Saimdang, Light’s Diary (2017)

Visually stunning with a truly poetic story. Insights into the early 16th century art included

"Saimdang, Memoir of Colors" is an excellent KDrama with historically impressive dimensions. The focus here is on the legendary artist Shin Saimdang, whose head is also depicted on the 50,000 won note today. The KDrama pays tribute to the great artist and also pays tribute to her roles as a devoted mother and virtuous, yet uncompromisingly progressive woman. The focus is on a time and space transcending, tragic love story - fictitious... or at least not historically documented. (But why should´t it have happened in this way or another? ... :-)


----------------- SIDE NOTE --- Shin Saimdang (1504 -1551) ---
... was a painter, calligrapher and poet who was valued in her time and far beyond. Since her father had no son, he gave her (rather unorthodox for a girl) an education and training in literature, poetry, calligraphy, embroidery and painting. Her works as a painter are characterized by their particularly sensitive view of nature and its subtle, sensitive representation. Today only about 40 paintings in Indian ink and mineral colors can be directly assigned to Saimdang. However, it is suspected that many more works of art have survived, although they are not clearly signed as her works. Shin Saimdang has also gone down in history as the ideal of the good mother. She had five sons and three daughters, some of whom also inherited their mother's talent. One of her sons is the even more famous Neo-Confucian scholar and politician Yul-gok Yi I.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, as far as the perspective of traditional art is concerned, the special focus of this KDrama is the nature of the world of animals, plants and mountains. Actually, it could be mentioned here, that South Korea is characterized by several mountains and 21 national parks on more than two thirds of the country's surface. This KDrama aesthetically focuses on the spiritually legendary mountain region around the Geumgangsand - The Diamond Mountain. It probably got its name in connection with the Diamond Sutra of Buddhism. It was a center of Korean Buddhism, traces of which can be dated back to the 1st century. At the beginning of the 20th century there were still more than 40 active monasteries in the region. In any case, the mountain world plays in several respects an important role in this gripping historical drama.

Special dynamics arise through the play with intertwining time and space. There are two plots. One is set in 2017, the other in the early 16th century during the Joseon era. One follows a young art historian writing her PhD thesis on artist An Gyeon's work 'Geumgangsando'. The other follows historical Shin Saimdang through the first 3-4 decades of her passionate yet virtuous life. Parallel to the art historian's research and struggle with it, that is at the same time enhanced and endangered by Saimdang´s diary, insights on the artist´s eventful life are revealed. Both storylines are quite exciting in their own way. Particularly charming: people from Saimdang's time-line seem to have reincarnated in Seoul in 2016 and are once more somehow connected to each other... Surprisingly, the fulcrum where the timelines converge is Tuscany in Italy.

This extraordinary and visually stunning KDrama offers a truly poetic, heart-rending story, added with interesting insights into the special aesthetics and sensitivity of contemporary Korean art of the early 16th century, as well as the paper production craftmanship of that time. It is rounded by an atmospheric soundtrack and, last but not least, actors who are as if absorbed in their roles. At last, there is plenty of makjang, too.

Taking everything into account, the story is effortlessly captivating over 28 episodes.
At the end I was left in bewilderment, yet to some extend somehow surprisingly satisfied, too.

Leggi di Più

Despite being one of the most anticipated and hyped-up dramas of the year and in spite of the fact that it marked the comeback of acting-giants, Saimdang ended up being rather disappointing and underwhelming failing to live up to expectations according to the majority of viewers. While I can’t completely argue against any of it and having said all that, I can’t deny that Saimdang turned out to be quite special for me against all odds.

Story
Having had studied Art History in Uni and with it being my favourite module, you can understand my initial excitement when I realized this is a drama about art history but in Korea! Only 2 of my biggest interests intertwine like that. I wouldn’t miss the chance to savour this rare opportunity!

Saimdang is a wonderful drama but not without flaws. It takes place simultaneously in the past and the present, depicting the past and present lives of the characters. Starting in the present it centers on a woman who tries to prove that a painting is or is not authentic facing serious enemies in this endeavor of hers.

Simultaneously and very flexibly the story travels to the past as we get to see the whole story behind the painting in question and how this is connected to our main flawless female character Saimdang and her life.

I can totally understand why viewers found this boring and disappointing. Most of the drama depicts Saimdang’s life but focuses a lot on events rather than romance, politics or other juicy things saeguks are known for. First half of the drama focuses on how Saimdang grew to become a memorable and powerful figure of her time creating and sustaining her own business. There are classic villains who try to destroy her but everything is more connected the job development rather than her personal life. The second half was a bit rushed because of the trimming of 2 episodes and the re-editing was very obvious to the point it reduced the drama’s quality. Still, it stays in the same lane of events.

I read comments from Korean netizens expressing their disappointment in the drama’s direction. More specifically, they disliked the fact that there wasn’t much of Saimdang’s drawing and painting showed. I cannot argue with that. Simultaneously, I can safely say the story line that took place in the present was rather disappointing and ill-developed. I can totally understand their idea behind it but they spent too much time perfecting the past story –which ended up being, understandably, a tad boring for some people- that the present one just rounded up being a constant back and forth.

All that being said, I cannot quite put my finger on it but this drama just charmed me to the point I was completely unfazed by all the -otherwise- stern drawbacks.

I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory. Some of it a bit clichéd – classic evil 2nd female lead who is just too self-centered for her own good- but all of it really interesting and really well-written as far as I’m concerned. Against all odds, I loved the business part of the story, it was inspirational seeing a woman overcome so many pitfalls and achieve greatness!

One of the main parts that I especially appreciated was the female empowerment of the drama. Saimdang on her own is such an incredible character, empowering and just inspirational. Even if we barely got to see her drawing, the passion for it was well-depicted and the characterization was just brilliantly presented!

Moreover, I enjoyed several parts of the past story illustrated like the education for non-wealthy citizens, or how women were looked down upon but were undeterred by it. Plotlines that involve weak and easily manipulated kings are nothing new and play significant roles here as well.

Continuing to my favourite part, the romance. I'm not the biggest romance fan, I tend to rather cringe but here… here it was special! I can understand why some people would find the romance here disappointing. There is no skinship at all; barely any intimacy while everything is kept on a platonic level. Rather frustrating. However, there is no need for obvious affection when you have Song Seung Heon’s eyes just depicting everything better than a gesture ever could. My heart ached in every scene he looked at Saimdang and I was completely blown away by their tragic and heartbreaking love story. Strongest part of the drama for me, but you have to be into doomed couples to like this.

The drama did have some boring parts, but I enjoyed it throughout. I can’t say I felt fulfilled by it, rather depressed especially during the last 5 episodes, but it just felt special in ways I can’t put into words.

Acting
Overall exquisite.

Lee Young Ae. Acting giant and I feel a bit intimidated to actually judge her acting. She was amazing, overflowing with charm and experience; she was a blast to watch on screen. I thoroughly hope it won’t take her another decade to comeback.

Song Seung Heon was luscious in ways I can’t describe. I usually complain about kdramas lacking actual manly characters since all those flower boys have taken the industry by storm. He brought exactly what I wanted to see. Manliness, masculinity all spiced up with actual emotions and sentiments. His character just elicited unlimited emotions out of me, his acting was out-of-thing-world good and he had amazing chemistry with Lee Young Ae.

Other than them, the full casting was amazing and most of it quite memorable, namely Oh Yoon Ah as the evil 2nd female lead, Choi Jong Hwan, Yang Se Jong and the rest really made the drama shine.

Recommend
Considering most of the reaction I saw was rather negative or indifferent I wouldn’t openly recommend this to everyone. Saeguk fans would probably like it and people interested in tragic and unfulfilled love.

Leggi di Più

lee gyeom is the epitome of a true gentleman



God knows how much i love his character. the one who would clear the path for the comfort of the person he dears, a person that remains loyal even after all those years of finding solace by wandering, a man with virtue. on the last episode when they recap lee gyeom's life i cried shit loads of tears. i felt terribly happy for him (terribly because of his tragic life; happy because he found his inner self in that tragedy)



and of course Saimdang. this drama depicts her journey from a carefree teenager to a mature woman. Saimdang has to be the strongest female character i've ever known, having to go through such ordeal in life. an obedient daughter to a loving mother and a respectful wife. i swear her patience and perseverance are on a whole new level. and i really love her conversations with her children especially the one she had with maechang under the blooming trees so heartwarming and she's very well composed.



my favourite part of this drama is of course the romance. No u dont have over the top lovey-dovey romance in here, no u dont have romantic scenes with all the sugary conversations that makes u want to jump off the window due to the sweetness. the romance in here is very subtle. u know there's love but u can't see it, u just feel it's there (i'm not making any sense here, too blinded by their love). the look on lee gyom's eyes every time he look at Saimdang is so deep that it pierced through the screen right into my heart XD.



now for the plot i think the modern part is totally unnecessary because; 1. very little screen time 2. it feels out of place. i read people commenting on how the plot is very cliche with political fights and vengeance etc. honestly that cliche plot is critical for the characters development. it's not that bad, the plot was just okay but interesting enough to make me watch it until the end. one thing for sure is that this drama is really really really slow and i usually drop slow dramas by 3-10 episodes in but this drama? theres something about it that kept me going, weird enough i dont know why. if and only if they had not cut the episode to 28 i personally think the ending would be better. u know when they introduce the characters they write the character's future below the name, like how woo was supposed to be an artist hyun rung a successful scholar. i thought they were gonna show it but no hmm. all and all i really love this drama and will definitely watch it again.

Leggi di Più

Another beautiful, poignant love story!

Just finished the last episode with lots of tissue moments. I would place this kdrama love story with my top favorite cdrama, a love so beautiful. Though in different time zones it shows that true LOVE will always prevail! Great script, outstanding cast, good editing for this well written love story without too many irritating sub plots. This is one of those dramas that switch you back and forth through time, so thankful for the clear translation. Young adults watching should heed the wise and comforting words of Saimdang to her children. Beautiful FL was perfect as the strong, unruffled, patient and kind noblewoman. Handsome and dashing ML kept me watching. Gorgeous Joseon paintings and memorable poetry is the basis for this story and sadly one poem and jealousy cheated the childhood lovers to a life of aching love. 28 episodes to keep you enthralled!

Leggi di Più

Awful as romance; little better as historical - péssimo romance e pouco melhor como histórico

What's this drama about?
If it's based on a love story between Saimdang and Lee Gyeom, the story is horrible. It begins with a beautiful love affair between both. They swear happiness and you can see an extreme empathy, a deep knowledge of the other. Two creators wrapped in love. But...
Saimdang is a woman who, due to an unconscious error with a painting condemns her father to the death and the man who loves her to a life of suffering and loneliness. She marry a stingy, stupid, unfaithful man with all the flaws of the assholes. She even lives with her children and him and his mistress in the same house... Saimdang has four children who loves and educates them exemplarily. Her struggle and life is amazing, except for what she provoked in the man who loved her throughout her life as an adult. She will abandoned the man who did and does everything for her, who condemned himself to death for her, who supported her and saved her countless times and stay with her children (of course) and her disabled husband. Apparently, she apologizes to her husband for having married without love and with an ignorant (as if he did not know and was not common at that time...). Moreover, she still says that a man who spends all the money on drink and women, who gets a job without deserving it (due, there it is, to Gyeom) who is unfaithful, etc. is a good father. Apparently, for her, being a good father is playing games with her children, having fun with others, not working or studying and having no responsibility. After all, being responsible is only for the mothers, in her opinion.
Therefore, despite condemning Gyeom to eternal suffering, she still sends him to Italy because he will be an artist to be remembered and praised for centuries... It reminds me of Goethe's book, Werther, which made many men commit suicide out of love. So, we see the story happen: she is happy with her children, in her Korea, with her friends and family... And the man who loves her is creating works in Europe, pieces of art that overflow with suffering and hurtful love. We already know that being happy doesn't provoke the same creativity... the artist suffers but the rest of the world will contemplate his work. And the creator, sad and suffering lives in her shadow, looking at the moon, without the wing given to his beloved, broken in his suffering body.
Gyeom has bad luck at the same time: having fallen in love with Saimdang and that Choi Whieum Dang has fallen in love with him. And is life is to suffer...
We still think they can meet in a future life. The drama made me have that assumption and Saimdang still thinks that. However, at the end of the story we still realized that she has reached... success, living well with family. And he's photographing her from a distance...
For that reason, I believe that Gyeom, in a past life, must have slaughtered thousands, no! Millions of people for sure!! And of those, the whole family of Saimdang. And she will swear at that time to revenge them! And how did she get revenge!

If drama is seen as history...
Interesting the part of paper creation, the shape and techniques of painting, painting as an extension of words and poetry. Dramas have often portrayed the King as an imbecile with persecution complex, a patriarchal and unjust society. Minor plots, a woman that loves a man and wants to destroy him… There, Saimdang and Gyeom are exemplary in their conduct. And they have the fruit of their labor? Noooooooo! She raises her children in harmony and in the arts and he gradually fade in misery, unearthed in Italy. I didn't even know there was an Italy in Joseon era, but it looks like Seo Ji Yoon knew.
I will never review this drama, for my masochistic part was left in Bologna. The interesting thing is that Saimdang was a real fantastic woman and here she is not portrayed this way. But it's my fault, because I really wanted Gyeom to have a slice of happiness beyond Mount Geumgang... But the drama is about her...

The parts of the present are boring, the connection of Saimdang and Seo Ji Yoon seems stupid and meaningless, even more knowing that nothing will happen in the future with the photographer, Gyeom reincarnation ...



De que se trata este Drama?

Se for com base na história entre a Saimdang e o Lee Gyeom a história é horrível.

A história começa com um lindo romance de amor entre os dois. Juram felicidade e nota-se uma empatia extrema, um conhecimento profundo do outro. Dois criadores envoltos em amor. Mas…
Saimdang é uma mulher que, devido a um erro inconsciente dela com uma pintura condena o pai à morte e o homem que a ama a uma vida de sofrimento e solidão. Casa com um homem mesquinho, estúpido, infiel e com todos os defeitos dos imbecis. Até chega a viver com ele e a amante dele em sua casa…Tem 4 filhos que ama e os educa exemplarmente. A sua luta e vida é exemplar, exceto no que ela provocou no homem que a amou durante toda a sua existência como adulto.
Troca o homem que fez e faz tudo por ela, que se condenou à morte por ela, que a apoiou e a salvou incontáveis vezes pelos filhos e pelo marido deficiente. Pelos vistos, pede desculpa ao marido por se ter casado sem amor e com um ignorante (como se ele não soubesse e não fosse comum naquela época…). Além disso, ainda diz que um homem que gasta o dinheiro todo em bebida e mulheres, que arranja um emprego por favor (devido, lá está, ao Gyeom) que é infiel, etc. é um bom pai. Pelos vistos, para ela, ser bom pai será fazer umas brincadeiras com os filhos, divertir-se com outras e não ter nenhuma responsabilidade. Afinal, ser responsável é só para as mães, no entender dela.
Assim sendo, apesar de condenar Gyeom ao eterno sofrimento, ainda se sente mal e o manda para Itália porque ele será um artista a ser falada por séculos… Faz-me lembrar o livro de Goethe, o Werther, que fez muitos homens se suicidarem por amor. Assim sendo, vemos a história acontecer: ela feliz com os filhos, na sua Coreia, junto aos amigos e família… E o homem que a ama encontra-se a criar obras na Europa, peças de arte que transbordam sofrimento e desamor. Já sabemos que estarmos felizes não provoca a mesma criatividade… Que se lixe o artista, pois o resto do mundo contemplará a sua obra. E o criador, triste e em sofrimento vive na sombra dela, olhando para a lua, sem a asa dada à sua amada, quebrada no seu corpo sofrido.
Gyeom tem dois azares: ter-se apaixonado pela Saimdang e que a Choi Whieum Dang se tenha apaixonado por ele. E a sua vida é sofrer…
Ainda pensa poder se reunir com ela numa vida futura. Saimdang ainda pensa isso. Contudo, no final da história ainda nos apercebemos que ela alcançou… o sucesso, vivendo bem com a família. E ele a fotografá-la à distância…
Por esse motivo, acredito que Gyeom, numa vida passada, deve ter chacinado milhares, não! Milhões de pessoas de certeza!! E dessas, toda a família da Saimdang que jurará nessa altura vingança! E como se vingou!!

Se o drama for visto como história…
Interessante a parte da criação do papel, a forma e técnicas da pintura, a pintura como extensão das palavras e da poesia. Temos sempre retratado o Rei como um imbecil com complexo de perseguição, uma sociedade patriarcal e injusta. Aí, Saimdang e Gyeom são exemplares na sua conduta. E têm o fruto do seu trabalho. Ela cria os filhos na harmonia e nas artes e ele desfaz-se aos poucos, desterrado em Itália. Nem sabia que naquela época havia uma Itália, mas parece que a Seo Ji Yoon sabia.
Nunca reverei este drama, pois a minha parte masoquista ficou também em Bolonha. O mais interessante é que Saimdang foi uma mulher fantástica e aqui é retratada desta maneira. Mas a culpa é minha, pois realmente queria que Gyeom tivesse um rasgo de felicidade além do monte Geumgang… Mas o drama é sobre ela…

As partes do presente são aborrecidas, a ligação das suas mulheres parece-me estúpida e sem sentido, ainda mais sabendo que nada se passará no futuro com o fotógrafo…

Leggi di Più

Not my cup of tea

The story flips back and forth between modern day and the past which was new to me. Perhaps it would have appealed more to me if there was a stronger connection or similarity between the actors who played dual roles in both time periods.

I loved Lee Young Ae in Jewel of the Palace and as Saimdang, she excelled as well. Her expressions filled the whole screen and I was constantly wishing this drama didn’t have the modern day element.

Do not watch this thinking that it is a romanticised version of Saimdang as there are many elements introduced and changed here that does not match what I’ve read about this famous person. This only part which is correct was that Saimdang was a great artist.

I loved the story about the paper production in itself as it was eye opening for me. Saimdang was portrayed as the perfect mother who gave sound advice and allowed her children to choose their own path - mostly inspirational but came close to being too saintly at times.

Too much mystery left unanswered for the 2 main leads in modern day left me hanging.

Some might be satisfied with this different type of happy ending but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Leggi di Più

Beautiful and constructive

Precious drama, beautiful story! It shows you that how bad the circumstances may be, there is always something you can do to make life better. Believe in yourself regardless of what others say, what you do is more important than how you seem to be.

The story was more shown and seen than told, and it’s setting different from what I am used to. The scenes felt slow and dragged but sometimes cut off as well, like there was more to it than shown. The main characters were portrayed by actors who had been in historical drama’s before, particularly Saimdang. The actress of the female lead seemed similarly to Jang Geum, a character from another historical drama that she played. Nonetheless, was this a drama where the present was linked to the past and the other wat around, it was interesting and impressive. The traditional clothing most beautiful, even the ordinary cotton clothing, as always. It was interesting to learn more things about the old korean culture and specifically those times when art and science and education was rapidly developing in cultures all across the world. And it is shown how the Korean culture has always had unique colors. Although I had wished to have seen more of Saimdangs painting and art. Definitely a must watch.

Leggi di Più

Saimdang, Really Boring Long Diary

The drama, on paper, had potential. A mix of historical and contemporary narratives sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pace was slower than a snail's crawl, and the plot dragged on without significant development. The portrayal of the female lead's life in the past often felt overshadowed by the mundane occurrences of the present, causing a lack of focus and direction in the storytelling. While attempting to blend history and modern storytelling, the transitions felt disjointed, leaving me disconnected from the characters and their journeys. The drama's portrayal of the protagonist's life and the historical context lacked depth and failed to evoke a genuine emotional connection. The overall quality felt subpar—amateurish directing and filming made it hard to believe people were doing their jobs professionally. It's like they were clueless and just pretending. Such a shame that a big budget ($18+ millions) ended up wasted on this drama. The poor broadcast ratings weren't surprising at all. They even chopped off two episodes, probably to cut their losses. It shouldn't have been longer than 12 episodes max. It's almost like Lee Young Ae went on a very long hiatus to the point, when she returned, she no longer had any negotiation power and her agency just picked up whatever project they managed to get.

Leggi di Più

What a waste of beautiful cinematography

I started watching this show on Prime video and the first few episodes really pulled me in. The cinematography was beautiful and the art aspect was really appealing to me. I lost my interest at around episode 9 and the remainder of the show was pretty boring and slow for me. I could find no empathy for Saimdang, I found her character to be arrogant, selfish, and stubborn. Non of which are good character traits. She was not likable in any way shape or form. She was supposedly strong and good but I found her weak minded and her children were bascially neglected. The only person she seemed to care about was her useless husband. Why? Lee Young Ae to me was not attractive and very boring an actress. While I understand she was the darling of Korea I could find nothing really fabulous about her. I did not even like her in Jewel in the Palace. Song Seung Hoon I do love but did not really like this character much either. We have all been down and had relationships not work, pull yourself together man. She was not worth it. The evil female was stereotypical. I wont even waste my time on the present characters. Not one was worth my time and her present character was a door mat.

Leggi di Più

ARTISTICALLY BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY

Even though this drama has been out since 2017 I recently watched it and I have become more interested in the artistry of this drama. I love Song Jeung Heon works and I am binging on his drama list. I have loved every drama I have seen so far. This drama is such a beautiful love story but it also gave me a new interest in the artistic work of Sambaing Shin's artistry and doing research on her work. This was great work performed by the main cast and it is worthy of more than one viewing.
I will definitely be researching the artists work and hope to see some of it on my trip to South Korea next year.
Thank you to the writer(s) of this drama. It was very entertaining, educational and a very emotional drama for me. I cried my heart out even though I know it is a movie. This is just a testament to the great work.

Leggi di Più