The Encounter: Do Bul Gyeong Oh and Sung Yun-Gyeom
Despite the tragic death of Baek Yi, her grieving mother, Mak Sim, is imprisoned at the local magistrate’s office. Seeking to uncover the details of Mak Sim’s trial, Ok Tae-Young sneaks into the compound, scaling the wall after being denied entry by the guards. Inside, she encounters Sung Yun-Gyeom, the magistrate’s eldest son, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Cheon Seung-Hwi. Mistaking him for Cheon Seung-Hwi, Tae-Young inadvertently lets slip some revealing words. However, Sung Yun-Gyeom graciously lets the error pass. Tae-Young, realizing her mistake, excuses herself by citing the concept of Do Bul Gyeong Oh (“To mistake one for another due to their striking resemblance”). This creative phrase substitutes for “doppelgänger,” reflecting the drama’s commitment to its Joseon-era setting, where foreign terms would be anachronistic. Although “Do Bul Gyeong Oh” isn’t a term commonly used in Korea, it serves to enrich the fictional drama’s atmosphere.
Ok Tae-Young Becomes a Legal Advocate
Baek Yi’s wrongful death sparks an investigation into both the Song household and the Baek family. To navigate these perilous circumstances, Song Bu-In hires the most reputable oegibu (a Joseon-era legal advocate). Baek Yi’s mother, Mak Sim, is accused of insulting a noble and faces severe punishment, including imprisonment. Determined to protect Mak Sim, Tae-Young studies the relevant laws and argues in court that Mak Sim’s actions do not constitute defamation. However, the magistrate still sentences Mak Sim to 10 lashes for disrespecting a noble.
At this critical moment, Baek Do-Gwang, who secretly loved Baek Yi, confesses to the court that he himself killed her. His shocking admission not only absolves Mak Sim but also exposes the sinister forces behind Baek Yi’s death, ultimately leading to Mak Sim’s release. Tae-Young’s logical and passionate defense catches the eye of the magistrate, who is so impressed that he offers her the position of oegibu. Tae-Young accepts, setting out on her journey as a legal advocate.
The Marriage Proposal, Sung Yun-Gyeom, and the Pursuit of Runaway Slaves
Amidst a nationwide drought, an edict from the king commands that all unmarried nobles must promptly wed. Talks of a marriage between Ok Tae-Young and Sung Yun-Gyeom arise, but Tae-Young feels unworthy of living as Ok Tae-Young, still haunted by her past life as Gu Deok. Meanwhile, Sung Yun-Gyeom harbors deep feelings for Tae-Young and seeks to understand her hesitation. As they converse privately, an unexpected danger arises. Gu Deok’s former master, Kim So-Hye, appears, accompanied by chuno (slave hunters) who are in pursuit of runaway slaves. Kim So-Hye’s gaze locks with Tae-Young’s, marking a tense and uncertain cliffhanger as Episode 3 concludes.
Looking Ahead to Episode 4
As Ok Tae-Young faces Kim So-Hye, viewers are left wondering how she will navigate this perilous encounter. Will her quick wit and newfound position as an oegibu save her, or will her past life as Gu Deok resurface to threaten her current identity? The tension between Ok Tae-Young’s dual lives and her evolving relationships with Sung Yun-Gyeom and others adds layers of intrigue, making Episode 4 a highly anticipated chapter in The Tale of Lady Ok.
