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Esquire Korea

Model: Ji Jin Hee

April 2012

Esquire Korea

Model: Ji Jin Hee

April 2012

Dong Yi

Set during the Joseon Dynasty. Choi Dong Yi, a child of low birth who’s family was executed for treason by false accusations seeks refuge at the palace to hide from the police and at the same time find proof of her family’s innocence by becoming a slave at the music bureau. Years later, She meets Jang Hee Bin, the King’s concubine who has a connection to the death of her family. The two develop a friendship and later on helps Jang Hee Bin thru a number of obstacles which helps her gain favor in court. It was because thru these series of events that Dong Yi and the King meet. Disguised as noble, The King meets Dong Yi thru an uncompromising situation and later on develop an unusual friendship which later on, springs into love.

This definitely is the longest K-Drama that I have ever watched. With 60 episodes it definitely beats Queen Seondeok which had 45 in episode count. The 60 episode journey that Dong Yi offered was definitely worth the walk. Compelling, Intriguing, and Mildly Cute. These are the three things that I would say best describes this drama. Dong Yi offered a very compelling and intriguing story line. The directing, editing, and even the musical score was used effectively and it’s full potential maximized. But the thing that I liked most in this drama was the relationship between King Sukjong and Dong Yi. The chemistry was really great and I couldn’t help but swoon over them every time they were both in the screen. Especially when they were acting cute and lovingly towards each other, I couldn’t help but scream CUTE!!! and giggle every time. In as much as I have no qualms that the drama gave bigger focus on the Political conflicts and fight for power. I couldn’t help but wish that they gave a bigger focus or at least a bigger amount of attention towards the romantic relationship of Dong Yi and King Sukjong  especially on the cute moments because they were DEFINITELY the highlight of the drama. 

In terms of acting, There is definitely no lack of talent or acting prowess here. Everybody delivered whether it was on the comedic, dramatic or scheming side. Everybody was effective on their individual roles and the chemistry between actors was great.

On a side note though, I felt that the story became weaker as we approached the 60th episode. Most especially the last episode, which was rather unfortunate because I always feel that the last episode has to be one of the strongest episode throughout the drama’s run. But then again this isn’t entirely new, since a lot of K-Drama’s seems to have trouble ending their dramas smoothly. A lot of which, is usually rushed and done with the thought of “Okay. Let’s just finish this” without really taking consistency and quality into consideration but this is somehow understandable because we all know the pains of the “Live Shoot” System that K-drama industry utilizes.

So My Rating for this drama is ★★★★★ or 5/5 STARS

High Cut Korea

Ji Jin Hee