Dong Yi: Review, Story, Cast, Episodes, Release Date, Budget & More

Dong Yi

“Dong Yi” is a 2010 South Korean historical drama starring Han Hyo-joo, Ji Jin-hee, Lee So-yeon, and Bae Soo-bin. Directed by Lee Byung-hoon, who previously helmed the legendary “Jewel in the Palace,” the series aired on MBC from March to October 2010 for 60 episodes. This sweeping saga follows the remarkable true story of Choi Suk-bin, a lowly water maid who rose to become King Sukjong’s beloved concubine and mother of the 21st King of Joseon, King Yeongjo. Filmed at Yongin Daejanggeum Park where other iconic historical dramas like “Jumong” were shot, the series features breathtaking period costumes, elaborate palace sets, and traditional Korean music that brings the Joseon Dynasty to life. What sets “Dong Yi” apart is how it balances political intrigue with genuine romance and personal integrity, watching an orphan navigate deadly court politics while maintaining her moral compass makes for incredibly compelling television that captivated audiences across Asia.

Dong Yi (2021): Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More

InfoDong Yi
GenreHistorical
Romance
LanguageKorean
Directed byLee Byung-hoon
Kim Sang-hyub
Star CastHan Hyo-joo
Ji Jin-hee
Lee So-yeon
Bae Soo-bin
Park Ha-sun
Jung Jin-young
Produced byMBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation)
Production
companies
Lydus Contents Company
AStory
Written byKim Yi-young
CinematographyArtur Zurawski
CountrySouth Korea
Original networkMBC TV
Original release22 March –12 October 2010
Running time70 minutes

Dong Yi Storyline

Young Dong-yi’s world shatters when her father and brother, members of the Sword Fraternity, are wrongfully executed for murdering noblemen. Orphaned and hiding her true identity, she enters the royal palace as a humble water maid, driven by her determination to clear her family’s name and expose the real conspirators. Through brilliant investigative skills and unwavering dedication to justice, she rises from servant to court lady inspector. During her investigations, she repeatedly encounters a mysterious nobleman who’s actually King Sukjong in disguise. Impressed by her intelligence, compassion, and warm personality, the King eventually brings her into his court as a concubine, where their romance blossoms amidst dangerous political battles, palace conspiracies, and rivalry with the ambitious Queen Jang.

Dong Yi Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth

Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.

1.Han Hyo-joo as Choe Dong-yi, Royal Noble Consort Suk

Han Hyo-joo as Choe Dong-yi, Royal Noble Consort Suk
InfoChoe Dong-yi, Royal Noble Consort Suk
Real NameHan Hyo-joo
Salary Per Web Series $100,000
Net Worth$1 million to $5 million

2.Kim Yoo-jung as young Choe Dong-yi

Kim Yoo-jung as young Choe Dong-yi
Info young Choe Dong-yi
Real NameKim Yoo-jung
Salary Per Web Series$400,000
Net Worth$6 million

3.Ji Jin-hee as King Sukjong

Ji Jin-hee as King Sukjong
InfoKing Sukjong
Real NameJi Jin-hee
Salary Per Web Series$160,000
Net Worth$5 million to $15 million

4.Lee So-yeon as Jang Ok-jeong, Royal Noble Consort Hui

Lee So-yeon as Jang Ok-jeong, Royal Noble Consort Hui
InfoJang Ok-jeong, Royal Noble Consort Hui
Real NameLee So-yeon
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

5.Bae Soo-bin as Cha Chun-soo

Bae Soo-bin as Cha Chun-soo
InfoCha Chun-soo
Real NameBae Soo-bin
Salary Per Web Series$100,000
Net WorthNot Known

6.Park Ha-sun as Queen Min

Park Ha-sun as Queen Min
InfoQueen Min
Real NamePark Ha-sun
Salary Per Web Series$45,000
Net WorthNot Known

7.Jung Jin-young as Seo Young-gi

Jung Jin-young as Seo Young-gi
InfoSeo Young-gi
Real NameJung Jin-young
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

8.Jung Dong-hwan as Oh Tae-suk

Jung Dong-hwan as Oh Tae-suk
Info Oh Tae-suk
Real NameJung Dong-hwan
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

9.Lee Kye-in as Oh Tae-poong

Lee Kye-in as Oh Tae-poong
InfoOh Tae-poong
Real NameLee Kye-in 
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net Worth $759,702

10.Choi Cheol-ho as Oh Yoon

Choi Cheol-ho as Oh Yoon
InfoOh Yoon
Real NameChoi Cheol-ho
Salary Per Web SeriesNot Known
Net WorthNot Known

Dong Yi Web Series Awards

AwardsCategoryRecipients
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Dong Yi Review

“Dong Yi” stands as one of the greatest historical K-dramas ever made, earning its reputation alongside “Jewel in the Palace.” Han Hyo-joo shines brilliantly as the title character, embodying Dong-yi’s intelligence, kindness, and strength with remarkable depth. Ji Jin-hee delivers an exceptional performance as King Sukjong, balancing royal authority with vulnerability and genuine affection that makes their romance believable and touching. Lee So-yeon creates a memorable villain in Jang Hui-bin. At 60 episodes, it’s admittedly a commitment, but the pacing remains surprisingly smooth with consistent plot development. The rich character arcs, political intrigue, beautiful costumes, nostalgic OST, and insight into Korean history make every episode worthwhile. Yes, Dong-yi can seem almost unrealistically noble, but her journey from orphan to royal consort is genuinely inspiring. This epic saga perfectly demonstrates how kindness, intelligence, and integrity can triumph over corruption a timeless message delivered through masterful storytelling that continues captivating new audiences years later.

Disclaimer: The Data is collected from various sources and some from our own research. These data can be estimated and Primes World does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data.