Saimdang: Light's Diary (Drama - 2016)

사임당, 빛의 일기 (saim-dang, bich-eui il-gi)

SBS | Airing dates : 2017/01/26~2017/05/04

28 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00
Also known as "Saimdang, the Herstory"
Synopsis
A reinterpretation of Saimdang from the Joseon times. She was a genius artist and passionate lover. Lee Young-ae takes on two roles; a college professor who specializes in Korea Art History and Saimdang.

Saimdang: Light's Diary | Cast

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Lee Young-ae
이영애
As
Saimdang/Seo Ji-yoon
(사임당/서지윤)
Song Seung-heon
송승헌
As
Lee Gyum
(이겸)
Oh Yoon-ah
오윤아
As
Whieumdang Choi
(휘음당 최씨)
Choi Chul-ho
최철호
As
Whieumdang Choi's husband, Min Chi-hyeong
(휘음당 최씨의 남편 민치형)
Yoon Ye-joo
윤예주
As
Young Whieumdang Choi
(휘음당 최씨 아역)
Yoon Da-hoon
윤다훈
As
Lee Won-soo
(이원수)

Extended cast

Saimdang: Light's Diary | HanCinema Reviews

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[HanCinema Awards] Best Historical Drama of 2017 - And the Winner Is......
2018/01/09
Historical dramas of 2017 made history in the HanCinema books. You've cast your vote and determined the best of the best,...More
[HanCinema Awards] Best Historical Drama of 2017 - Cast Your Vote!
2017/12/24
The sageuk, or historical drama, is one of the earliest forms of Korean drama and the basis for what we know and love. Over the years it has evolved to include all sorts of fusion such as fantasy and time travel elements. The year of 2017 saw quite a few wonderful sageuk. Vote for your favorite of this year's historical dramas from December 24 to January 7. Results for all categories will be released starting on December 30,...More
1st Seoul Awards 2017 Winners in Drama
2017/10/27
1st Seoul Awards 2017 winners in drama,...More
Lee Young-ae to star in "Different Dreams"
2017/10/09, Source
Actress Lee Yeong-ae is coming back with a drama for the first time in a year. She will star in the new KBS 2TV drama "Different Dreams",...More
Lee Young-ae to jump into lead role for "Different Dreams"
2017/10/07, Source
After a years long hiatus, Lee Young-ae is losing no steam after "Saimdang: Light's Diary" as she joins "Different Dreams". She will be a surgeon who becomes a spy, a role that very much suits her,...More
Who's Your Favorite Historical Drama Goddess?
2017/06/29
Being in a historical drama is more challenging than it seems. Specially for the actresses, being able to look good in the traditional clothes, Hanbok, and the center parted hair-dos can be a bit of a difficult look to pull off if your proportion is not right. Moreover, the tone of the voice and languages used in the historical dramas are very different from that of a modern drama,...More
6 Eye-catching Actors Born in 1992 You Should Be Aware of!
2017/06/23, Source
Lately there have been many fresh faces that caught my attention while I watch K-dramas. As if to laugh at my current (overflowing) collection of my favorite actors, Korean showbiz keeps on finding great, handsome actors and pushing them my way. Well, what can I do? I'll always have enough room in my heart and my phone gallery storage for these good looking actors,...More
Rain and Kim Tae-hee, drugs, break-ups and new relationships - Top 10 news
2017/06/12, Source
There was continuous news about issues in the show biz in early 2017. Tops stars got married, broke up and started new relationships. Also, a few number of stars got sick and last year's THAAD issue still limits Hallyu access in China today,...More
[Spoiler] Added final episode 28 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/05/06, Source
Added final episode 28 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 28 Final
2017/05/04
The ending to "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is more anticlimactic than anything else. The bad guys are almost immediately brought to justice because one essential character changes sides, and CCTV footage which should have been exposed, I don't know, a dozen episodes ago suddenly pops up out of nowhere and decisively proves that Jeong-hak was a fink all along. Meanwhile, in the past, King Jungjong is sad because it has suddenly occurred to him that persecuting artists is bad,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" ends in 2nd place with 8.2%
2017/05/04, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" finished in second place. According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode of SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" rated 8.2%,...More
"Mystery Queen" drops but stays on top
2017/05/03, Source
"Mystery Queen" stayed in first place even though it dropped. According to Nielsen Korea, KBS drama "Mystery Queen" rated 9.2%,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 27 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/29, Source
Added episode 27 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 26 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/28, Source
Added episode 26 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 27
2017/04/27
It's more than a little late for me to be figuring this out, but apparently Lee Gyum wasn't a real person either. It's hard to tell whether this makes "Saimdang: Light's Diary" better or worse. On one end, only Saimdang's name has been sullied by the exceptionally goofy plotting of this drama. On the other end, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has spent a preposterous amount of time and effort dedicated to the romantic anguish of a fictional character whose only reason for existence is to have a tragic extramarital love affair with Saimdang,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon part as soon as they meet
2017/04/27, Source
Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon had to part again. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyum (Song Seung-heon) and Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) had to say goodbye again,...More
"Mystery Queen" drops but comes in first place
2017/04/27, Source
"Mystery Queen" came in first despite the slight drop in percentage. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" rated 10.5%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 26
2017/04/26
So it turns out Jeong-hak's thievery of Saimdang's Kumgang Mountain painting is easily detectable by anyone with proper training in classical art. This isn't exactly a surprise, considering that Sang-hyeon identified the errors in Jeong-hak's fake way back in the first episode and it was mainly hubris that prevented Jeong-hak from realizing the error himself. At the time, I was expecting the central conflict would be over Jeong-hak stubbornly refusing to acknowledge Sang-hyeon's argument even as Ji-yoon discovered the genuine painting,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae has the real Geumkangsan in her hands
2017/04/26, Source
Choi Jong-hwan hadn't burnt the Geumkangsan. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Seo Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) met the members of RAD,...More
"Mystery Queen" drops slightly but still in first place
2017/04/26, Source
"Mystery Queen" came in first despite the slight drop. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" rated 10.7%,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 25 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/22, Source
Added episode 25 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 24 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/21, Source
Added episode 24 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 25
2017/04/20
It's back to the framing device as Ji-yoon...pretty much gives up on any hope of recovering the painting and just goes on a road trip with her son. This road trip is rather geographically challenged. Ji-yoon's father lives in Pyeongtaek, yet the first place they end up going is Chuncheon, which is practically on the opposite side of the country. All while Ji-yoon is holding down a teaching job apparently,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae meets No Young-hak
2017/04/20, Source
Lee Young-ae met No Young-hak, a member of RAD. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", a mysterious man looked for Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) who was having a hard time ever since she returned from her hometown. Sang-hyeon (Yang Se-jong) and Hye-jeong (Park Jun-myun) tried to talk to her about art but she didn't seem interested,...More
"Mystery Queen" steps over 10%
2017/04/20, Source
"Mystery Queen" came in first. According to Nielson Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" rated 10.9%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 24
2017/04/19
Try as I might it's surprisingly difficult to parse the motives of any of the antagonists in "Saimdang: Light's Diary". This is especially awkward since the drama is now at the climax and everyone's getting their comeuppance/unjust victory. Headmistress Choi is jealous. It's dumb but it makes sense. Everyone else? Chi-hyeon is evil for the sake of being evil. Won-soo hates his wife and apparently his children too. King Jungjong is...I don't know, suddenly not appreciative of art any more?,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae leaves Song Seung-heon
2017/04/19, Source
Lee Young-ae left Song Seung-heon. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) left Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon).,...More
KBS "Presidential Debate" 26.4%, "Mystery Queen" comes in first
2017/04/19, Source
"Mystery Queen" was able to take the lead thanks to the "Presidential Debate". According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" came in first with 7.7%. This is 3.9% less than the previous episode,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 23 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/14, Source
Added episode 23 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" cancelled, "Mystery Queen" breaks record
2017/04/13, Source
KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" broke its record. According to Nielsen Korea, the latest episode of "Mystery Queen" rated 11.6%. This is a 0.4% increase compared to the record setter from the first episode and a 1.5% increase from the previous episode,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" postponed due to presidential debate and downsized from 30 to 28 episodes
2017/04/13, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" was cancelled due to the presidential debate on the 13th. The first part of the "2017 National Presidential Debate" started at 10PM and the second part started at 11:20PM,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 23
2017/04/12
While "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has always suffered from direct comparison to the also currently airing "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People", the timing this week is especially unfortunate. The latter drama just explicitly made a point about how proper representation of women in the arts is a completely meaningless victory in the context of a political situation so bad that people are actively being murdered. As a result, the plot in "Saimdang: Light's Diary" about Saimdang heroically striking a blow for women everywhere by painting the king's portrait just comes off as really awkward,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon
2017/04/12, Source
Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon) prepared food for Saimdang (Lee Young-ae). On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyeom visited Saimdang who was drawing late into the night. She couldn't eat her packed food so he 'ordered' her to,...More
"Mystery Queen" breaks through 10%
2017/04/12, Source
"Mystery Queen" and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" drifted apart. According to Nielsen Korea, the latest episode of the KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" increased by 0.6% to 10.1%,...More
53rd Baeksang Arts Awards 2017 : Most Popular Actress in a Drama Nominees List
2017/04/10, Source
53nd Baeksang Arts Awards 2017 : most popular actress in a drama nominees list,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 22 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/08, Source
Added episode 22 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 21 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/07, Source
Added episode 21 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 22
2017/04/06
The central conflict this time around deals with sexism against women in Joseon. On its face this entire idea is a little odd, considering that Saimdang herself was a famous artist who was appreciated in her time. What's more, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has consistently had unnamed characters react to Saimdang's gender with a sense of novelty, rather than revulsion. So for people to suddenly have a hissy fit about Saimdang going beyond her station marks a rather serious break with continuity,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae starts drawing the king's portrait
2017/04/06, Source
Lee Young-ae broke the stereotype in the Joseon times. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) became the king's painter,...More
"Mystery Queen" drops down in just 2 episodes
2017/04/06, Source
KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" dropped to second place in just two episodes. According to Nielsen Korea, "Mystery Queen" rated 9.5%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 21
2017/04/05
Princess Jeong-soon (played by Lee Joo-yeon) is, at present, my most disliked character in "Saimdang: Light's Diary". This isn't because there's anything wrong with Princess Jeong-soon or the actress playing her. In fact, Princess Jeong-soon is one of the few people we see demonstrating a consistent interest in painting. That's why I hate her- time and again "Saimdang: Light's Diary" treats Princess Jeong-soon's interest in painting as if it were some form of naïve idiocy,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Oh Yoon-ah and Choi Chul-ho return to Hanyang
2017/04/05, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" Oh Yoon-ah and Choi Chul-ho returned to Hanyang. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Hwieumdang (Oh Yoon-ah) saved Ong-joo (Lee Joo-yeon) and returned to Hanyang with Min Chi-hyeong (Choi Chul-ho),...More
"Mystery Queen" starts off in first place, "Radiant Office" sets personal best
2017/04/05, Source
"Mystery Queen" started off in first place. According to Nielsen Korea, the new KBS 2TV drama "Mystery Queen" rated 11.2%,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 20 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/04/01, Source
Added episode 20 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 19 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/31, Source
Added episode 19 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 20
2017/03/30
It occurred to me near the episode that, in addition to her reputation as an artist, Saimdang is also well-known for embodying Confucian standards of feminity. Which is to say, she was a dutiful wife and an attentive mother. In their increasingly bizarre effort to make Saimdang seem heroic for doings things the real Saimdang almost certainly did not do, the production team behind "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has managed to achieve negative knowledge. A person who doesn't know any better will come away from this drama knowing less about Saimdang than when they started,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Yoon Da-hoon rips Lee Young-ae apart
2017/03/30, Source
Yoon Da-hoon hurt Lee Young-ae tremendously. On the twentieth episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Won-soo (Yoon Da-hoon) had an affair but wasn't sorry about it,...More
"Chief Kim" ends with 17.2%
2017/03/30, Source
KBS 2TV "Chief Kim" ended in first place. According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode of "Chief Kim" ended with 17.2%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 19
2017/03/29
Apparently the production team has realized that they've made Won-soo too sympathetic, ruining what little chemistry Saimdang and Lee Gyum have. So naturally, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" fixes this by...having Won-soo start an affair with a daft idiot. You know, the real-life Won-soo knew he was marrying an unusually intelligent and well-educated woman. Given the standards of the time this could potentially make Won-soo an interesting character in his own right. Instead he's just a sitcom buffoon,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae cries over husband's accident
2017/03/29, Source
Lee Young-ae cried over her husband's death. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) heard from the police that her husband had died,...More
"Chief Kim", 20% too hard to surpass
2017/03/29, Source
"Chief Kim" is about to breakthrough 20%. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 16.9%. This is 0.1% less than the previous episode,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People" Episode 17
2017/03/27
For a brief moment Ga-ryeong shows herself to be smarter than she looks when it comes to questions of imminent personal danger. Alas, right when Ga-ryeong is starting to seem important and interesting "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People" decides not to give her any screen time, instead focusing on various points of back story that we know which the actual characters are as of yet still mostly ignorant. Also Gil-dong appears to be trying to gaslight King Yeonsangun,...More
Uhm Ki-joon, Kim Won-hae, Lee Young-ae and Seo Kang-joon's double roles
2017/03/26, Source
Actors and actresses have been playing double roles: Uhm Ki-joon from the recent SBS drama "Defendant", Lee Young-ae from the drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and Kim Won-hae from the JTBC drama "Strong Woman Do Bong-soon". In "Defendant" which ended with a record breaking 28.3%, Uhm Ki-joon played Cha Min-ho and Cha Seon-ho, identical twins with different identities. Cha Min-ho killed Cha Min-ho in the beginning and did all sorts of evil stuff under his name,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 18 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/25, Source
Added episode 18 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 17 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/24, Source
Added episode 17 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 18
2017/03/23
Initially I was wondering whether I had somehow missed an episode of "Saimdang: Light's Diary". The last thing we saw was the grand art heist, and the recap reminds us about the big fire so...why are we starting out with Internet searches, familial awkwardness and comic relief about clothes? Then we get back to the art heist and it really doesn't help the drama's credibility when even the police officer in-story thinks it sounds improbable,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon and Lee Young-ae beat Choi Chul-ho and Oh Yoon-ah
2017/03/23, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) beat Hwieumdang (Oh Yoon-ah) at the paper contest. Prince Uiseong captured Min Chi-hyeong (Choi Chul-ho). On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Saimdang was one of the last few contestants. All of Saimdang's paper had burnt, or so they thought so it was a big surprise for Hwieumdang and Min Chi-hyeong when Saimdang came out for the final round,...More
"Chief Kim" goes solo, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Radiant Office" increases slightly
2017/03/23, Source
"Chief Kim" took the throne. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 17.0%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 17
2017/03/22
Director Yoon Sang-ho can throw all the pretty lighting and musical cues at Lee Gyum and Saimdang as he wants. But at the end of the day, a single look of genuine meaningful concern from Won-soo about Saimdang's safety has a lot more impact than anything Lee Gyum has done over the entire course of the drama. I really like Yoon Da-hoon. He's pretty much the only actor in "Saimdang: Light's Diary" who consistently comes off as believable and sympathetic, although it does help that his character is written somewhat realistically,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae appears in paper competition
2017/03/22, Source
Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) participated in the Koryeo Paper Know-how competition and surprised Hwieumdang (Oh Yoon-ah) and Min Chi-hyeong (Choi Chul-ho). On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Min Chi-hyeong was mad that Black Flower was Hwieumdang. He abused her and threatened her, "Finding out the way to make the Koryeo paper is the only way you will live". Hwieumdang set out to get the secret,...More
"Chief Kim" has 20% right ahead, 17.4%, "Radiant Office" 3.8%
2017/03/22, Source
"Chief Kim" has 20% right before it. On the latest episode, KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 17.4%. This is 0.3% more than the previous episode,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 16 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/18, Source
Added episode 16 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 15 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/17, Source
Added episode 15 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 16
2017/03/16
While the last episode closed with Ji-yoon promising sweet, sweet revenge against Jeong-hak for all the suffering he's put her though, the framing device this episode is pretty subdued. That's a bit of an odd way to put it, considering the highlight is a nun rocking out with her guitar but no, really, all that happens is that Ji-yoon and friends manage to smuggle the art out of the nightclub without Jeong-hak getting a clear idea of what exactly it is they're doing. I don't know either, really, but whatever, that part was cute at least,...More
"Chief Kim" comes in first
2017/03/16, Source
"Chief Kim" came in first despite the drop. According to Nielsen Korea, the latest episode of the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 17.1%. This is 1.3% less than the previous episode,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 15
2017/03/15
As Saimdang sets off on her quest to find a plot device, Lee Gyum finds himself in the thick of the conspiracy. King Jungjong's family history is discussed in greater detail. Then the enforcers of the conspiracy catch up with Saimdang and they are only saved by the chance intervention of some guy who apparently has a past relationship with the street urchins. Then we're treated to a group of other tangentially related characters fussing about clothes in a lighthearted way,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People" Episode 13
2017/03/13
King Yeonsangun, now firmly convinced as to the existence of anti-royalist conspiracy, is now summoning political enemies. Of course the joke's on him- King Yeonsangun's real political enemies are the ones using bizarre gossip to detract attention from their own power plays. If it's any comfort I'm skeptical any of these people are going to survive the drama's entire runtime. Given King Yeonsangun's reputation as a general crazy person it seems rather inevitable that his paranoia will spin completely out of control,...More
Young actor Jung Joon-won to star in tvN "Circle" as 2037 genius hacker
2017/03/13, Source
Young actor Jung Joon-won is starring in the new tvN drama "Circle". "Circle" stars Yeo Jin-goo, Kim Kang-woo, Gong Seung-yeon and Lee Gi-gwang and it's directed by Min Jin-gi and written by Kim Jin-hee-III, Park Eun-mi-I, Ryoo Moon-sang and Yoo Hye-mi,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 14 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/11, Source
Added episode 14 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 13 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/10, Source
Added episode 13 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 14
2017/03/09
One of the factors that really accentuates the sheer badness of "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is that every so often, there is that actually genuinely good emotional scene that makes you wish the whole drama could be like that. Here, that scene is Saimdang's calm, sad, and poignant letter to her husband, asking him to take responsibility for the children while she goes off to deal with an important task. It reads like the kind of thing the real Saimdang might have written, as part of a very mature adult relationship with her spouse,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon finds out about Oh Yoon-ah's double life
2017/03/09, Source
Song Seung-heon found out Oh Yoon-ah wasn't who he thought he was. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon) found out Hwieumdang (Oh Yoon-ah) was an imposter,...More
"Missing 9" ends in last place
2017/03/09, Source
MBC drama "Missing 9" ended in last place. According to Nielsen Korea, MBC drama "Missing 9" rated 4.2%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 13
2017/03/08
Well the preview was a lie- for the fifth straight episode there's no framing device or context for "Saimdang: Light's Diary", although the story arcs are rather neatly bisected into two distinct portions. First, Lee Gyum goes on an expedition with King Jungjong which is allegedly about exotic artwork but practically seems to be more about Dick Cheney inspired hunting expeditions. Second, Saimdang is drawn into a tussle at the Joseon Parent Teacher Association because her son got into a fight,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Oh Yoon-ah can never beat Lee Young-ae
2017/03/08, Source
Lee Young-ae isn't someone Oh Yoon-ah can beat. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) defended herself from Hwieumdang's (Oh Yoon-ah) attack,...More
"Chief Kim" falls to 16.8%, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" 10.3% and "Missing 9" 4.0%
2017/03/08, Source
"Chief Kim" showed a slight drop. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 16.8% on the 8th,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People" Episode 11
2017/03/06
Well first of all I've just about completely given up trying to figure what we're supposed to be calling Nok-soo / Royal Consort Gong-hwa at any given moment, since apparently we weren't supposed to be calling her Nok-soo either. I'm trying to remember if anyone has ever actually called her by her original name or if it's always been generic terms of address. See, this is why I lean on promotional materials more than I probably should. Even official news articles are more likely to just refer to the character as Lee Honey,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 12 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/04, Source
Added episode 12 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 11 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/03/03, Source
Added episode 11 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 12
2017/03/02
Lee Gyum's investigation into the drama's backstory continues. It's a little impressive, after a certain point, how everything about this conspiracy keeps leading back to Saimdang somehow. Meanwhile, Saimdang herself is just left pondering the next steps of her colored paper empire while Lee Gyum charges forward heedlessly, ignorant of the danger to himself or his horses, to inform Saimdang that their initial separation was the result of malicious forces rather than a random quirk of fate. Swordfights are involved,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon cries with Lee Young-ae in his arms
2017/03/02, Source
Song Seung-heon begged Lee Young-ae in tears. On the episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon) told Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) how he felt about her,...More
"Chief Kim" breaks record, "Missing 9" record of 3.6%
2017/03/02, Source
"Chief Kim" set a record. According to Nielsen Korea, the latest episode of the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 18.4%,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 11
2017/03/01
Incredible though this must sound apparently the saga of the colored paper manufacturing scheme still isn't done yet. In fact, it's actually the foundation for an international political conspiracy that ties into every ridiculous plot point "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has come up with so far. Yes, that's right, all the fires, the fight scenes, the frivolous arrests, Headmistress Choi's petty grudge against Saimdang, even Headmistress Choi's title all tie into this conspiracy somehow,...More
Why do middle aged actresses come back as mothers or strong wives?
2017/03/01, Source
Those who were once famous in the 1990s are coming back with dramas. Jeon Do-yeon the 'Queen of Cannes' came back with the tvN drama "The Good Wife" for the first time in 11 years. Lee Young-ae came back with the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" for the first time in 12 years. Ko So-young who married actor Jang Dong-gun is back with "The Perfect Wife" for the first time in 10 years. Women In Culture agents Kim Jeong-eun, Jang Seon-hee and Lee Ji-hoon became curious; why do these actresses, who are back for the first time in 10 or so years, all coming back as good mothers or strong wives?,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon flies around
2017/03/01, Source
On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon) stood in front of the men sent by Hwi Eum-dang (Oh Yoon-ah) that were bulling Saimdang (Lee Young-ae). Lee Gyeom asked where they were from and threatened to have them in hail. However, this didn't have any effect on them and they made things even more hostile around Saimdang and Lee Gyeom,...More
"Chief Kim" sets record and creates gap with "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2017/03/01, Source
"Chief Kim" increased and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" started going down. According to Nielsen Korea, KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 18.4% on the 1st of March. This is 2.2% more than the previous episode and a record breaker. The most recent record was 17.8%,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 10 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/25, Source
Added episode 10 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 9 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/24, Source
Added episode 9 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Hancinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 10
2017/02/23
The entirity of the plot this episode rests on a scam designed by Headmistress Choi to humiliate Saimdang. But the plucky Saimdang, to her credit, is able to enlist the help of a large gang of pathetic street bums to complete the supposedly impossible task. It also helps that Lee Gyum, bless his heart, is able to secretly help Saimdang in the night, like those little elves in fairy tales that help good-hearted souls through the difficult privations of life,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon becomes Lee Young-ae's secret helper
2017/02/23, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon) helped Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) with her work. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Hwieumdang (Oh Yoon-ah) started bullying Saimdang. She witnessed Saimdang selling paper in the market for financial reasons and ordered one of the merchants to ask for 5,000 sheets of paper in just 5 days. If Saimdang didn't meet the demand, she would have to pay 10 times the deposit,...More
"Chief Kim" comes in 1st, "Saimdang" recovers 10%
2017/02/23, Source
"Chief Kim" came in first. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 17.2% on the 23rd,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 9
2017/02/22
At this point "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has clearly decided that it wants to be a drama about Saimdang trying to find the best way to usher her son into eventual success. In any other drama this would at best be a third tier plot, so director Yoon Sang-ho livens up the proceedings by playing epic organ music while Saimdang's archnemesis Headmistress Choi tortures people. And no, this doesn't look any less goofy in execution than it does written down,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae knows who Oh Yoon-ah is
2017/02/22, Source
Lee Young-ae found out who Oh Yoon-ah is. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) was curious about Hwi Eum-dang (Oh Yoon-ah) who knew her weakness,...More
"Chief Kim" sets record yet again, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Missing 9" drop
2017/02/22, Source
"Chief Kim" set a new record. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 17.8% on the 22nd,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 8 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/18, Source
Added episode 8 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 7 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/17, Source
Added episode 7 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 8
2017/02/16
The two main genres at the forefront this episode are soap opera and parent teacher association meetings. I have to admit that the latter concept is rather...unique, in that I never in a million years expected that I would be reviewing a historical Korean drama that focused on parents talking to other parents and teachers about their children's academic performance. In context, though, it's more of the usual disappointments since Saimdang herself has, as usual, only an indirect role,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon supports Lee Young-ae secretly
2017/02/16, Source
On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyum (Song Seung-heon) was secretly helping Saimdang (Lee Young-ae). Lee Gyum found out that Saimdang wasn't able to send her 'genius' child to school because she couldn't afford it. Hwieumdang (Oh Yoon-ah) even organized a mothers' group to stop Hyeon Ryong from going to school.,...More
"Chief Kim" sets record, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Missing 9"
2017/02/16, Source
"Chief Kim" set a new record. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 17.6%,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Yang Se-jong gets mad at Lee Young-ae
2017/02/16, Source
Yang Se-jong got mad at Lee Young-ae as she suspected him. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Seo Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) tried to keep her distance from Han Sang-hyeon (Yang Se-jong),...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 7
2017/02/15
Near the end of this episode, there's a brief, lovely little scene where Saimdang takes her family out to nature and uses her powers of artistic description to help them understand natural beauty. This scene is noteworthy for how horribly out of place it is. In between Lee Gyum's detective work, Saimdang's domestic problems, and greater political struggles, there's precious little time spent actually discussing art and poetry. Which is pretty jarring considering that the whole reason Saimdang is famous is because she's an artist and a poet,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" drops to single digits
2017/02/15, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" decreased below 10%. According to Nielsen Korea, SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" rated 9.7%,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 6 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/11, Source
Added episode 6 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 5 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/10, Source
Added episode 5 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 6
2017/02/09
Dramatic romantic opening notwithstanding, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" continues with its dual stories. Lee Gyum tries to accomplish stuff at the governmental level, while Saimdang tries to maintain a basic standard of living at her home. Ah, this is...you know, one of the criticisms of putting Saimdang on Korean currency is that her role in Korean history has not been a terribly proactive one. I'm kind of baffled as to why "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is choosing to highlight this,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Seong Seung-heon, "I've never forgotten about you for the past 20 years"
2017/02/09, Source
Song Seung-heon and Lee Young-ae reunited for the first time in 20 years. On the episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Lee Gyeom (Song Seung-heon) and Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) met,...More
"Chief Kim" breaks through 16%, four records in a row
2017/02/09, Source
KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" set another record. According to Nielsen Korea, "Chief Kim" rated 16.7%,...More
[Hot Takes from the Noonas] Possible leading ladies in and out for Chicago Typewriter
2017/02/09
While Yoo Ah-in is considering the lead for "Chicago Typewriter", hopefully his decision does not hinge too heavily on who is cast as the female lead. The whiplash would give him a headache.,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 5
2017/02/08
Lee Gyum and Saimdang have tragically separated, off to live their own lives. That is, until the cliffhanger, when by fate they finally happen to meet again...and you know, that's the main issue I have with "Saimdang: Light's Diary". Considering that the framing device is literally academic research, one would think this drama would be more interested in the historical record. But no, rather than get exposition of Saimdang's life and accomplishments, we have to watch her suffer for not being with her one true love,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae goes down a thorny path while Oh Yoon-ah bears spite
2017/02/08, Source
Lee Young-ae walked down a thorny path in the past and in the present. Oh Yoon-ah's hatred for Lee Young-ae continued to grow. On the fifth episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Saimdang (Lee Young-ae) went to Hanyang,...More
"Chief Kim" increases three episodes in a row
2017/02/08, Source
"Chief Kim" increased in numbers. According to Nielsen Korea, the KBS 2TV drama "Chief Kim" rated 15.5% on the 8th. This is 1.7% more than the previous episode. It easily surpassed MBC "Missing 9" and SBS "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 4 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/04, Source
Added episode 4 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Hot Takes from the Noonas] Reversal of fortune for Chief Kim and Saimdang: Light's Diary
2017/02/03
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" was initially winning the ratings battle against "Chief Kim", but slipped behind on Thursday. What went wrong?,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Park Hye-soo and Yang Se-jong's mixed fate
2017/02/03, Source
Yoon Ye-joo interfered with Yang Se-jong and Park Hye-soo. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Hwieumdang (Yoon Ye-joo) hid Saimdang's (Park Hye-soo) letter,...More
[Spoiler] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Oh Yoon-ah's kid role Yoon Ye-joo's amazing performance
2017/02/03, Source
Yoon Ye-joo is the new 'bad girl' and Oh Yoon-ah's take-over is very much anticipated. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Seok-soon (Yoon Ye-joo) cried in sorrow after she was ignored by Lee Gyeom (Yang Se-jong) whom she has a crush on,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 3 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/02/03, Source
Added episode 3 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 4
2017/02/02
We get to watch Saimdang and Lee Gyum's love story implode rather fantastically for the majority of this episode. In general I don't mind the whole tragic doomed love cliché, but here it comes off as rather weak. More than ever I find myself wondering which of these events are based on actual historical record and which are sheer dramatic embellishment. If Saimdang actually married another guy because her parents were making a socio-political decision, I would have much rather seen that,...More
Fierce ratings battle between "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Chief Kim"
2017/02/02, Source
KBS "Chief Kim" and SBS "Saimdang: Light's Diary" are in a fierce ratings battle. According to Nielsen Korea, KBS drama "Chief Kim" rated 13.8% across the nation and 14.1% in the metropolitan area,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 3
2017/02/01
An extended flashback sums up the general mess of Ji-yoon's current situation, and why it has led to her having gazebo chats with Sang-hyeon (played by Yang Se-jong). Incidentally, Yang Se-jong also plays the young Lee Gyum in flashback, and once the recap is over with we are once again treated to the generally adorable romance between Lee Gyum and Saimdang. Oddly enough this storyline is no less sweet simply because we know it can't possibly end well,...More
[Interview] "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Yang Se-jong, "I want to be a long-serving actor"
2017/02/01, Source
"I want to be a long-serving actor". Actor Yang Se-jong was recently in the SBS drama "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" and is now back with "Saimdang: Light's Diary". His actual debut was supposed to be the drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" as it was pre-produced, but delays with pre-production resulted in "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" becoming his debut drama. Despite the fact that he's a rookie, his good looks and great performance has put him in the spotlight right away. He is also a lucky one as he got to work with great seniors such as Han Suk-kyu and Lee Young-ae,...More
[Spoiler] Lee Young-ae, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" unravels the secret to the Biikjo seal
2017/02/01, Source
Lee Young-ae found a way to recover her reputation. On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", Seo Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) found a way to authenticate the Geumgang painting by Ahn Gyeon via Saimdang's diary,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Chief Kim", 0.2% gap
2017/02/01, Source
Will "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Chief Kim" take a turn of events? According to Nielsen Korea, the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" rated 13.0%,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae and Yang Se-jong seeks truth to Saimdang's diary
2017/01/31, Source
Lee Young-ae and Yang Se-jong are seeking the truth to Saimdang's diary. Stills of Lee Young-ae and Yang Se-jong came up online on the 31st of January,...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 2 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/01/28, Source
Added episode 2 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Spoiler] Added episode 1 captures for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2017/01/27, Source
Added episode 1 captures for the Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 2
2017/01/26
We start out with brief, generally boring academic politics. Thankfully "Saimdang: Light's Diary" quickly gives up on this exposition and it's right to what we're all waiting for- the introduction of Saimdang (played by Park Hye-soo). Of course, for now she's still just a kid. Saimdang is spunky, what with trying to climb walls, but the young woman is smarter than she looks. Saimdang has a keen eye for the arts that soon gets cultivated as she spends time with Lee Gyum,...More
[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Episode 1
2017/01/26
Long ago, the famed painter Lee Gyum (played by Song Seung-heon) was in Renaissance-era Italy. What exactly he was doing there is not yet entirely clear. Art professor Ji-yoon (played by Lee Young-ae) aims to find out, although the road there is a tad circuitous. Ji-yoon is trapped between a bad professional situation and a swiftly degrading household. Neither are her fault. Ji-yoon just had the bad luck of getting involved with unscrupulous men,...More
Korean dramas starting today 2017/01/26 in Korea
2017/01/26, Source
Korean dramas starting today 2017/01/26 in Korea "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and "Three Color Fantasy - The Stars In Space",...More
Song Seung-heon escorts Lee Young-ae
2017/01/25, Source
Song Seung-heon and Lee Young-ae were at the premiere of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary". They are about to get their pictures taken,...More
Four reasons to watch Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon's "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2017/01/25, Source
The first and second episodes of the new SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" are being broadcast on the 26th. "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is a fusion historical about a Korean History lecturer named Seo Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) who comes across Saimdang's (Lee Young-ae) diary in Italy. Here are some points not to miss to enjoy the drama to the fullest,...More
Today's Photo: January 25, 2017 [3]
2017/01/25, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae poses at a press event for her new TV series "Saimdang: Light's Diary" in Seoul on Tuesday,...More
[Photos] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae, Song Seung-heon, Oh Yoon-ah, Yang Se-jong
2017/01/24, Source
Lee Young-ae, Song Seung-heon, Oh Yoon-ah and Yang Se-jong were at the premiere of the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary". "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is the re-told story of Saimdang and her love for art and romance,...More
Will "Defendant" and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" beat "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" and "The Legend of the Blue Sea"?
2017/01/22, Source
A new breeze is taking over SBS. "Defendant" and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" are replacing "Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim" and "The Legend of the Blue Sea". Will the new dramas maintain the reputation their successors leave behind? - "Defendant" Ji Sung to take over once again,...More
[Orion's Drama News] Grand Returns and Jailed Amnesiacs
2017/01/21
It has been a troubled and tumultuous week and today is a day of unrest for many, but life in Dramaland carries on as usual. First up I bring you new goodies from "Saimdang: Light's Diary", including Lee Young-ae's thoughts on the series, her character and her own career. I also talk about drama specials and bring you new posters and a video from "Defendant",...More
Lee Young-ae Hints at Her Upcoming TV Series
2017/01/21, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae is making a comeback with the new TV series "Saimdang: Light's Diary" to be aired late this month. The TV series is about one of the most famous women in Korean history, Shin Saimdang, a renowned artist and writer during the Chosun Dynasty,...More
[Video] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae kneels and cries
2017/01/16, Source
A teaser was released. The fourth teaser of the new SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", drew attention with force. Lee Young-ae (Seo Ji-yoon) is seen begging Choi Jong-hwan (Min Jeong-hak) on her knees as to not be replaced as a lecturer,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" Song Seung-heon turns into the 'Joseon Gatsby'
2017/01/15, Source
Actor Song Seung-heon is playing the role of Lee Gyeom, a genius painter in the new drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary". Lee Gyeom is the Joseon version of "The Great Gatsby",...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" VS "Chief Kim" - Which drama will replace "The Legend of the Blue Sea"?
2017/01/04, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" overlaps "Chief Kim". Which drama will come in place of "The Legend of the Blue Sea" which is currently topping charts? This is going to be an interesting battle. The new SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is a fusion historical about a lecturer named Seo Ji-yoon (Lee Young-ae) who discovers Saimdang's (Lee Young-ae) diary in Italia and travels back and forth in time to discover the truth,...More
[Hot Takes from the Noonas] "Saimdang: Light's Diary" set to air on January 26, 2017
2016/12/30
Hotly anticipated but much delayed, SBS's "Saimdang: Light's Diary" will finally begin its 30 episode run on January 26, 2017. The drama will replace "The Legend of the Blue Sea" on the coveted Wednesday-Thursday time slot, nixing any chances of an extension.,...More
The dilemma of pre-produced dramas that even "Hwarang" couldn't avoid
2016/12/27, Source
It's not easy for a pre-produced drama to succeed. Statistically, they haven't done so well. They've had low percentages which doesn't cope with the viewers' immediate reactions. There have been various pre-produced dramas this year. Half of them succeeded, while the other half didn't,...More
[Orion's Drama News] Science Fiction Hype
2016/12/24
I hope you are feeling jolly today and that you have ridiculous amounts of holiday food. Ori-santa may not have Christmas-related content, but I ho-ho-hope my drama news will do. Today I talk science fiction in Dramaland that is not gimmicky aliens in love with actresses. I also take a look at exciting drama news from tvN and share more despair from "Missing 9",...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" poster unveiled depicting Lee Young-ae
2016/12/20, Source
The poster for "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is out. "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is scheduled for broadcast right after "The Legend of the Blue Sea",...More
[Video] New teaser released for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2016/12/19, Source
New teaser released for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
Oh Yoon-ah in "Oh My Geum-bi" with Oh Ji-ho
2016/10/18, Source
Oh Yoon-ah is starring in the new KBS 2TV drama "Oh My Geum-bi" as Geum-bi's (Heo Jung-eun) mother Jeong Joo-yeong. This is the first time in 4 years Oh Yoon-ah is making a KBS appearance. She'll be out with "Oh My Geum-bi" first as "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is a pre-produced drama that will only be released next year,...More
[Orion's Drama News] "Man to Man"
2016/10/08
Between ruthless weather and award ceremonies, Korea and Korean entertainment have been rather busy this past week. On the other hand, my news offerings for you today are humble, which is a nicer way of saying we are a little low on the news. This is not true if you are eager to see "Man to Man", however, because said men seem impervious to slow news,...More
[Photos] Added new posters for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2016/10/06, Source
Added new posters for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Orion's Drama News] Production Truths and Happy Cheating
2016/10/01
With the late 2017 and early 2017 dramas rearing their teasing head out for us to see and get psyched over, news are plentiful. First up I share some goodies and my confusion from "happy cheating" drama "My Wife Is Having an Affair". I briefly consider the role of cable television in diversity through a recent article and talk pre-production and China once again. Happy new month and into it we go,...More
Lee Young-ae's New TV Series to Air Early Next Year
2016/09/28, Source
The new TV series "Saimdang: Light's Diary" starring two top stars Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon is scheduled to air on SBS in January next year, the broadcaster said on Tuesday. The drama has drawn much attention with its star-studded cast and particularly Lee's return to the small screen after a more than 10-year hiatus,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" to broadcast in January 2017
2016/09/26, Source
The time is set. Sources say that the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" will broadcast in January next year,...More
[Orion's Drama News] PPL and Amnesiac Chaebols
2016/09/10
Another week, another batch of news to fill the void in my heart as I wait for my new dramas. Overly dramatic statements aside, this week I consider the difference between good and bad PPL (product placement) through some translated pieces about the type of PPL and its numbers. "Shopping King Louis" has dropped plenty of cute goodies for us and "Woman with a Suitcase" is packing her bags for Dramaland with stills and a teaser,...More
Not even Lee Young-ae? "Saimdang: Light's Diary" to be postponed in China
2016/09/05, Source
The SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" might be postponed in China according to reviews. "Saimdang: Light's Diary" has gone through production since August last year to June this year. It was going to be released in Korea, China and Japan on the 10th this month. However, the relationship between Korea and China has turned cold due to THAAD which caused the Chinese to put a brake on this plan,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" Lee Young-ae's comeback
2016/08/16, Source
It's going to be a historical party later this year. Starting off with "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds", "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" are just waiting for release. Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Lee Joon-gi, IU, Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon are going to entertain the viewers. We take a look at these historical dramas. "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is better known as actress Lee Young-ae's comeback drama. She's returning for the first time in 11 years with a historical drama and it's catching the attention of national and international fans,...More
"Moonlight Drawn by Clouds", the growing up story of Joseon youth
2016/08/16, Source
It's going to be a historical party later this year. Starting off with "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds", "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" and "Saimdang: Light's Diary" are just waiting for release. Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Lee Joon-gi, IU, Lee Yeong-ae and Song Seung-heon are going to entertain the viewers. We take a look at these historical dramas. The new KBS 2TV drama "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" starts off first. It the growth story of youths from the Joseon times starring Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Jin Young, Chae Soo-bin, Lee Seo-won and others,...More
[Photos] Lee Young-ae's stills are a drama itself
2016/07/31, Source
Lifestyle magazine J LOOK featured actress Lee Young-ae in its August issue. In the pictures, Lee Young-ae is dressed in casual clothes as well as an elegant dress or a see-through attire. Her complexion is flawless throughout the photo shoot,...More
[Orion's Drama News] All the Dramas
2016/07/30
My partner in not-crime, Lisa is busy over at KCON and I am here feeling lonely with a plethora of drama news. So I figure, what better therapy to loneliness is there than to share them all with you? I usually focus on specific noteworthy happenings and news, but today I switch it up. I feature three upcoming dramas and their news before piling on even more drama-ness with the usual upcoming drama goodies section. Let me pamper you,...More
[Photos] Added new character posters of Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2016/07/28, Source
Added new character posters of Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Orion's Drama News] Rising Actresses and Consolation Cheese
2016/05/28
Some major titles are coming our way and this week is rich with announcements. With many series approaching about younger characters, we get to experience the new wave of actresses tasked with bringing the roles of young women back in the spotlight. "Cheese in the Trap" fans are in for some odd, but potentially good news and we have script reading photos from some upcoming series along with the usual news,...More
Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon's "Saimdang: Light's Diary" to be broadcast on SBS
2016/05/27, Source
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" will be broadcast on SBS on weekends. According to the production company, "Saimdang: Light's Diary" will be broadcast on SBS on weekends this coming October,...More
[Orion's Drama News] Rom-coms, Psychos and Youth
2016/04/30
Have you been missing good ol' rom-coms, folks? You know, the kind where people do not cry for sixteen episodes and get some form of terminal illness. Well, let us see if those will be making a return and take a look at some recent drama trends while we are at it. More upcoming drama goodies are out, including some for new titles. Even less eventful weeks are full in Dramaland,...More
'Saimdang: Light's Diary' Hong Suk-chun takes selfie with Lee Young-ae
2016/04/28, Source
Hong Suk-chun revealed his duo selfie shot he took along with Lee Young-ae. On April 28th, Hong Suk-chun shared the photo of himself and Lee Young-ae on his personal Instagram. Lee Young-ae's shy look with her eyes closed and Hong Suk-chun's comical gesture are drawing attention,...More
The First, the Best and the Worst records of "Descendants of the Sun"
2016/04/14, Source
"Descendants of the Sun" ended on the 14th and it left behind the Best, the First and the Worst drama moments. "Descendants of the Sun" was the first successful China and Korea released drama that was pre-produced. It's also the first miniseries to have broken through 30% in 4 years,...More
How Chinese Money Is Changing Korean Media
2016/02/21, Source
An influx of Chinese money is having a huge influence on the Korean media industry. One recent symptom was the case of Taiwanese-born teenage starlet Tzuyu, whose waving of her country's flag in an old clip sparked a Twitterstorm that sent her agency JYP into a blind panic. Terrified of jeopardizing the Chinese market, JYP forced the girl to apologize on bended knee and declare her allegiance to the Motherland -- only to find that barely anyone in China had noticed. Still, China's media contents market is growing 11 percent annually and is expected to surpass Japan's this year, which puts JYP's anxieties into perspective (US$1=W1,211). According to the Small and Medium Business Administration, more than W1 trillion worth (~US$1 billion) of Chinese money had been invested in Korean computer games and entertainment programs as of September last year. Last week, China's top online retailer Alibaba announced it is investing W35.5 billion in another Korean talent mill, SM Entertainment, and with money comes clout,...More
Anda to star in "Saimdang: Light's Diary", "Honored to work with Lee Young-ae"
2016/02/01, Source
Singer Anda has been cast for the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary". Lee Young-ae takes the lead in "Saimdang: Light's Diary" and it is one of the most anticipated dramas of the year. Anda plays two roles in the drama; as Anda in the modern day Rish, Chinese interpreter in the Joseon Times,...More
[Video] Lee Young-ae to divide role of Saimdang with Seo Ji-yoon
2016/02/01, Source
A teaser for the new SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" was released on the 31st. In the teaser are Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon in front of an old house in Bologna in Italy,...More
Age is just a number for Lee Young-ae
2016/02/01, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae's beauty pictorial has been revealed. On February 1st, life style magazine, JLook has unveiled a beauty pictorial starring Lee Young-ae for their February issue,...More
'Saimdang: Light's Diary' Oh Yoon-ah with Song Yoon-ah, Kim Seo-hyung and others
2016/01/26, Source
Oh Yoon-ah revealed a picture she took with Kim Seo-hyung, Song Yoon-ah, Hong Ji-min and Uhm Ji-won. Actress Oh Yoon-ah posted this picture on her Instagram saying, "This was such a fun time. Everyone is so nice". They went to see a musical starring Hong Ji-min,...More
"Beauty selfie" with Lee Si-young, Park Shin-hye and Oh Yoon-ah
2016/01/25, Source
Actresses Lee Si-young, Park Shin-hye and Oh Yoon-ah seem to be close. Lee Si-young posted a picture on Instagram saying, "I'm so excited. Shin-hye came in first, then me then Yoon-ah in basketball. We are basketball geniuses",...More
Lee Joo-yeon shows off co-existence of sexy and innocent appeals in her
2016/01/25, Source
Lee Joo-yeon's Esquire pictorial has been revealed. In the revealed pictorial, Lee Joo-yeon shows off fresh and sexy appeals while she puts aside her usual cheerful girly images. She embodies the sophisticated sex appeal in a white bodysuit. Lee Joo-yeon also strikes a provocative pose in a bathtub,...More
[Video] First teaser video released for the Korean drama 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2016/01/13, Source
First teaser video released for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary",...More
[Video] Song Seung-heon's "Saimdang: Light's Diary" poster and teaser video
2016/01/13, Source
Actor Seong Seung-heon's presence in the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" is outstanding. Song Seung-heon is featured on the drama poster revealed by Group 8 on the 14th,...More
100% Meaningless: "Cheese In The Trap" before and after changes
2016/01/07, Source
'Pre-production' is a rare keyword. Whether or not a drama aims for the Hallyu Wave in the Chinse market or whether it aims for a high quality result, Korea has been putting a lot of thought in 'pre-production' and some are putting their thoughts into action,...More
Lee Young-ae to participate in SBS Drama Awards as presenter
2015/12/28, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae is presenting a trophy at the SBS Drama Awards on the 31st,...More
Today's Photo: December 1, 2015 [2]
2015/12/01, Source
Song Seung-heon (left) and Lee Young-ae pose at a press junket for their new drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" in Seoul on Monday,...More
How much has Lee Young-ae changed over the last 10 years?
2015/11/30, Source
Lee Young-ae left a mark in the history of Hallyu with "Dae Jang Geum". Now she's back for the first time in 11 years with "Saimdang: Light's Diary". It's only due next year but it's being produced ahead of time so it's already in the making. Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon had a press conference in Kangwondo on the 30th. This is the first time Lee Young-ae had made a public appearance so it was highly anticipated. 250 or so reporters from Korea, China and Japan came to see her,...More
Song Seung-heon with Lee Young-ae, 'jealous' of the happy family
2015/11/30, Source
Lee Young-ae and her family's happy picture was featured in the fashion magazine ELLE. The picture is titled, 'Lee Young-ae's afternoon with the twins',...More
[Photos] Added new Song Seung-heon stills and updated cast for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/11/30, Source
Added new More
'Saimdang: Light's Diary' Lee Young-ae "First romance story in 10 years, it made me feel nervous"
2015/11/30, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae shared the behind-the-scenes story from the set of 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'. On the November 30th, a press conference for SBS' new drama, 'Saimdang: Light's Diary' took place in the Seamarq Hotel, Gangneung,...More
Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon in upcoming SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/11/23, Source
Fans can't hardly wait for the drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary". Stills of Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon were released on October 30, last month,...More
Photo Release Raises Expectations for Lee Young-ae's New Drama
2015/11/03, Source
Photos of actress Lee Young-ae and actor Song Seung-heon were released on Friday for their upcoming drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" on terrestrial broadcaster SBS. The drama tells the story of Shin Saimdang (1504-1551), a renowned artist and writer during the Joseon Dynasty,...More
'Saimdang: Light's Diary' has revealed Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon's character still images
2015/10/30, Source
On October 30th, 'Saimdang: Light's Diary' has released the character images featuring Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon in traditional hanbok. The reactions from netizens include, "Saimdang Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon look great together", " Saimdang Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon, there's something special about them", and so on,...More
Song Seung-heon in filming 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2015/10/23, Source
Song Seung-heon posted a photo of himself without any caption on his personal Instagram as well as on Weibo on October 23rd. In the revealed photo, Song Seung-heon dressed in traditional costume is riding a horse. It seems he is enjoying the ambient fall scenery on the back of a horse,...More
[Photos] Lee Young-ae takes a walk with family, "I want time to stop"
2015/10/06, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae is having a happy time with her family. Lee Young-ae released a second column under her name in JLOOK October edition. This column was contributed by Lee Young-ae herself and she will do so in the future as well,...More
"Saimdang: Light's Diary" first script reading session
2015/09/01, Source
The script reading for the SBS drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" was held. Producer Yoon Sang-ho and casts Lee Young-ae, Kim Hae-sook, Oh Yoon-ah, Choi Jong-hwan, Yoon Da-hoon, Choi Chul-ho, Park Hye-soo and others up to 30 people were there,...More
Song Seung-heon, man of spring
2015/08/25, Source
Actor Song Seung-heon was splashed on the cover of a famous Chinese life magazine. Lohas chose Song Seung-heon as its cover model for September,...More
Updated cast for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/08/22, Source
Updated cast for the upcoming Korean dr,...More
Lee Young-ae, Yoon Suk-hwa and more actors attend traditional gosa ritual for 'Saimdang: Light's Diary'
2015/08/21, Source
SBS' new drama, 'Saimdang: Light's Diary' has revealed photos taken from their gosa ritual (traditional ritual to wish luck). On August 21st, the production company, Group8 has revealed photos to show the scenes from the gosa ritual for the drama, which took place on August 21st,...More
2015 Actresses and their salaries
2015/08/20, Source
The most highly treated actresses are of course, Lee Young-ae and Jun Ji-hyun. They are a premium because they hardly star in dramas anyways. Lee Young-ae, who is looking forward to coming back with the drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary", is amazing just simply by her presence. Emperor's Group, a co-producer invested 10 billion won into the drama. This is thanks to Lee Young-ae's popularity in the Chinese region,...More
From Song Joong-ki to So Ji-sub, handsome oppas are coming back
2015/08/11, Source
Please stop crying because Kim Soo-hyun's "Producers" ended. More handsome oppas are coming back. As hot A-list actors are coming back to small screens, it is making female drama fans' hearts pound. First of all, the king of period drama, Jang Hyuk is returning with KBS' period drama. His title, 'King of period drama' was earned since KBS 'The Slave Hunters', 2010. He received a grand award for his acting performance. He later made 'Deep-rooted Tree' and 'Shine or Go Crazy' big hits in a row and emerged to his current status,...More
Song Seung-heon and Lee Young-ae's "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/08/09, Source
Song Seung-heon has confirmed a role in "Saimdang: Light's Diary". According to Group Eight, Song Seung-heon is co-starring in the drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" with Lee Young-ae. This is his first drama comeback in 3 years since "When A Man's in Love". Song plays Lee Gyeom, a man of pure love who meets Saimdang as a child and only has eyes for her for the rest of his life,...More
[Photos] Added first images for the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/08/05, Source
Added first images for the upcoming Kor,...More
Song Seung-heon to Pair with Lee Young-ae in Upcoming Drama
2015/08/05, Source
Lee Young-ae (left) and Song Seung-heon Actor Song Seung-heon will be paired with actress Lee Young-ae who will return to acting after a more than 10 years of hiatus. Production company Group Eight said in a press release on Tuesday that Song and Lee will get together for the drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" which is set to air on terrestrial broadcaster SBS in the first half of 2016,...More
Lee Young-ae's "comeback" drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary" signed broadcast deals for 6 countries.
2015/07/29, Source
On the 24th, the production company Group8 said "we signed a contract for the rights to broadcast our show "Saimdang: Light's Diary" in 6 countries with global media group Turner Entertainment who owns famous networks such as "CNN, Warner TV, Cartoon Network, and the Korean Entertainment Channel Oh!K",...More
Lee Young-ae's country life at Muno-ri is captured on camera. Talking walks with pretty daughter.
2015/07/28, Source
Lee Young-ae shows off her beauty and a glimpse of her daily life in a photospread. Via the August edition of Magazine JLOOK, Lee Young-ae makes public her beauty photos and a video showing off her of shinny skin secrets in addition to a column called "Lia column" about her country life amongst the mountains and river. It is quite unheard of that an actress would be given a magazine column with her name on it,...More
Lee Young-ae, the actress who defies aging
2015/05/12, Source
Lee Young-ae's pictorial is grabbing attention again through blogs. Following the pictorial for 'Lee Young-ae's twin children', which was released to celebrate the month of family in May, Lee Young-ae's solo pictorial is also drawing attention,...More
Lee Young-ae to comeback for the first time in 11 years
2015/04/30, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae is the special chief editor for lifestyle JLOOK. As we approach the family month of May, Lee Young-ae is setting out to communicate with readers of the lifestyle magazine as a mother of twins,...More
Upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/03/27, Source
Added the upcoming Korean drama "Saimdang: Light's Diary"'s page to HanCinema database,...More
Lee Young-ae to Make TV Comeback After 12 Years
2015/03/26, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae, the star of the 2003 smash hit "Dae Jang Geum", will return to upcoming TV series "Saimdang: Light's Diary" following a 12-year hiatus. Production company Group Eight said Wednesday that Lee will appear in a historical drama about the life of Shin Saimdang (1504-1551), who was a renowned artist, writer and calligrapher during the Chosun Dynasty and the mother of the well-known Confucian scholar Yulgok Yi Yi,...More
Lee Young-ae to come back with "Saimdang: Light's Diary"
2015/03/24, Source
Lee Young-ae is finally breaking her 11 years of absence and coming back with "Saimdang: Light's Diary". Group Eight claims she's ready to roll and the drama should be out early next year,...More

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Produced by

Song Byung-joon (송병준)

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SBS (SBS)

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Kang Sook (강숙)
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Airing dates : 2017/01/26~2017/05/04

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