Shanghai Daily news

The popularity of "Dae Jang Geum" still remains high even though the South Korean television show finished screening last month.
A series of cookery books, entitled "Dae Jang Geum" are on the shelves in Beijing, according to Xinhua news agency, DVDs of the show are still among the top sellers and stickers with pictures of Jang Geum can be seen everywhere.
The show has been a runaway hit in China. People - young and old, men and women - are fascinated by the story of a chef in the royal palace who later becomes the first woman doctor to the king in the history of South Korea.
The heroine, played by Lee Young-ae, is a kind-hearted woman who has great perseverance. Her life is filled with hardships but she remains optimistic and firmly hangs on to her ideals. She finally finds happiness through helping others.
The popularity of "Dae Jang Geum" is not like crazes for, say, fashion clothes or make-up which only last for a short time and are easily replaced when the next craze comes along.
The show reminds people that there are some virtues, such as loyalty, filial respect and selfless love, which should be cherished and passed on.
(Wang Yanlin)