Dong Yi (2010)
A captivating Korean historical drama tracing one woman's extraordinary rise from palace servant to royal concubine in the Joseon court.
Dong Yi - Series Information
- Original Title: 동이
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Kim Yi-young
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 65 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: March 22, 2010 (United States - NR), March 22, 2010 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: MBC
- Alternative Titles: Jewel in the Crown (US), دونگ یی (IR), 同伊 (KR)
- Production Countries: South Korea
Dong Yi - Plot
Set during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty, the story focuses on Dong Yi, a water maid who gains the trust of Queen Inhyeon and later the favour of the king when he is moved by her prayers for the health of the Queen during the court disputes caused by Jang Hee Bin. Dong Yi becomes a concubine with the rank of sook-bin and bears a son who will later become the 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo.
Dong Yi - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the world of the Joseon royal court:
Where to Watch Dong Yi
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Dong Yi - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kim Yi-young
Main Cast
- Han Hyo-joo
- Park Ha-seon
- Jeong Dong-hwan
- Ji Jin-hee
- Lee So-yeon
- Bae Soo-bin
- Jung Jin-young
- Kim Yoo-jung
- Lee Kwang-soo
- Kim Dong-yoon
Writers
- Kim Yi-young
Dong Yi - FAQs
Is Dong Yi based on a true story?
Yes, Dong Yi is inspired by the real historical figure Choi Suk-bin, a concubine of King Sukjong during the Joseon dynasty. She was of low birth and rose to royal favor, becoming the mother of Prince Yeoning, who later reigned as King Yeongjo, the 21st monarch of Joseon.
Who plays Dong Yi in the series?
Han Hyo-joo plays the adult Dong Yi, delivering a widely praised performance that helped establish her as a leading actress in Korean historical drama. Kim Yoo-jung portrays the young Dong Yi in the earlier episodes, also earning strong recognition for her work.
Where can you stream Dong Yi online?
Dong Yi is available to stream on OnDemandKorea (with subscription and ad-supported tiers), Kocowa, Kocowa via Amazon Channel, and The Roku Channel. Availability may vary by region. You can compare all current viewing options on JustWatch for the most up-to-date information.
What is Dong Yi about?
Dong Yi follows a humble water maid during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty. After earning Queen Inhyeon's trust and the king's admiration, she rises to become the royal concubine Sook-bin and gives birth to a son who will become King Yeongjo of Joseon.
How many episodes does Dong Yi have?
Dong Yi consists of 60 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 65 minutes, making it a substantial watch that unfolds the full arc of Dong Yi's journey from her origins as a water maid to her prominent position within the Joseon royal court.
When did Dong Yi first air?
Dong Yi premiered on March 22, 2010, on MBC in South Korea. The series concluded in 2010 after its full 60-episode run. It aired during a prime-time slot and attracted consistently high viewership ratings throughout its broadcast, cementing its status as a beloved Korean historical drama.
What are shows similar to Dong Yi?
Viewers who enjoyed Dong Yi often recommend Jewel in the Palace (2003), Six Flying Dragons (2015), The Great Queen Seondeok (2009), Hwajung (2015), and Bloody Heart (2022). These series share a focus on Joseon-era court intrigue, compelling female protagonists, and richly detailed historical settings.
How was Dong Yi received by critics and audiences?
Dong Yi was very well received in South Korea and across Asia, drawing peak ratings above 30% during its broadcast on MBC. Critics praised Han Hyo-joo's performance, the production's attention to period detail, and its emotionally engaging storyline. It remains one of the most popular Korean historical dramas of its era.
More About Dong Yi
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