Mr. Queen (2020) Soared Its Rating On The Final Episode
A Handsome and Witty Chef’s Soul Moved Into A Queen’s Body
Mr. Queen is a Korean historical drama based on real historical figures Queen Cheorin and King Cheoljong. However, it is important to take into account that this drama is not based on a real story of how Queen Cheorin and King Cheoljong were at the time. Instead, this is an adaptation of the 2015 Chinese Web Series Go Princess Go by Xian Cheng. Hence, this drama is fully fictional with a strong touch of comedic, romantic, and political intrigue in each episode. This drama had the highest rating during its time. The final episode hit a 17% rating on Nationwide in paid tv channels. That’s remarkable.
The Real Historical Figures
According to New World Encyclopedia, King Cheoljong was the 25th king of the Joseon Dynasty. He was a distant relative of the previous King Heonjong.
When King Heonjong died, he left a devastating social, political, and climate condition to King Cheoljong. The power was held by Andong Kim Clan. Their greed resulted in ineffective governance, where emerging unjust actions such as embezzlement of treasury, corruption, and rebellion were common. In addition to that, the situation was followed by several natural disasters such as floods, drought, and, fires. Hence, King Cheoljong’s reign was remembered as the most gloomy period of Joseon.
King Cheoljeong’s real name is Yi Byeon. He was the grand-nephew of King Jeongjo, Joseon’s 22nd King. King Cheoljong used to have 2 older brothers. However, his first brother was killed due to a power struggle, and his second brother passed away due to a disease. At the time, There was not much royal blood that could step up as the King. Therefore, the royal searched for a new king from King Heonjo’s distant relative. They found King Cheoljong on Ganghwa Island living in wretched poverty.
As the royal situation was immensely bad, the King did not receive a proper education. At the age of 18 years old, he couldn’t even read and write. His illiteracy was beneficially used by the Andong Kim Clan to marry him off with Queen Cheorin, the daughter of Kim Mungeun from Andong Kim Clan.
The Plot
Jang Bo Hwan is a chef who worked in a President’s blue house in modern times. One time, he got into an accident causing his spirit to enter the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon era. Jang Bo Hwan had to survive facing the political scheme that harmed him inside the palace with no knowledge about Queen Cheorin’s life.
The Characters
Jang Bo Hwan/Queen Cheorin was played by Shin Hye Sun. Her acting was highly impressive, as she managed to convince me that she is a male trapped inside a female body. His facial expressions were so funny. Besides that, I loved how she was so good at adapting to the palace situation. She is smart and witty. Thankfully, she had a bit of knowledge from the future that helped him survive in the Joseon era. We got a smart female lead here!
King Cheoljong was played by Kim Jung Hyun. At first, I didn’t like his character because he was cold toward our female lead. However, he started to open up his heart and understand Queen Cheorin’s situation. I grew fond of him, as I realized he was not a complete fool in the story. He also had great chemistry with the female lead. In the end, he became a simp for the queen. Amazing character development! his disappointed face, when the queen rejected him, is comical too.
Kim Byung In was played by Na In Woo. He was the scene stealer of the show! Na In Woo received a hype reaction from Korean drama fans for his emotional ‘eye’ acting. He could visualize the second male lead character’s gloom and misery through his eyes. His sacrifice to protect the queen is top-tier. He deserved better in the story. Though, I felt that it was weird that he was Queen Cheorin’s relative. That didn’t sit right with me.
The Soundtrack
Korean drama OST plays an important part in the story. Funnily enough, instead of giving off sad vibes, Mr.Queen OST was rather funny, cute, romantic, and sweet. It’s politely entering my ear. Here are some of my favorite Original Soundtrack from Mr.Queen.
- Puzzle—Soyou, Park Woojin
- Like A Star — Im Han Byeol
- To My Only You — Xiumin EXO
Conclusion, should you watch or pass?
I would recommend you to watch this drama! 10/10 another historical Korean drama that you should put on your list. Enjoy watching.
