Saimdang, Memoir of Colors

5.5
20171h

An art history lecturer, unfairly disgraced for refusing to certify a suspicious painting, endeavors to set the record straight by exploring the mystery of a 16th-century artist using a diary that may lead her to the genuine painting.

Production

Logo for Group Eight

Seasons

28 Episodes • Premiered 2017

Just when her life seems to be falling apart, a Korean art historian discovers an old text detailing the life of Joseon era's renowned female artist.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 1: Episode 1

1. Episode 1

With a full-time professorship in sight, Seo Ji-yoon, a lecturer in Korean art history, gets swept up in a scandal surrounding a monumental painting.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 2: Episode 2

2. Episode 2

Ji-yoon shows what she brought back from Bologna to her friend Hye-jeong, a conservation scientist, who tells her that restoration will take a while.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 3: Episode 3

3. Episode 3

Lee Gyeom visits Saimdang's parents to seek permission for marriage. King Jungjong sets out to see for himself the woman who won Gyeom's heart.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 4: Episode 4

4. Episode 4

Back at the temple, Saimdang witnesses a scene she shouldn't have seen. On the run, she gets hurt, and her belongings land in the hands of another.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 5: Episode 5

5. Episode 5

After sending back the presents from Gyeom, Saimdang sets out for her new home in Hanyang, but an unpleasant surprise awaits her.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 6: Episode 6

6. Episode 6

The truth behind Saimdang's words hurts Lord Uiseong. However, inspired by watching Saimdang and her children interact, he picks up his brush again.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 7: Episode 7

7. Episode 7

In Hanyang, paths cross for Saimdang, Lord Uiseong, Min Chi-hyeong and Hwieumdang. In the present, Professor Min's underlings are on Ji-yoon's tail.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 8: Episode 8

8. Episode 8

Hwieumdang scolds Hyeon-ryong for being on the school grounds again. Lord Uiseong hears about Hyeon-ryong's situation and the Mothers Association.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 9: Episode 9

9. Episode 9

To support her family, Saimdang decides to make paper, but it's easier said than done. Hwieumdang suggests a mother-son illustrated poetry contest.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 10: Episode 10

10. Episode 10

Saimdang gets worried when Hyeon-ryong doesn't come home late into the night. Lord Uiseong tries to find out what happened at Temple Unpyeong.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 11: Episode 11

11. Episode 11

Risking retaliation from the vagabonds, Saimdang goes back to her paper workshop. Later, she tells the head of the group why she decided to come back.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 12: Episode 12

12. Episode 12

Lord Uiseong's Great Aunt warns him not to dig up the past lest he endanger his and Saimdang's lives. Saimdang needs a sample of true Goryeo paper.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 13: Episode 13

13. Episode 13

Hwieumdang calls for an emergency meeting that Saimdang must attend. Meanwhile, Lord Uiseong suggests a hunting outing for the king and the council.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 14: Episode 14

14. Episode 14

The king declares a contest to find the best papermaker in Joseon. Lord Uiseong gets authority to investigate the corruption behind the Goryeo paper.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 15: Episode 15

15. Episode 15

Soon after they arrive at the site of Temple Unpyeong, Saimdang and Pal-bong are pursued by Hwieumdang's men.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 16: Episode 16

16. Episode 16

King Jungjong decides on the proper punishment for Min Chi-hyeong. Meanwhile, the deadline to find the true Goryeo paper is fast approaching.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 17: Episode 17

17. Episode 17

For King Jungjong, nothing else matters except finding the real Goryeo paper. Saimdang presses on to decipher the poem from the painting.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 18: Episode 18

18. Episode 18

Ji-yoon tries to get Director Sun's help in ensuring the safety of "Mount Kumgang," but Director Sun wants to avoid getting more bad publicity.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 19: Episode 19

19. Episode 19

In the present, Ji-yoon gets an alarming call about her husband. In the past, Lord Uiseong hears of the Yangryu Paper Mill from the villagers he helps.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 20: Episode 20

20. Episode 20

Saimdang is becoming a prominent figure in the city for her wisdom, benevolence and artistic skills, but trouble brews at home.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 21: Episode 21

21. Episode 21

The princess is reported missing. King Jungjong is furious that the crown prince is spending time outside the palace walls with Lord Uiseong.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 22: Episode 22

22. Episode 22

The crown prince commissions Lord Uiseong to paint King Jungjong's portrait. Lord Uiseong wishes to recruit new painters for the important project.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 23: Episode 23

23. Episode 23

The Confucian scholars protest against Saimdang, and the king plots to use this to his advantage. Min Chi-hyeong is hell-bent on reclaiming his power.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 24: Episode 24

24. Episode 24

Lord Uiseong is shocked to learn what King Jungjong ordered Min Chi-hyeong to do. Meanwhile, Hwieumdang has a tearful request for Saimdang.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 25: Episode 25

25. Episode 25

While visiting a museum to collect her thoughts, Ji-yoon discovers a note card with a curious portrait that's left behind by a mysterious man.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 26: Episode 26

26. Episode 26

With the help of Rade, Ji-yoon and her friends are devising a plan to secure "Mount Kumgang" again when a surprise visitor drops by their hideout.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 27: Episode 27

27. Episode 27

Despairing Saimdang asks Ji-yoon what happened to Lord Uiseong. Piecing the clues together, Ji-yoon provides Saimdang with a way to save Lord Uiseong.

Still image for Saimdang, Memoir of Colors season 1 episode 28: Episode 28

28. Episode 28

Director Sun publicly reveals her intentions regarding "Mount Kumgang." Saimdang spends her time with those who matter to her the most.

Cast

Photo of Lee Young-ae

Lee Young-ae

Seo Ji-Yoon / Shin Saimdang

Photo of Park Hye-su

Park Hye-su

Saimdang (young)

Photo of Yang Se-jong

Yang Se-jong

Lee Gyeom (young)

Photo of Oh Yoon-ah

Oh Yoon-ah

Whieumdang Choi

Photo of Yoon Ye-joo

Yoon Ye-joo

Whieumdang Choi (young)

Photo of Yoon Da-hoon

Yoon Da-hoon

Lee Won-Soo

Photo of Kim Hae-sook

Kim Hae-sook

Kim Jung-Hee

Photo of Choi Cheol-ho

Choi Cheol-ho

Min Chi-Hyung

Photo of Park Jun-myun

Park Jun-myun

Ko Hye-Jung

Photo of Lee Hae-yeong

Lee Hae-yeong

Jung Min-Seok

Photo of Kim Mi-kyeong

Kim Mi-kyeong

Director Sun (Present)

Photo of Choi Jong-hwan

Choi Jong-hwan

King Joongjong / Min Jung-Hak

Photo of Lee Kyung-jin

Lee Kyung-jin

Lee of Yongin

More Like This

Reviews

P

ParkMin

2/10

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.

You've reached the end.