In the year when time-warping stories dominate K-Dramaland, tvN’s Queen and I reigned with resounding cleverness and charm.
The drive to bring viewers to a spontaneous romance binge whilst holding the reign to an incessantly bewitching plot was quenchless for this Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na drama project. Every episode goes to deviant drama pulls, going maverick to what the viewer may have predicted.
- Main Leads: Ji Hyun Woo | Yoo In Na
- Romance/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Dramas of Similar Vibe: My Love From The Star | Legend of the Blue Sea | Tomorrow With You |
- *Originally posted on my blog in 2012
Queen and I Quick Plot Recap
Kim Boong-Do (Ji Hyun Woo), a quick-witted scholar trusted by King Sukjong, works on the reinstatement of the deposed Queen In-hyun in Joseon era. His apparent goal has had him earned the ire of the opposing faction engaging him to life-threatening dangers thrown by the evil perpetrators.
His big heart has obtained him loyal people and one of those supporters, Yoonwol, gave him a talisman for his protection. In one of his life attempts, the talisman took him 300 years after and met the perky TV actress, Choi Hee-jin (Yoo In Na) playing the TV role of Queen In-hyun at present time.
The time-trek-causing talisman has a catch though it will permit its power only when the owner is in grave danger. The talisman’s loyalty can be swayed by either Boong-do to whom the amulet was prayed for and given; Yoon-wol – whose yearning to protect and make her master achieve happiness had the talisman’s power binding; and to the head-monk who created the paper periapt and initiated its mojo.
Boong-do’s nimble self easily perceives the sort of magic he has acquired and uses it to his advantage to resolve Joseon’s circa conflicts alongside exploring the advancement of a different time and falling in love for the first time with He-jin. With his keen mind, he was able to maximize the time and resolve the discordance in his era, but the same power he has with time will endanger his own personal bliss.
Queen and I Peak Points + Series Musings
Deviating from the typical K-Drama conflict of unresolved love issues, family problems, useless vengeance-driven characters and personal exhausting battles, Queen and I reigns with its flowing story worth clinging to.
Parading excellent camera movements and editing, the time-voyaging premise of the story amazes with its smooth transitions. It was playing at past and present ends without losing the spontaneity and fluidity of the story. The writer delightfully and superbly pulled off the conflicts and deliverance in a make-sense and you-got-me-there kind of vibe.
The love pair stood their ground well and brandished an extraordinary romance story. They steadily move and claim their love with the right elements, right reasons, and right intentions. Notably, the era difference between them has featured saccharine scenes that would send lady viewers to swoon-worthy moments.
Hee-jin complements Boong-do’s character in a mischievous-kiss-note – and even better. Her determination to go for her happiness and the man she loves regardless of the mystical and time restraints surrounding them is admirable.
She knows it was a crazy love at the onset but because she understood that it happened for a reason, she went Jack Sparrow and bravely plunge to protect it. Her candidness perfectly matches Boong-do’s serious and smart views in life providing us with romantic moments reminiscent of relatable love memories.
As for Kim Boong-do, he had me at being smart and for being a clueless ladykiller. He made me forget about chaebols and funny guys. His cleverness and his character took the drama to an addictive level that even when I’m already stuffed, I’m still subconsciously craving. Considering that I was not that familiar with the main leads I have found myself deeply immersed in their time and talisman-defying romance.
A Highly-Recommended Fantasy Romance Series
Queen and I has managed to outwit viewers and convincingly sway them with what story drive they imagined to be achieved. It keeps playfully smiling in a you-thought-you-had-me-figured-out kind of way. With the time traveling and fantasy parade in the K-DramaLand, the series has managed to bring a lot of surprises through its neat and clever narrative enabling a consistent and enticingly appealing plot.
Rarely would you remember equally the story and the characters, but with Queen and I, the characters synchronize well with the story. The balance of fantasy and romance elements also made it such a gravitating drama to watch.
Photos/Videos: tvN | Stone Entertainment
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