Jejungwon (Television Series)

Jejungwon is a 2010 South Korean historical medical drama series broadcast by SBS. The series, which consists of 36 episodes, aired from January 4 to May 4, 2010, in the Monday and Tuesday 21:55 time slot. Directed by Hong Chang-wook and written by Lee Ki-won, the drama explores the introduction of Western medicine to Korea during the late Joseon Dynasty.

Plot Synopsis

The narrative follows the life of Hwang Jung, a man born into the lowest social class as the son of a butcher. Despite the rigid social hierarchies of the era, he overcomes significant adversity to become a prominent physician. His career path leads him to Jejungwon, the first modern hospital in Korea to practice Western medicine, where he navigates the complex political and social landscape of the late 19th century.

Historical Context

The drama is based on the history of the real-life institution established on April 10, 1885. Originally founded under the name Gwanghyewon, the facility was soon renamed Jejungwon. It eventually evolved into what is known today as Severance Hospital, which is located on the campus of Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.

Cast

The series features an extensive ensemble cast portraying both fictional and historical figures:

• Park Yong-woo as Hwang Jung
• Han Hye-jin as Yu Seok-ran
• Yeon Jeong-hun as Baek Do-yang
• Sean Richard Dulake as Allen
• Kim Kap-su as Yu Hee-seo