagerly awaited by fans due to her extraordinary dedication and professionalism in every character she portrays.
Let's take a look at the best Korean dramas starring Lee Young Ae, who was once famous for her character Jang Geum. Come on, let's check it out, KLovers!
1. MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH (2023)

Lee Young Ae (credit: hancinema.net)
Cha Se Eum is a talented orchestra conductor involved in a mysterious murder case in the world of classical music filled with political intrigue. Lee Young Ae plays a strong and complex character, showcasing the dark side of the music industry through an investigation that reveals corruption and unhealthy competition in the world of orchestras.
This drama explores ambition, betrayal, and the truth behind the glamour of the classical music world, which turns out to be rife with wicked conspiracies. Lee Young Ae delivers a stunning performance as a conductor struggling to maintain artistic integrity while facing political pressure and threats to her personal life and career.
2. INSPECTOR KOO (2021)

Lee Young Ae (credit: hancinema.net)
Koo Kyung Yi is a former police officer now working as an insurance investigator, uncovering fraud cases using unconventional and sometimes controversial methods. Lee Young Ae portrays an eccentric yet brilliant character, with extraordinary deductive abilities that allow her to solve complex cases overlooked by the authorities.
The series combines dark comedy elements with psychological thriller, featuring Lee Young Ae in a role very different from her previous characters. The cat-and-mouse game between Koo Kyung Yi and a clever serial killer creates intense tension while exploring the past trauma that shapes the investigator's complex personality.
3. SAIMDANG, LIGHT'S DIARY (2017)

Lee Young Ae (credit: hancinema.net)
This drama tells the story of two different timelines: the life of legendary artist Shin Saimdang in the Joseon era and a modern art professor researching her work. Lee Young Ae plays a dual role as Saimdang and the contemporary professor, showcasing extraordinary acting versatility in portraying two characters from different historical backgrounds.
The conflict between tradition and modernity, art and politics, as well as women's struggles against the patriarchal system are the main themes beautifully presented. Lee Young Ae successfully brings to life the character of Saimdang as a revolutionary artist challenging social norms, while also depicting the modern academic's struggle to preserve Korea's cultural heritage.
4. JEWEL IN THE PALACE (2003)

Lee Young Ae (credit: hancinema.net)
Jang Geum is a young girl who struggles to become the first royal doctor in the Joseon era, facing gender discrimination and the harsh palace politics. Lee Young Ae delivers a career-defining performance as the protagonist who relentlessly pursues her dream despite facing significant obstacles from the oppressive feudal system against women.
This historical drama became a global phenomenon that introduced Korean culture to the world, with Lee Young Ae as the first true icon of the Korean Wave. Jang Geum's journey from kitchen maid to palace physician inspires millions of international viewers, proving that determination and skill can overcome prejudice and traditions that constrain.
5. Q&A About Lee Young Ae's Korean Drama
Q: What is Lee Young Ae's most famous drama?
JEWEL IN THE PALACE (DAE JANG GEUM), which aired in 2003, is Lee Young Ae's most famous drama, which brought her international success and made her one of the biggest Hallyu stars. This drama aired in 91 countries and became a global phenomenon that introduced Korean culture to the world, with a peak rating of 57.8%.
Q: Why does Lee Young Ae rarely appear in dramas after JEWEL IN THE PALACE?
Lee Young Ae retired from acting in 2006 and turned down several sequel offers for personal reasons. In 2009, she married a Korean-American businessman and in 2011 gave birth to twins, thus focusing on family life. It wasn't until years later that she returned to acting through INSPECTOR KOO (2021) and MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH (2023).
Q: Is it true that Lee Young Ae will return as Dae Jang Geum?
Yes, Fantagio confirmed that Lee Young Ae will reprise her iconic role as Dae Jang Geum in the new drama "UINYEO DAE JANG GEUM" scheduled to start filming in October 2024 and air in early 2025. However, the original scriptwriter Kim Young Hyun clarified that he is not involved in this project and the new drama is likely a completely different story.
Q: How did Lee Young Ae prepare for her role in MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH?
Lee Young Ae prepared for her role as a conductor for over a year, with conductor trainer Jinsol calling her the "queen of questions" because of her intense desire to learn. She not only mimicked the conductor's movements but also studied the life of a conductor with deep interest, even learning to play the violin as her character transitions from violinist to maestra.
Q: What other dramas has Lee Young Ae starred in besides JEWEL IN THE PALACE?
In addition to JEWEL IN THE PALACE, Lee Young Ae is also well-known for the film LADY VENGEANCE (2005), which earned her Best Actress at various film festivals. Her latest dramas include SAIMDANG, LIGHT'S DIARY (2017), INSPECTOR KOO (2021), and MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH (2023). She also appeared in various other popular dramas.
Q: Why are fans so excited about Lee Young Ae's comeback?
Many international fans claim that JEWEL IN THE PALACE was the first Korean drama they watched that made them fall in love with K-dramas. Fans on social media expressed tremendous excitement when they heard the news of her comeback. Lee Young Ae is regarded as the "saeguk goddess" who holds a special place in the hearts of historical drama fans.
Q: What is Lee Young Ae's personal life like now?
Lee Young Ae married Korean-American businessman Jung Ho Young in 2009 and has teenage twins. Her daughter is reportedly attending Sunhwa Arts Middle School majoring in vocal music and bears a striking resemblance to her mother, even being nicknamed "Little Lee Young Ae". In addition to acting, she is also active in charity work as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and runs a business selling organic products for children.
These are the best Korean dramas starring Lee Young Ae that should be on your watchlist. There are still many other drama recommendations that KLovers can find out about by reading articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?
(kpl/dhm)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.