Director Jin Hyuk, who previously worked on Master's Sun (2013), The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016–2017) and Sisyphus: The Myth (2021), and writer Park Ji-sook, who wrote My Spring Days (2014) and Uncle (2021–2022), teamed up to create the series.
[26] The Korea Times praised The Tale of Lady Ok for its progressive depiction of Goo-deok (Lim Ji-yeon), a female slave who defies societal norms in the Joseon Dynasty to become a legal advocate for the oppressed.
Lim Ji-yeon's compelling portrayal of Ok Tae-young was praised as a character evolving from a servant to a noblewoman, adding depth to the genre's traditional costume intrigue.
The drama's nuanced storytelling and engaging performances captivated viewers with its focus on personal transformation within a period setting offers a unique twist to familiar narratives.
Gong highlighted that while many dramas portray women's independence, The Tale of Lady Ok stands out for focusing on resolving issues within a legal framework rather than solely through personal effort.
[30] The series ranked eighth globally on Netflix's "TV Shows (Non-English)" from December 2 to 8, 2024, with 1.6 million views despite being only released in some Asian region initially.
[32] The show also generated significant buzz in South Korea, leading the drama category on Good Data Corporation FUNdex during December 10 and topping both TV and OTT charts within two weeks of its release.