Saimdang: Memoir of Colors

Saimdang: Memoir of Colors is a compelling South Korean television drama that aired on SBS in 2017. Featuring a cleverly crafted plot, stellar acting performances and a striking visual style that pays homage to traditional Korean aesthetics, the show is set to impress and captivate audiences, transcending cultural boundaries and proving a valuable addition to the global anthology of historical drama series.

The story unfolds in two intertwining timeframes, delicately bridging the gap between the present day and the Joseon Dynasty era. It crafts an intelligent narrative that oscillates between these two periods, providing viewers with an enriching viewing experience that is replete with emotional depth and historical nuances.

Lee Young-ae, a popular actress globally recognised for her role in the acclaimed drama Dae Jang Geum, occupies the dual roles of modern-day university lecturer Seo Ji-yoon and the renowned 16th-century artist Shin Saimdang. Young-ae's knack for performance breathes life into these roles, anchoring the storyline while treating viewers to compelling character development.

Seo Ji-yoon, an art history lecturer in Seoul, finds herself embroiled in a scandal that threatens to upend her career and life. By chance, she stumbles upon an old diary that transports her back in time. This discovery guides her on a journey into the depths of Korean history, specifically into the life of the iconic historical figure, Shin Saimdang.

Shin Saimdang was a celebrated Korean artist, poet and calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty. She is not only famed for her artistic capabilities but also for being the mother of the Confucian scholar Yulgok Yi-i, engraved in the heart of Korean society and history. She is depicted on the South Korean 50,000 won bill, a testament to her influence and stature.

The series unfolds the hidden chapters of Saimdang's life in vivid detail. It showcases the trials, tribulations, and triumphs she faced as a woman navigating society in the Joseon era, while also offering glimpses into her riveting love story with Lee Gyeom, a fellow scholar and artist, portrayed by Song Seung-heon.

The narrative is intricately woven to illustrate the conscious choices made by these women, submerged in their respective lives, and their unending pursuit to achieve a delicate balance between their personal aspirations and societal expectations. This offers the audience an immersive experience into the lives of these characters, no less enhanced by the meticulous attention to period details and stunning cinematography showcasing South Korea's landscape and architecture.

The modern-day storyline also touches upon the controversies the art world harbours, with a significant portion dedicated to the authentication of an ancient painting that Ji-yoon believes was created by Saimdang. As Ji-yoon delves deeper into the history to prove the painting’s authenticity, her life starts to mirror Saimdang's in odd ways, providing deep insights into each of their struggles and wins.

Each episode of the series masterfully combines elements of historical drama, mystery and romance, taking viewers on a journey filled with emotional richness and narrative heft.

One of the show's key triumphs lies in its ability to humanise its historical figures, making them feel relatable to contemporary audiences. It skilfully washes away the layer of untouchability often associated with iconic figures, allowing the audience to form a connection with them in a more personal and intimate way.

Saimdang: Memoir of Colors, through its stellar storytelling and performances, offers not just a dramatic exploration of an iconic figure but also shines a spotlight on intriguing elements of Korean history and art. It beautifully juxtaposes the Nancy Code and the present, allowing the past to breathe into the present, making it a must-watch series for not just Korean drama enthusiasts, but for anyone who enjoys consuming well-thought-out, emotionally rich and culturally significant content.