According to Ohmynews, Dong Yi (also known as Jewel in the Crown) was a major production commemorating broadcaster MBC's 49th anniversary. Directed by Lee Byung Hoon and Kim Sang Hyup and written by Kim Yi Young, the 60-episode series aired from 22/3/2010 to 12/10/2010. Over its seven-month run, the drama generated significant buzz, averaging 24.5% viewership and peaking at 33.1%, surpassing other shows airing at the same time.

Poster featuring the cast. Photo: MBC

The story revolves around the real-life figure Choi Dong Yi (Royal Noble Consort Suk-bin Choi, 1670-1718), a consort of King Sukjong (1661-1720) and the mother of King Yeongjo (1694-1776), the longest-reigning (52 years) and longest-lived (82 years) monarch in Joseon history. However, the drama takes creative liberties with the historical record, fictionalizing many events, details, fates, and personalities.

Beyond the romance between a commoner and a king, the drama portrays palace power struggles, corrupt officials, poisonings, and succession battles. The script depicts Dong Yi as beautiful, intelligent, righteous, compassionate, and willing to challenge authority.

The series begins with a young Dong Yi (played by Kim Yoo Jung) enjoying a carefree life with her family. After her father and brother are framed by corrupt officials, she becomes a servant and enters the palace to escape rebels, hoping to clear her family's name. Guard Cha Chun Soo (Bae Soo Bin) becomes her protector. With her intelligence and quick wit, Dong Yi (played as an adult by Han Hyo Joo) wins the favor of other palace maids, eunuchs, Queen Inhyun (Park Ha Sun), and eventually King Sukjong (Ji Jin Hee), becoming Royal Noble Consort Suk-bin Choi. This makes her a rival of Royal Noble Consort Hui-bin Jang (Lee So Yeon). Dong Yi endures the loss of her first child and witnesses loved ones face life-threatening situations.

Using her intelligence, Dong Yi solves poisoning cases, thwarts political conspiracies, and saves the queen. Following a major incident, she is expelled from the palace and gives birth to a prince alone. Seven years later, she reunites with the king and challenges Royal Noble Consort Hui-bin Jang, refusing the position of queen. After her son ascends the throne, she leaves the palace to live a simple life. The drama concludes with the people praising her virtue and character.

On IMDb, viewers describe Dong Yi as a romantic historical drama, praising the chemistry between Han Hyo Joo and Ji Jin Hee. Reddit users compare the series to a "rollercoaster," blending love, intrigue, human values, and humor, keeping them engaged from beginning to end. Critics consider Dong Yi a prime example of the classic historical drama genre: celebrating a woman's perseverance, dignity, and pursuit of justice, according to Osen.

On Daum, Pann, and other websites, writers highlight memorable scenes, particularly one where the king allows Dong Yi to step on his back to climb over a wall, symbolizing love transcending social barriers. Another powerful scene involves Dong Yi's grief after her newborn son is poisoned by a royal consort; Han Hyo Joo's performance in this scene is often rated 10/10 by viewers on Nate.

A popular scene depicts Dong Yi teaching her son, Yi Geum. Recognizing her son's genius, she instructs him to feign ignorance to protect him from potential threats. During an assessment before the court, Yi Geum pretends not to know the answers, despite knowing them. Corrupt officials criticize Dong Yi's humble background, doubting her ability to raise a capable child. Upset by the insults towards his mother, the 7-year-old boy disregards his mother's instructions and recites the Four Books and Five Classics flawlessly, astonishing everyone. Ohmynews describes this scene as thrilling and insightful, reflecting a child's protective instincts towards their mother.

The production team adapted the script based on viewer feedback. Initially, Cha Chun Soo was intended as a secondary male lead and the king's rival. However, due to the positive reception of the king and Dong Yi's romance, the writers reduced Cha Chun Soo's role, making him a loyal ally who secretly protects Dong Yi.

The soundtrack, featuring songs like "Walk in a Dreamy Road," "Hibiscus" (performed by Jang Nara), "Ae Byeol Ri" (Lim Hyung Joo), "Aewolrang" (Jang Yoon Jung), and "Cliff" (Lim Se Hyeon), enhances the drama's emotional impact.

Despite the praise, the drama also received criticism. Some researchers argue against classifying Dong Yi as historical due to its distortion of events and historical figures, particularly its idealization of Dong Yi, a figure less prominent than Queen Inhyun or Royal Noble Consort Hui-bin Jang.

DongA Ilbo criticized Dong Yi's script as formulaic and unoriginal, comparing it to Dae Jang Geum, also produced by MBC and directed by Lee Byung Hoon. Both dramas feature female leads from humble beginnings who rise to prominence in the palace through talent and virtue. While Han Hyo Joo delivers a strong performance, some argue her presence falls short of Lee Young Ae's.

The 60-episode length contributes to a somewhat drawn-out narrative, with repetitive flashbacks. The large cast of supporting characters can be confusing, detracting from the main storyline. Costumes and dialogue are occasionally criticized as simplistic. Lee Kwang Soo and other actors are criticized for exaggerated and unnatural performances.

* Notable cast of "Dong Yi"

Despite the controversies, Dong Yi is ranked among the top three best historical Korean dramas (after Dae Jang Geum and Jumong), according to Hancinema. For her portrayal of Dong Yi from youth to middle age, Han Hyo Joo won the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the MBC Drama Awards and Best Actress at the 47th Baeksang Arts Awards at age 24, earning her the title of "Queen of Historical Dramas," surpassing Lee Young Ae. She is among the few Korean stars to receive such prestigious awards in their twenties. Director Lee Byung Hoon received the Achievement Award at the 2010 Korea Drama Awards. Actors Jung Dong Hwan, Ji Jin Hee, Lee So Yeon, Park Ha Sun, Kim Yu Seok, Kim Yoo Jung, and Lee Hyung Suk also received awards that year.

Thien Lam