Rumors are flying about the much-anticipated sequel to “Jewel in the Palace” (Dae Jang Geum), an MBC hit drama which ignited the craze for Korean TV dramas in China and many Asian nations. But the TV channel said Friday that nothing was fixed yet.

“We’re discussing directors, cast and the detailed storyline of Dae Jang Geum 2. But it’s all talk as of now. Nothing has been decided,” an MBC official told the Herald Business, an affiliate of The Korea Herald. 

Earlier in the day, the broadcaster officially denied a news report that one of its producers, Kim Geun-hong, had been chosen to helm the series.

Kim, then an assistant producer, participated in production of the original 2003 drama about an orphan kitchen helper, Jang Geum, played by Lee Young-ae, who went on to become the king’s first female physician.

MBC’s plan to make the sequel was unveiled in October last year by the network’s then CEO Kim Jong-guk.

What’s currently known is that Kim Young-hyun, the writer of the original drama, will team up with colleague Park Sang-hyun for the sequel, which will portray Jang Geum a few years later as a mother. Actress Lee has been contacted again for the role, and the season is expected to begin airing in October.

Dae Jang Geum was aired from September 2003 to March 2004 here, with its final episode drawing 46.2 percent of viewers. Exported to about 90 countries in the world, it is widely credited for sparking the Korean Wave, particularly in China and Japan.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)