American Perspectives: I find 장옥정 more interesting than 동이

Don't get me wrong!  I do like 동이, and I find her to be a great character, however, she's a little too virtuous for my taste.  If she was anymore virtuous than she already is, I don't think I would like her.  I like my strong female leads to have a little more edge. Such as when I watched Queen 선덕, I strongly preferred 미실 over Princess 덕만.  In 화랑, I preferred Princess 숙명 over 아로, and in 기황후, I thought all of the female leads were amazing.  Maybe it's because as an American from the conservative Caldwell, Idaho; the good girl narrative has been shoved down my throat.  In addition to fighting covertly.  Me, I'm more into being straight forward and direct.  I get tired of playing silly and complicated games.  I am aware, however, that in real life, 동이 was known for being virtuous, and 장옥정 was known for being very cruel.

I find 장옥정 more interesting because she's unapologetically calculating and smart.  She doesn't hide it behind smiles, doe eyes, and giggles.  You know from looking at her that the woman is probably someone you don't want to mess with.  Plus she's gorgeous!  And when the situation calls for it, she is great at being covert and insidious.  And you know what? 동이 is actually kind of insidious.  She puts forth this innocent image, but then she nails you when you least accept it.

For the record, I don't agree with the actions of 자옥정, and there have been many times where I said "what a bitch!" while watching this show.  However, it's her ambition and thought process that resonate with me.  She is very goal oriented.  She doesn't hide it behind a facade of virtue and sweetness.  If you've pissed her off, you will definitely know!