Watch Saimdang: Memoir of Colors

Saimdang: Memoir of Colors is a historical drama television series that tells the story of two different women from two different time periods. The show is set in both the 16th century and the present day in South Korea, and is based on the life of a real historical figure, Shin Saimdang.

The show features two parallel storylines that run simultaneously. In the 16th century, Shin Saimdang (portrayed by Lee Young-ae) is a renowned artist and calligrapher who is famous for her delicate paintings of flowers, birds, and landscapes. She lives in a turbulent era in Korean history, as the country is constantly under threat from invading forces and political turmoil. The series follows Shin Saimdang as she navigates the challenges of life during this time period and faces various obstacles on her journey to becoming a respected artist in her own right.

In the present day, a woman named Seo Ji-yoon (played by Lee Young-ae) is a college professor who specializes in Korean art history. Seo Ji-yoon is on a quest to discover the truth about a painting that her father, a well-respected art historian, had been studying before his death. This painting is said to be the work of Shin Saimdang, and finding it could unveil long-held secrets about the artist's life and legacy. Seo Ji-yoon's search for the painting brings her into contact with a wealthy businessman named Lee Gyeom (played by Song Seung-heon), whose family has a connection to the painting and its hidden history.

As the two timelines progress, viewers are brought on a journey through history and through the lives of two very different women. The show explores themes such as art, love, family, and loyalty, and features lush settings and costumes that transport viewers back in time. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of Korean landscapes and intricately-detailed depictions of ancient palaces and temples.

One of the most notable features of Saimdang: Memoir of Colors is the lead actress, Lee Young-ae. Lee is known for her previous work in the wildly popular Korean drama Jewel in the Palace, and her portrayal of both Shin Saimdang and Seo Ji-yoon is nuanced and deeply emotive. Her on-screen chemistry with Song Seung-heon, who plays her love interest Lee Gyeom, is electric and adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the show.

Overall, Saimdang: Memoir of Colors is a sweeping epic that spans both time and space. Its combination of historical drama, mystery, and romance makes for an engaging and captivating viewing experience that will leave audiences both entertained and educated about a fascinating period in Korean history.

Saimdang: Memoir of Colors is a series that ran for 1 seasons (28 episodes) between January 26, 2017 and on SBS (KR)