Hur Jun, the Original Story

Step into the heart of the Joseon dynasty with Hur Jun, The Original Story, a captivating Korean historical drama that chronicles the life of Hur Jun, a low-born man who rises against all odds to become a legendary royal physician. Played by the late Kim Joo Hyuk, Hur Jun's story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination. This gripping medical period drama explores not just healing of the body—but of the soul. The series follows Heo Jun (Kim Joo Hyuk) from his humble beginnings as the illegitimate son of a nobleman to his transformation into one of the most revered doctors in Korean history. His passion for traditional medicine leads him to Yoo Ui Tae (Baek Yoon Shik), a wise physician who becomes both mentor and moral compass. Along the way, Heo Jun's personal struggles, social discrimination, and forbidden love challenge his path toward greatness. Adding emotional depth and complexity to the narrative are strong female leads such as Ye Jin (Park Jin Hee), a skilled nurse with a quiet strength and deep affection for Heo Jun, and Da Hee (Park Eun Bin), his devoted wife who supports his dreams despite adversity. The drama's rich characters and moral dilemmas draw viewers into a world where every choice carries weight—and every life matters. Hur Jun, The Original Story blends historical accuracy with human emotion, offering a powerful tale of integrity, sacrifice, and triumph. Whether you're a fan of medical K-dramas, inspiring biographical stories, or simply looking for a Korean period series that moves the heart, this series promises a timeless viewing experience rooted in honor and healing.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 구암 허준
🌎 Also Known As: Gu Am Heo Jun, Kooam Heo Joon, Hur Jun: The Original Story
🎭 Genres: Historical, Medical, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Joseon Dynasty, Traditional Medicine, Based on True Story, Healing, Rags To Riches, Court Politics
✍ Screenwriters: Choi Wan Kyu
🎬 Directors: Kim Geun Hong
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 135
🗓️ Aired: March 18, 2013 – September 23, 2013
📅 Airing Days: Monday to Friday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 40 min per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Heo Jun’s First Surgery – A tense, emotional scene where Heo Jun performs his first major operation, proving his skill to doubters and earning respect as a healer.
Mentorship with Yoo Ui Tae – Scenes of Yoo Ui Tae guiding Heo Jun through complex diagnoses highlight the depth of traditional Korean medicine and master-student loyalty.
Forbidden Love Confession – The emotional moment when Ye Jin reveals her feelings for Heo Jun, torn between duty and desire, stands as a dramatic highlight.
Courtroom Confrontation – Heo Jun defends his medical beliefs before the royal court, challenging corrupt officials and emphasizing the ethics of healing.
Final Episode Farewell – The tearful farewell as Heo Jun looks back on his life’s journey reflects the drama’s powerful emotional arc and character growth.

Filming Locations

Mungyeong Saejae Open Set – This historical drama village served as the main backdrop for Joseon-era street and marketplace scenes.
Dae Jang Geum Park (Former MBC Dramia) – A frequently used filming set for royal palace interiors, including the king’s chambers and court scenes.
Andong Hahoe Folk Village – Scenes depicting Heo Jun’s early life were shot in this UNESCO-listed village to maintain historical accuracy.
Korean Folk Village in Yongin – Medical centers, clinics, and commoner homes were filmed here, showcasing 16th-century architecture.
Namsangol Hanok Village – Used for its preserved hanok houses, ideal for scenes showing traditional Korean domestic life.

Visual Design and Costumes

Authentic Hanbok Styles – The drama showcases detailed hanbok designs based on social status, from royal silks to commoners’ cotton robes.
Medical Tools and Herbs – Period-accurate tools and apothecary jars visually enrich Heo Jun’s practice scenes, offering viewers a glimpse into traditional medicine.
Royal Court Aesthetics – The court scenes use rich color palettes like deep reds and golds to portray power, hierarchy, and grandeur.
Minimalist Rural Designs – Contrast is created through Heo Jun’s modest village origins, reflecting purity and simplicity.
Symbolic Color Use – Costumes and sets subtly use color to reflect emotions—such as white for mourning, or blue for wisdom and healing.

Themes and Messages

Rise Beyond Class Barriers – The story of Heo Jun highlights the possibility of overcoming social stigma through knowledge and perseverance.
Ethics in Medicine – The drama emphasizes moral responsibility in healing, especially the value of treating patients regardless of status.
Loyalty and Mentorship – The bond between Heo Jun and Yoo Ui Tae exemplifies the significance of teacher-student relationships.
Unrequited Love and Sacrifice – Emotional subplots involving Ye Jin and Da Hee convey themes of devotion, patience, and emotional restraint.
The Power of Knowledge – At its core, the series promotes education, discipline, and empathy as tools for personal and societal transformation.

Interesting Facts

Based on a Real Person – Heo Jun was an actual historical figure who authored the medical encyclopedia Donguibogam, still respected today in East Asia.
Kim Joo Hyuk’s Acclaimed Performance – The late actor received high praise for portraying Heo Jun with quiet intensity and emotional nuance.
A Spiritual Successor – This 2013 version is a remake of the 1999 hit Hur Jun, but includes deeper character development and expanded storylines.
Park Eun Bin’s Early Role – Known today for Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Park Eun Bin played a key supporting role as Da Hee early in her career.
High Episode Count – With 135 episodes, the show delves into intricate story arcs and detailed historical developments uncommon in modern K-dramas.

Awards

The awards and nominations received by Hur Jun, The Original Story at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards:

Kim Joo-hyuk was nominated for the Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama.
Namkoong Min received a nomination for the Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama.
Baek Yoon-sik was nominated for the Golden Acting Award, Actor.
Park Eun-bin earned a nomination for Best New Actress.

Real-Life Loves on Set

No real-life romantic relationship developed between the cast members of Hur Jun, The Original Story during or after the production of the drama.

The chemistry between Kim Joo Hyuk, Park Jin Hee, and Park Eun Bin was highly praised on screen, especially due to their strong acting skills and emotional performances. However, there has been no confirmed dating rumor or relationship involving these actors connected to this drama in real life.