Set during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty, the story focuses on Dong Yi, a water maid who gains the trust of Queen Inhyeon and later the favour of the king when he is moved by her prayers for the health of the Queen during the court disputes caused by Jang Hee Bin. Dong Yi becomes a concubine with the rank of sook-bin and bears a son who will later become the 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo.
Han Hyo-joo
Dong Yi
Park Ha-seon
Queen Inhyeon
Jeong Dong-hwan
Oh Tae-suk
Ji Jin-hee
King Sukjong
Lee So-yeon
Jang Hee-Bin
Bae Soo-bin
Cha Jeon-Soo
Jung Jin-young
Kim You-jung
Dong Yi (young)
Lee Kwang-soo
Yeong-dal
Kim Dong-yoon
Shim Woon-taek
Yeo Hyun-soo
Ge Dwo-ra
Oh Yeon-seo
Queen Inwon
