Choi Geum-young is a major character in Dae Jang Geum

Dae Jang Geum

Dae Jang Geum is a 2003 epic South Korean television series directed by Lee Byung Hoon and produced by MBC. Starring Lee Young Ae, it tells the tale of an orphaned kitchen cook who went on to become the king's first female physician...

. She is the niece of the evil but prominent merchant Choi Pan-sul

Choi Pan-sul

Choi Pan-sul is a minor character in Dae Jang Geum. He is the brother of Choi Seong-geum. Choi is a very wealthy and powerful but corrupt and evil merchant of the upper class yangban. Together with his sister, he monopolizes on the goods used in the Royal Kitchen for a huge profit...

. A very skilled cook, she obtains the post of Highest Lady of the Royal Kitchen and the privilege of cooking and serving the King's food. However, she got this unjustly from her evil aunt Choi Seong-geum

Choi Seong-geum

Choi Seong-geum is a major character in Dae Jang Geum. She is considered the most notorious woman in the series, and is known as Lady Choi throughout much of the series...

. Geum-young is also from the family line of Highest Ladies that held the post for generations, which was "passed" from aunt to niece.

Geum-young is not as ruthless as her aunt, but not morally pure either. Jang Geum and her had a reasonably close relationship. Geum-young also had a deep, unsuccessful love for Sir Min Jeong-ho, who loved Jang Geum. When the Choi family's crimes were revealed, Geum-young was kicked out of the palace. Choi Geum-Young was played by actress Hong Ri-Na in the series.