Jang Geum - Mentions in Annals of The Joseon Dynasty

Mentions in Annals of The Joseon Dynasty

Mentions of Jang Geum, or a "female doctor", happened on these occasions:

• March–April of 1515, when Jungjong's second wife (Queen Janggyeong) died as a result of complications from childbirth. Imperial court officers were trying to persuade the king to punish all medical women who treated the king's wife (including Jang Geum) severely. King Jungjong refused, saying that:
  • "Jang Geum deserves a big credit for her role in the safe childbirth of palace ladies, but I have never awarded her for her actions until now, because of other affairs. Now you (the court officers) are telling me to punish her because the Queen is dead, but I won't do that as well as I won't reward her. That's enough."

• 1524, when The Annals noted that:
  • "Dae Jang Geum was better than any other medical women in the Palace. As a result, she was permitted to look after the King"

• 1533, when The Annals quoted a comment by the King on his health:
  • "I have recovered from several month's sickness. The Royal Doctors and Pharmacists deserve praise. Jang-geum and Kye-geum, the two medical women, also will be rewarded with 15 rice bags, 15 bean sacks, and 10 cloths, respectively."

• January 29, 1544, when The Annals quoted an order issued by the King:
  • "I haven't executed my duties for a long time since I caught a cold. A few days ago, I attended an academic seminar (to discuss philosophies), but the cold weather made my condition worse. I already told Bak Se-geo and Hong Chim, the royal doctors, and top medical woman Dae Jang-geum to discuss about the prescription. Let the Medical Minister know that."

• February 9, 1544, when The Annals said the King praised Dae Jang Geum for his recovery from a cold.

• October 25, 1544, when The Annals recorded a conversation between an Imperial Minister and Jang Geum on the King's health, which is rapidly deteriorating. Jang Geum was quoted for saying this:
  • "He (the King) slept around midnight yesterday, and has also slept for a short time at dawn. He just passed his urine, but has been constipated for more than 3 days."

• October 26, 1544, when The Annals quoted this from the King:
  • I'm still constipated. What prescription should be made is under discussion. The female doctor (Dae Jang Geum) knows all about my condition." Later, Jang-geum explained her prescription for the king's symptoms to the ministers.

• October 29, 1544, when The Annals reported that the King has recovered and he granted all his medical officers a holiday. (The 56 years old King eventually died 17 days later, on November 15, 1544.)

The entry on October 29, 1544 was the last entry regarding Jang Geum.