Dong Yi (English title Dawn) is perhaps my favourite sageuk (historical) drama from South Korea. It was the first one I watched, and believe me, seeing 60 episodes when the longest K-drama I had dared to view was 30 episodes, it seemed quite a feat. I kept hearing about Dong Yi over and over on internet pages, but the 60 episode total continually deterred me. It was only until I realised that actress Han Hyo Joo, who had done such a phenomenal job in Shining Inheritance was in this drama that I decided to give it a go. I LOVED it. It exceeded all expectations.
The story of Dong Yi traces the journey of a young girl, from her slave roots to become a Royal Consort in the Joseon court of King Sukjong. One of the things that deterred me from watching Dong Yi was the write up describing her as a royal concubine, and to be perfectly honest I was not a fan of stories dealing with polygamy no matter what time period it was in, but somehow in K-drama sageuk's I don't mind. I don't know if its attributed to the writing, or greater understanding of history, but I accept it, and even more often than not, think it is better for them to have multiple wives than just the one, cause in these dramas they never love the first wife.
There are always marriages of convenience or for political alignment. That kind of selfishness and power struggling cannot lead to any happiness for anyone. However, here I am ranting on something else, I need to back track. As I was saying, the storyline of Dong Yi. We watch, the girl transform from her humble roots as a regular slave, to a palace slave (a little more prestigious), to a palace investigator, to a royal consort, to the person 2nd in line to the throne after the Queen. It is a phenomenal and heart warming journey.
There are always marriages of convenience or for political alignment. That kind of selfishness and power struggling cannot lead to any happiness for anyone. However, here I am ranting on something else, I need to back track. As I was saying, the storyline of Dong Yi. We watch, the girl transform from her humble roots as a regular slave, to a palace slave (a little more prestigious), to a palace investigator, to a royal consort, to the person 2nd in line to the throne after the Queen. It is a phenomenal and heart warming journey.
"She is a child who has lost everything and will encounter seven major obstacles, if she can achieve those she will be the light of the future."
It is an exceptional tale of courage, with political schemes and plots. Everyone is fighting for power, and the strong will not suffer the weak. There is no one to be trusted, and a friend can easily become a foe. Alliances change with the drop of a hat, and danger lurks around every corner, yet the warm and genuine presence of Dong Yi is such a shining light, that those who come to her side, are swept away.
The same is done to the audience. You are swept away in her journey, supporting her and feeling for her. Every injury and failure brings you to despair, and every victory lifts you to new heights. You fear for her safety and revel in her success. But most importantly, you share in her love story. I believe what truly makes Dong Yi stands out above all the other sageuk's that I have seen to date, is the romance between herself and King Sukjong. It is friendship and mutual trust that grows into a powerful and deep love. Not only is there deep romantic love, but other kinds of love. The love between parent and child, brother and sister, friend and confidant, superior and subordinate.
A litany of emotional scales are depicted in Dong Yi and one cannot escaped. This drama grabs you at the emotional core and doesn't let you go. Backed by a astounding OST and musical score that enhances each and every emotion, you are transported from the 21st century to the 16th Century Joseon period. The stellar performances of Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee, Bae Soo Bin and Lee So Yeon drew you into the story and there was no escape. Also the child actress Kim Yoo Jung, who portrayed the young Dong Yi, brought me to tears on several occasions and set the stage for pulling you into Dongyiverse (Not a real place). From then on there was no escaping.
A litany of emotional scales are depicted in Dong Yi and one cannot escaped. This drama grabs you at the emotional core and doesn't let you go. Backed by a astounding OST and musical score that enhances each and every emotion, you are transported from the 21st century to the 16th Century Joseon period. The stellar performances of Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee, Bae Soo Bin and Lee So Yeon drew you into the story and there was no escape. Also the child actress Kim Yoo Jung, who portrayed the young Dong Yi, brought me to tears on several occasions and set the stage for pulling you into Dongyiverse (Not a real place). From then on there was no escaping.
The cinematography on this drama was also splendid. There were beautiful shots in the rural parts of Korea, on cliffs, in traditional villages and within royal palaces. The costumes were bright and colourful depicting the beauty of the Joseon era. Although, not all elements were historically correct, these inconsistencies failed to raise any red flags as, the tale itself overpowered these issues.
Dong Yi is the sageuk that has in something for everyone. Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Thrills, Action, and so much more. From episode 1 to 60 it is well written, well directed and well acted. It is definitely worth your time. I give Dong Yi the full 5 out of 5 on the Bel Scale. All I can say is to grab a box of tissues and hold on to your hats, cause Dong Yi is the emotional roller coaster that you wont want to get off of.
According to Bel: It's a smash hit. So do enjoy it.
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