Blending historical events with fiction, the drama pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in history who helped found a new nation alongside her husband, even if said husband turned his back on her once he got a taste of power.
Despite facing numerous hurdles throughout her life, our queen faced it all head-on and didn’t get distracted from her goal of creating a new world for the people.
- Main Leads: Cha Joo-young | Lee Hyun-wook | Lee Yi-dam | Lee Si-ah
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- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: Under The Queen’s Umbrella | The Red Sleeve | Empress Ki | The King Of Tears, Lee Bang-won
The Queen Who Crowns Quick Series Recap
Based on true history, we follow the story of Queen Won-kyung as she helps her husband King Taejong ascend the throne and then faces the consequences after realizing that her husband isn’t the person she thought he was.
The Queen Who Crowns Series Highlights and Musings
Given the historical events, most plotlines were already decided. However, the drama’s interpretation of those events felt intriguing and made for an entertaining watch. Also, it was refreshing to shift the focus on Queen Won-kyung (Cha Joo-young) and the significant part she played in crowning her husband Lee Bang-won (Lee Hyun-wook).
During their time outside the palace, this pair was a power to be reckoned with, living as equals and sharing the same dream of creating a new world and doing right by the people. But after Bang-won became King Taejong, his insecurities got the best of him and made him turn against Won-kyung, the person who supported him the most. Long gone are the peaceful days, and Won-kyung’s misery starts at full throttle.
For all the humiliation Bang-won tried to inflict on her by taking in concubines left and right, Won-kyung kept her composure and held her head high throughout it all. But when it came to the safety of her children, Won-kyung put her foot down and didn’t waver until Bang-won retracted his foolish decisions that almost put their children in danger.
Granted, the Min Brothers (Won-kyung’s younger brothers) were stupid and impulsive, not learning from their mistakes and making bigger ones. Still, having them commit suicide was a huge blow to Won-kyung, who blamed herself for their deaths and lived with guilt.
As if that wasn’t enough torture, the remaining two brothers face the same fate after getting greedy and trying to come between the crown prince and Bang-won. It is almost as if all the men in Won-kyung’s life were determined to give her grief, including her firstborn son who she had to depose from his crown prince’s position since he wasn’t fitting to become a monarch.
What captivated us the most about Won-kyung’s character was her perseverance and how she got back on her feet despite the many tragedies befalling her. She didn’t let her emotions control her actions, yet kept her rationale till the end, even when dealing with her enemies. As her last act, Won-kyung ensures that the most befitting candidate inherits the throne and then retires from palace politics, leading a peaceful life until she breathes her last.
Surely, the historical events might differ from the drama. Yet, it is undoubted that Won-kyung was a powerful figure who played a crucial role in founding Joseon. Had it not been for her support, Bang-won wouldn’t have made it to the throne. It is a shame that he kept fighting Won-kyung and trying to bring her down all his life, only to realize his mistake after it was too late and Won-kyung was on her deathbed.
Elevating the drama further was the outstanding performance of Cha Joo-young who solidified her talent with his role, and it won’t be an overstatement to consider this the best performance of Queen Won-kyung’s character. Lee Hyun-wook shined too, and so did the rest of the cast members who did a good job in their respective roles.
All in all, The Queen Who Crowns took a page of history and shed light on the eventful life of Queen Won-kyung, making us curious about the parts of her life that weren’t covered in the drama and leaving us to wonder how things would have turned out if this powerful couple sustained their momentum even after entering the palace. But then again, that might be the fate one must bear as the price of the crown.
Photos and Videos: tvN Drama
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