Korean Drama - Dong Yi / Jewel in The Crown

LadyJan: For Dong Yi fans, Channel U will be showing this drama in Singapore every Mondays to Fridays, 7pm from 27 April 2011 :) For those who have not seen this drama, you should give it a try as it is really nice and addictive!!! I'm definitely going to watch it again on TV! (updated 9 April 2011)

I have recently started watching this addictive and entertaining 50 episodes (extended to 60 episodes due to its popularity and good ratings) Korean MBC TV historical drama "Dong Yi" which has been showing in Korea since March 2010. I also loves the soundtrack sung by actress and singer Jang Nara. "Dong Yi" continues to be stiff competition for the prime time lineup on Monday and Tuesday nights, remaining the No. 1 show in Korea for the 13th consecutive week. It is directed by director Lee Byung Hoon who has directed many hits and phenomenal Korean Historical Dramas like "Yi San" and "Jewel in The Palace" and stars top Korean actors Ji Jin Hee and Han Hyo Joo.

This TV biopic traces the tumultuous life of Lady Choi Sook-bin, who was born as a lowly commoner (Choi Dong Yi) but entered the royal palace to become a royal concubine where she shone ever so brilliantly. The life of her son, who is fathered by King Sook-jong, is also depicted as he transforms into the next king.

But before all of the glory, Lady Choi Suk Bin had a very difficult and a hard life story. It is a little bit like the main characters in "Jewel In The Palace" and "Yi San" as it is also about the struggle of a young palace maid who has a pure heart, is intelligent, hardworking, brave and never gives up despite all the unfortunate events that have befallen her and the people close to her. She believes in fighting for justice and the weak and is not afraid to fight against the powerful Queen and government officials.

Lady Choi Sook-bin gingerly and wisely maneuvers through the deadly political infighting in the royal courts in order to survive and protect her son, who was fathered by the king. She raises her son into a well-balanced and educated person though strict discipline.

I love the episodes where Dong Yi first met the king and did not know his true identity. It was so funny seeing the king's expression when Dong Yi steps on his back to climb over a wall! The scene where he tries to protect her with a sword even though he has never gotten into a fight before as a king was both touching and comical! I also love the recent episode where Dong Yi and the king meet once again (after she had to fled the palace when the Queen tried to kill her) and are able to reveal their feelings about each other. Another character i like in the drama is Cha Cheon-soo who is the childhood friend to Dong Yi’s older brother and watches over her throughout her life, loving her devotedly. Really feel sorry for him as he has feelings for Dong Yi but advise her to be with the king for the sake of her happiness.

Starring

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Dong Yi (actress Han Hyo-joo)

After her father and brother were executed for crimes that they did not commit, she becomes orphaned at a young age. Through sheer personality, she elevates her status by having herself picked as a palace servant. Cha Cheon-soo is utterly devoted to her and will do anything to protect her. While waiting on court ladies as a palace servant, she is noticed by King Sook-jong and has his son. Their son Prince Yeon-ing later becomes a king. She becomes embroiled in a fierce battle against Queen Jang Hee-bin over whose son will ascend the throne.

King Sook-jong (actor Ji Jin-hee)

He succeeds in reasserting the royal powers of the throne, which had been weakened by court politics. Ascending the throne at the tender age of 14, he grows into a charismatic and excellent leader. He has a strong will to get things done and strikes fear among his subjects. He is impressed with Dong Yi's charming personality and intellect and later falls deeply in love with her.

Queen Jang Hee-bin (actress Lee So-yeon)

She is much beloved by King Sook-jong but the Queen Mother detested her and had her exiled from the palace. She comes out of exile later on and returns to the palace, whereupon she bears a son to the king. She has a bitter rivalry against Dong Yi throughout the episodes and always opposes Dong Yi on every matter they confront.

Cha Cheon-soo (actor Bae Soo-bin)

During the day, he works at the royal police station, inspecting bodies suspected of dying from foul play, while at night, he assumes the identity of the leader of the underground Geomgye secret society that fights corruption and misdeeds. He dedicates himself to protecting Dong Yi, whom he loves dearly.

Those interested in the drama can also watch it online at (http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/dong-yi-episode-list/).

Wallpaper Of The Drama

(Source: http://www.hancinema.net/korean_drama_Dong_Yi.php#synopsis)
(Source: http://www.koreandrama.org/?p=1676)
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukjong_of_Joseon)
(Source: http://www.hancinema.net/dong-yi-is-stiff-competition-on-mon-tues-nights-24130.html)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhMDwiXnvyo)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kmKbkPbG9E)
(Source: http://allkoreandrama.com/dong-yi#more-3190)
(Source: http://www.facebook.com/chu7pm?sk=wall)