Jang Ok-Jung, Living by Love

Jang Ok-Jung, Living by Love (Korean: 장옥정, 사랑에 살다) is a 2013 South Korean historical drama series broadcast by SBS. The series, which aired from April 8 to June 25, 2013, consists of 24 episodes and explores a fictionalized account of the life of Jang Hui-bin, a prominent royal concubine during the Joseon Dynasty.

Production and Background

The drama is based on the 2008 novel Jang Ok-Jung, Live for Love written by Choi Jung-Mi, who also penned the screenplay for the adaptation. Production began in early March 2013, with initial filming taking place at the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon, South Korea. The series occupied the Monday and Tuesday 21:55 time slot on SBS, following King of Ambition and preceding Empire of Gold.

Plot Overview

The series reimagines the life of Jang Ok-Jung, portraying her not only as a historical figure but as a talented fashion designer and seamstress in the Joseon era. The narrative follows her journey from a difficult upbringing to her eventual rise within the royal court, focusing on her complex relationship with King Sookjong (Crown Prince Lee Soon).

Kim Tae-Hee as Jang Ok-Jung — Kim Tae-Hee stars as the titular character.

Cast

The production featured a large ensemble cast, including:

Kim Tae-Hee as Jang Ok-Jung
Yoo Ah-In as Lee Soon (King Sookjong)
Hong Soo-Hyun as Queen Inhyun
Jae Hee as Hyun Chi-Soo
Lee Sang-Yeob as Prince Dongpyung
Han Seung-Yeon as Sookbin Choi
Sung Dong-Il as Jang Hyun

Yoo Ah-In as Lee Soon — Yoo Ah-In portrays the role of King Sookjong.

Hong Soo-Hyun as Queen Inhyun — Hong Soo-Hyun plays Queen Inhyun.

Jae Hee as Hyun Chi-Soo — Jae Hee in the role of Hyun Chi-Soo.