Science prodigy TV drama rates well

"Jang Yeong-sil" poster / Courtesy of KBS

Song Il-gook as Jang Yeong-sil

The first episode of KBS TV drama “Jang Yeong-sil,” about the nation’s first science prodigy Jang Yeong-sil from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), recorded an 11 percent Nielsen rating on Saturday.

The drama depicts Jang’s childhood, when he started showing outstanding interest ability in science.

But he could not follow his dream because of his low status as a peasant.

Even before the screening, the drama had aroused nationwide interest because it featured Song Il-gook, who starred in “Jumong” (2006-2007) and “A Man called God” (2010).

Jang, one of the most famous historical figures in Korean history, invented astronomical instruments that showed the positions of the sun, moon and stars.

He also invented a water clock, a sundial, a rain gauge and more during the King Sejong era.

Media reports say the drama is “lightweight and fun to watch” because it is “not so grim and dry as past K-dramas based on history.”