"Dong Yi" is a historical drama based on the life of Dong-yi later known as Suk-bin Choi (Han Hyo-Joo). Choi worked in the royal palace as a lowly water maid. King Sok-jong then selected Choi as his concubine. Choi would then give birth to Yeong-jo, the second son of King Sok-jong and the future king of Joseon. After the birth of Yeong-jo, Dong-yi would become Suk-bin.

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  Bae Su Bin (Cha Jeon Soo (bodyguard))

  Main Role

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  Ji Jin Hee (King Suk Jong)

  Main Role

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  Lee So Yeon (Jang Hui Bin / Jang Ok Jeong)

  Main Role

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  Han Hyo Joo (Dong Yi / Choi Suk Bin)

  Main Role

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  Jung Yoo Mi (Jung Eum)

  Supporting Role

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  Jeong Jin Yeong (Seo Yong Gi)

  Supporting Role

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  • Feb 1, 2013

• Feb 25, 2012 60 of 60 episodes seen

  LillithEvans
  12 of 12 people found this review helpful
  Other reviews by this user
  • Overall  9
  • Story  9
  • Acting/Cast  10
  • Music  8
  • Rewatch Value  8

  Dong Yi is this long, epic drama. Admittedly most people feel a little scared to watch it because of its length but it's definitely worth the time spent to watch it.
  
  The drama is definitely an eye opener. There are a lot of shocking moments in this drama where you go my dear god would people actually do that! They're appalling but it really gives you perspective on how seriously politics was taken back then. Also it gives great insight into the slave class and how they were treated in Korea. The drama does a great job of bringing light to that. On top of that the writers did an excellent job of weaving in romance where possible among the tragedies and mysteries of the palace.
  
  Han Hyo Joo does an excellent job of portraying the righteous, just and beautiful Dong Yi who captures many a man's heart while she's on the quest for justice. Ji Jin Hee IS EXCELLENT. I don't know how else to say it. I'm actually a Bae Soo Bin fan so for Ji Jin Hee to steal the light from him in the drama was a pretty big deal for me. He's an excellent king! Very unlike the other kings I've seen in dramas who are portrayed very seriously and he makes it very easy to like him as a leader. Lee So Yeon is a scary woman...honestly her eyes scare me, she truly is the perfect choice for the seductress Lady Jang. Bae Soo Bin is sweet but not quite the main focus so I'll refrain from commenting on how awesome he looks with a beard.
  
  The music behind the scenes is great and it suits the drama perfectly. Sometimes there's some pieces that when you know they come up something bad is going to happen and so I just started hating those ones but thats the only negative thing I can really say about that. Jang Nara is a great song.
  
  And over all! It is honestly one of the best dramas I've ever seen.
  
  Yes you should see it. Absolutely. You'd be a fool not to :) Even with it's 60 hour length! read more

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• Aug 8, 2012 60 of 60 episodes seen

  Red1
  12 of 14 people found this review helpful
  Other reviews by this user
  • Overall  10
  • Story  10
  • Acting/Cast  9
  • Music  10
  • Rewatch Value  10

  OK where do I even begin???
  
  This was by far the best Korean drama no scratch that the BEST Asian drama I ever seen to date. I mean it was so captivating sometimes I forgot to eat ( yeah that is how addicted I got :) ). The story line was inspiring, funny and captivating. The actors did a very well done job in conveying their emptions well with their acting. The music was just amazing, i could not get it out of my head even if i try to. Personally, despite being 60 episode, you will never get bored because, each episode has its own story line and a new adventure for Dong Yi and her fellow people.
  
  As always there can never be a 100% perfect drama out there so here are a few pointers i found a bit annoying.
  
  *To muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh bloody flashbacks, i will guarantee you there will be flashbacks every 5 min in each episode.
  * The actors sometimes seem a bit lost while in the middle of filming, they just seem to stare out into space.
  * sometimes it feels like the story line was a bit repeated.
  *To be honest 60 episode was not needed they could have stopped at 50.
  
  Overall, if you like Historical drams then this is the one to watch, it was witty, charming, charismatic and just lovely to watch.
  
  Let me know what you think (",) read more

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  Yi San

  Both dramas are historical.The love stories are very similar: between a poor girl and the king. Despite the fact that she is poor, she is also intelligent and very beautiful so she gains the king's attention and heart. The OST is extraordinary! Both of them worth watching!

  reportRecommended by Yeona
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  Jewel in the Palace

  They are both Joseon-centric Historical dramas with emotionally and mentally strong, intelligent female characters as the leads. They also both contain similar values and have overlapping cast in places. (Dong Yi takes place before Dae Jang Geum...)

  reportRecommended by KimYunmi