Dong Yi (2010)

I mace this rec because both characters have to cross a lot of barriers because of their birth.
Both must face obstacles related to others with power trying to bring them down.
They hide in plain sight, in their own way, from enemies but the manner and method is different.
Both are intelligent but overlooked.
Both experienced loss that impact the choices they make.
The similarity ends there. I think Dong Yi is more dramatic (and it is subtle for a Kdrama) and this show is much more subtle and as grounded in reality as a period piece can be. Dong Yi is after all a palace drama. This drama is not campy at all. There is no fluff, in my opinion. No filler.

If you liked Under the Queen's Umbrella the surely you'll like Dong Yi it's a historical drama pertaining information of real figures in Korea... It's really similar to (UTQ'sU) per say but you'll surely love this if you haven't watched it yet

As you can see same characters, but just that for dong yi the story is a retelling through Consort Choi/dong yi perspective.

The stories are similar due to its main characters and the historical aspect.

The female character are of low birth but end up falling in love and marrying the king or emperor and even though she encounter a lot of evil women who are also vying for the king or emperors favor she doesn’t let anything bring her down and remains true to herself.

The male characters are a king(Dong Yi) and an emperor( Queen of Han) who fall in love with women they shouldn’t love but do everything they can to keep them by their sides and protect them from other women in the harem.

Both stories are very good and have a few similar aspects but amongst the two Dong Yi is my favorite.

It also has investigation in the story and Dong Yi also has shrewd investigative skills and relentless drive for justice. She also hide her identity.

Because the both plot were masterfully well thought. The twist and characters are great and charming.

This was probably the drama that brought Han Hyo-Joo (the FL) her fame and recognition. She did an exceptional job in that series.

It does have a bit more episodes than the usual dramas and it is a historical kdrama.

The story revolves around the real historical figures of the Joseon Era (also spelled as Choson) - King Suk-Jong and his wives: Queen In-hyeon, Consort Jang Hui-Bin, and Consort Choe Suk-Bin (played by Han Hyo-Joo). It's not a very accurate retelling of history but is based off actual event for the most part.

This drama was one of the pioneers of the Hallyu wave globally.