Dae Jang Geum is a story of a woman named Suh Jang Geum in the 15th century during the King Jung Jong era. In the palace of the Chosun Dynasty, there were many different titles for women depending on their responsibilities, such as Saeng Gak Shi, Na In, Sang Gung, Eui Niu(medical assistant), Mu Soo Ri, etc. They were experts on their own field who were assigned to work in Soo Ra Gan(the royal kitchen), Chim Bang, Sae Dap Bang, Dae Bi Jeon, Dong Gung Jeon, Hoo Gung Jeon, etc., according to the laws and rules of the palace.

Suh Jang Geum was a professional career woman as a medical assistant. Back in the Chosun Dynasty when sexual and class discrimination was the norm of the society, it was almost a miracle that a female medical assistant from a low class became a medical official, particularly the royal doctor which were positions held exclusively by noble and middle class officials. It would not have been possible without possessing exceptional medical skills as well as integrity and character.

Suh Jang Geum is the one and only female royal doctor to date and throughout the history of Korea including the Three-Kingdom Era, Goryo Dynasty and Chosun Dynasty. The current presidential doctor is also a male.