Lee Young-ae confirms return to 'Dae Jang Geum' role in new historical drama set for 2026 production

Lee Young-ae, 54, has confirmed she will return to the role that made her a household name across Asia. Medical Woman Dae Jang Geum (의녀 대장금) enters production in 2026, with Lee reprising Jang-geum roughly 20 years after the original Dae Jang Geum. This time the story follows her years as a medical woman.

The announcement came during a studio visit Lee made to celebrate makeup artist Song Jong-hee's 30th anniversary in film makeup. "I sincerely congratulate you on 30 years of film makeup, Song Jong-hee," Lee said.

The original Dae Jang Geum, in which Lee played Seo Jang-geum, earned her the Grand Prize at the Acting Awards. During that same period her film roles included Major Sophie E. Jang in Joint Security Area, broadcast PD Han Eun-soo in Spring Days Are Gone, and Lee Geum-ja in Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. The last brought her Best Actress wins at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, multiple overseas festivals, and the Baeksang Arts Awards.

More recent work has shown range. She played a mother searching for her missing son in Find Me. A hikikomori ex-detective in Gu Gyeong-i. An orchestra conductor in Maestra. Her 2025 drama Good Days for Eun-soo, where she played parent Kang Eun-soo, added a KBS Acting Awards Best Actress prize and a Best Couple Award.

(She married Jung Ho-young in 2009 and has twin son and daughter; their daughter Jung Seung-bin is reported to be majoring in vocal music at an arts middle school.)