If you think historical Korean dramas are always solemn and serious, Mr. Queen will change your mind instantly. With a hilarious plot that places a modern-day chef into the body of a Joseon queen, this drama has brought laughter and impression to viewers worldwide, becoming one of the must-watch series of 2020.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins with Bong-hwan, a talented young chef being chased by the police. He falls into a swimming pool and has an accident, causing his soul to travel through time and inhabit the body of So-yong (played by Shin Hae-sun), a woman chosen to be the queen of King Cheoljong (played by Kim Jung-hyun) of the Joseon dynasty.
Trapped in the queen's body, Bong-hwan must adapt to life in the palace, full of rules and political schemes. He uses his modern knowledge, especially about food, to survive and build relationships with those around him, while also trying to find a way back to the present. But the longer he stays, the more he bonds with King Cheoljong and the palace people, making the decision to return home increasingly difficult.
Acting and Characters
The strongest point of this drama is the performance of Shin Hae-sun as Queen So-yong/Bong-hwan. She brilliantly portrays both the masculine mannerisms of a young chef and the elegance of a queen. Her facial expressions and body language shifting within the same scene will have viewers in stitches. Kim Jung-hyun as King Cheoljong also does an excellent job, portraying a seemingly weak king who is actually clever and gradually develops love.
Supporting actors like Bae Jong-ok as the powerful Grand Queen Dowager Sunwon and Kim Tae-woo as the ambitious minister Kim Jwa-geun add depth to the story. The interactions between main and supporting characters create fun and complexity.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Yoon Sung-sik and the team did an excellent job blending comedy and drama seamlessly. The cinematography is beautiful, especially the palace scenes shot meticulously, giving an authentic Joseon atmosphere. The use of vibrant colors and engaging camera angles enhances the emotions.
The soundtrack is another highlight. Songs like Like It by Isak and Puzzle by SAAY capture the mood and add fun to the series, especially the comedic tracks that make you laugh even harder.
Editorial Analysis
Our editorial team believes that Mr. Queen is not just a comedy but also cleverly incorporates social and political issues of the Joseon era. The satire of class systems and gender roles through the modern protagonist's perspective makes viewers think. The drama also shows character growth, especially Bong-hwan learning empathy and understanding love in ways he never experienced before.
Moreover, the blend of history and imagination is well-balanced. Even with some adaptations from real events, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment; instead, it adds fun and makes viewers more invested in the story.
Verdict
<p>Perfect for those who enjoy comedy-romance dramas with a unique plot and want something both fun and meaningful. Guaranteed to keep you hooked from the first episode to the end.</p>
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👍 Pros
- +Shin Hae-sun's outstanding performance in both male and female roles
- +Fun plot, perfect balance between comedy and drama
- +Soundtrack that fits the mood of the story
👎 Cons
- −Some comedic scenes feel overly long and drawn out
- −Pacing in the latter part may be a bit slow
Top Cast
FAQ
The drama has a total of 20 episodes, each approximately 70-80 minutes long.
The drama is partially based on history but enhanced with imagination and comedy. The main characters, King Cheoljong and Queen So-yong, are real historical figures.
You can watch it on Netflix and other licensed streaming platforms.
