This review may contain spoilers
60 Episodes of Drama, Politics & Kilig Moments
Okay, so Dong Yi was long—like, 60 episodes long—but somehow, I still loved every second of it (even if I was mentally begging for a fast-forward button at times). It’s a historical fiction retelling of Dong Yi (Han Hyo Joo), a concubine of King Suk Jong (Ji Jin Hee), and honestly, despite the heavy politics, betrayal, and tragedy, it still managed to have some super cute moments.
What I Loved
1. Dong Yi & The King’s First Meeting: Absolute gold. She was investigating something (the king was secretly snooping too), but since peasants weren’t allowed to look directly at the king, she had no idea who she was talking to. They needed to climb a wall to break in somewhere, but obviously, the noble king was not about to do something that undignified. Dong Yi? No problem—except she needed to step on his back to climb over. Tell me why that was the funniest thing ever. Every interaction between them had me feeling the kilig.
2. Jang Hui Bin’s Villain Arc: I love a good downfall. She started out kind, but power and family pressure pushed her straight into corrupt territory. I actually get why she ended up that way, but oof—the scheming, the betrayal, overthrowing Queen In Hyeon?? Girl, you were playing a dangerous game. That demotion back to concubine status? Satisfying. But when her son (the crown prince) got sick and was at risk of losing his position? Kinda heartbreaking, ngl.
3. Comic Relief (Bless Yeong Dal & Hwang Joo Shik): These two saved me from the intensity of all the political chaos. Their antics balanced out the serious tone, and they were basically Dong Yi’s found family, which made it even better.
4. Cha Cheon Soo’s Role (But Not the Forced Love Triangle): I appreciated that he didn’t actively pursue her too much because, let’s be real, he felt unnecessary as a romantic option. But his role as a minister later, guiding Dong Yi’s son when he became king? That part actually hit.
5. The Pure Tragedy of Dong Yi’s First Son: This hurt.
6. Having to leave the palace (I forgot why too, but it happened historically), and then losing her first son?? CRUSHING. But when she reunited with the king years later, and he found out she had a bright and thriving second son?? TEARS.
What Could’ve Been Better
1. 60 Episodes Was Too Much: Dong Yi could’ve easily been 30 episodes max, and it still would’ve had all the historical richness. They didn’t need to cram every single political scheme into this—artistic liberties exist for a reason.
2. Dong Yi’s Naïve Innocence: Listen, I love kind-hearted leads, but sometimes her naivety made it so easy for villains to manipulate her. It’s a classic K-drama trope, but I wish she had been a little sharper from the start.
Final Thoughts
Long? Yes. Emotionally exhausting? Sometimes. Worth watching? Definitely.
Rating? 8/10 Would I watch again? Maybe, but I’d mentally prepare myself for the length.
What I Loved
1. Dong Yi & The King’s First Meeting: Absolute gold. She was investigating something (the king was secretly snooping too), but since peasants weren’t allowed to look directly at the king, she had no idea who she was talking to. They needed to climb a wall to break in somewhere, but obviously, the noble king was not about to do something that undignified. Dong Yi? No problem—except she needed to step on his back to climb over. Tell me why that was the funniest thing ever. Every interaction between them had me feeling the kilig.
2. Jang Hui Bin’s Villain Arc: I love a good downfall. She started out kind, but power and family pressure pushed her straight into corrupt territory. I actually get why she ended up that way, but oof—the scheming, the betrayal, overthrowing Queen In Hyeon?? Girl, you were playing a dangerous game. That demotion back to concubine status? Satisfying. But when her son (the crown prince) got sick and was at risk of losing his position? Kinda heartbreaking, ngl.
3. Comic Relief (Bless Yeong Dal & Hwang Joo Shik): These two saved me from the intensity of all the political chaos. Their antics balanced out the serious tone, and they were basically Dong Yi’s found family, which made it even better.
4. Cha Cheon Soo’s Role (But Not the Forced Love Triangle): I appreciated that he didn’t actively pursue her too much because, let’s be real, he felt unnecessary as a romantic option. But his role as a minister later, guiding Dong Yi’s son when he became king? That part actually hit.
5. The Pure Tragedy of Dong Yi’s First Son: This hurt.
6. Having to leave the palace (I forgot why too, but it happened historically), and then losing her first son?? CRUSHING. But when she reunited with the king years later, and he found out she had a bright and thriving second son?? TEARS.
What Could’ve Been Better
1. 60 Episodes Was Too Much: Dong Yi could’ve easily been 30 episodes max, and it still would’ve had all the historical richness. They didn’t need to cram every single political scheme into this—artistic liberties exist for a reason.
2. Dong Yi’s Naïve Innocence: Listen, I love kind-hearted leads, but sometimes her naivety made it so easy for villains to manipulate her. It’s a classic K-drama trope, but I wish she had been a little sharper from the start.
Final Thoughts
Long? Yes. Emotionally exhausting? Sometimes. Worth watching? Definitely.
Rating? 8/10 Would I watch again? Maybe, but I’d mentally prepare myself for the length.
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