The Queen 'Woo' (2024)

" All Hail the Queen "

The brilliance of this show was overwhelming. It tells again the conflict of betrayal, hunger for power, revenge, and jealousy among the royal blood and the families associated with the royal court as what we normally see in historical and period dramas, but centers on a different figurehead, a woman. We are accustomed to regard women in the past as inferior to men whose only purpose is to bear children and are denied to participate in political matters. This show bends the notion of women as being weak by bringing a female protagonist who is equally capable as a man. Her mind is her greatest strength apart from her fighting prowess in sword and arrow. A queen who cares less glamorous indulges but strongly stands armored in front of her people and soldiers ready to fight for her nation.

Another masterpiece that is worth your time!!!
1. Story-wise
2. Stellar performances of all the cast
3. Director's execution
4. Camera shots
5. The bloody effects, and
6. The entire production

Warning!!!
With content of excessive gore and acceptable nudity

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A very personal point of view, so don't take it to heart

Story: 7
Not because it isn't good enough, but because it just isn't my cup of tea.
Acting: 10
And there's nothing more to add. Bravo!
Music: 7
And I'm being generous here. I suppose it was a good match, and it served its purpose, but to me, it was too loud. Extremely loud, and felt obnoxious.
Rewatch value: 1
Because I need to give a score, otherwise I would give 0. There is no need to rewatch.

I very much enjoyed the acting, the fast pace and the fact that not too much amount of time was wasted on presenting the conspiracies. For the first time, my intelligence wasn't insulted with all those unneeded details they usually give, as if people are unable of connecting the dots, or making logical deductions. (Yes, I know that many actually aren't able, but then there are us, those who are. :-D Forgive my "modesty".)
The cruelty of some scenes was too much for me to endure, but this is a personal sensitivity of mine. Also, I assume this risk whenever I decide to watch a historical drama. But still, I had to mention it. The sex scenes were also filled with a feeling of cruelty (some of them with more than just the feeling), which makes them hard to stomach. So I guess this is the reason why so many are complaining about them. Yes, they were rough and cruel, but the characters were too, and so was the general atmosphere of the film. I think everything was actually very well-matched.
Everything is more complex than I have stated here, but I'm a little bit of a slack, so I'll just stop.

Then again, the acting was top-notch.

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It is a must watch.

I only started this show based on a review I read on another site and I have to say, I am glad I did. I have finished watching the 4 episodes released so far and I absolutely cannot wait for the last 4!

I was so disappointed to read all these critic reviews on the show being a huge disaster with the story not being very clear, etc. For someone who doesn't watch fast paced, mystery shows- this would seem like a really confusing story but to someone who is used to this genre, I found it extremely thrilling.

The story is a re-enactment of the most important 24hrs in the Queen's life. The pressure is bang on- not just for her, but for every character involved in the story, as well. The clock is ticking fast for everyone to play their pieces. The reason why it seems that without building on the back story of a character, the pov changes already is because the direction is intended to make us feel the heightened sense of urgency around, when literally all the stakes are high in the game. I absolutely loved the pacing of the story!

The comparison that some people are making of the show with GOT and failing miserably- I understand where that is coming from, but GOT had 8 seasons to showcase the storyline spanning over years of their drama. These characters here, in the story only have 24hrs and not a moment can be missed.

I don't understand why some people think the actress portraying Queen Woo doesn't give off the vibe of a Queen on-screen, because based on how her character's backstory goes, the actress is doing a marvelous job at it. The Queen is full of confidence and is incredibly sure of her skills, but at the same time is mourning & dreading the consequences that might ensue if she fails in her conquest.

Kudos to the costumes, the cinematography, the lightening and the beauty of the direction- it is a well built show that deserves a watch from anyone wanting to enjoy a good brain squeeze.

There is so much hue and cry over the explicit scenes, which I get- I mean, kdramas are never about them. I do think, even without these scenes, the plot could have progressed and felt the same way but some of the explicit scenes with the gore involved, just make it all the more interesting to see the cruelty of being obsessed with power and greed. I do have a complaint about them though- there is only female nudity and if the screenwriter felt that these scenes were that necessary to the story, male nudity should also have been explored or we could have avoided all of it together. Alas, can't have everything thought out, haha.

Since it is largely a true story with major fictional elements, I kinda do know how it ends but I am still eagerly awaiting to see how it will all pan out, at the end.

So, if you are planning on watching it, please do so with ease because it's worth a watch!

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Lee Soo Hyuk need I say more?

Ok so I started watching this as I found the chinese dramas right now bland and boring. Originally I thought, "who knows it may surprise me?" Right away I was drawn in with the king dying, the prime minister obviously in love with the king, the jealous sister who messed up by allowing her sister to marry for her, and now the queen has to find a prince to marry to survive. Que the third prince who is obviously a villain based on what we are told, then I hear his voice 🫠 I knew immediately it was Lee Soo Hyuk! He never disappoints as a villain. With that deep sultry voice and devilish charm he is by far my favorite korean villain 😍. So now I'm hooked and I really hope this ends up being worth my 10 rating and it doesnt fizzle out.

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WHAT IS GOGURYEO? STEALING GAOGOULI FROM CHINESE TERRITORY

Dramas like these are the reason that makes me totally distrust, and laugh, at those who watch Korean dramas, and it will always be that way. I may be polite, but I don't trust them at all.
Because they say to know about history, but it's not the reality. This drama is the proof of that.
A drama that steals Chinese history from the Liaodong peninsula region, but also cultural appropriation of Chinese hanfu, instead of Chinese hanbok. The proof is that the tombs of Gaogouli, what they, NOT others, call Goguryeo, are in China.
They prove themselves to be the famous cultural thieves that they are worldwide.
The area that extends into Chinese territory such as Gaogouli (Goguryeo) and Balhae (Bohai), instead of acknowledging that they are part of Chinese history, they have the nerve of the interpretation of Korean historians, they work so hard to create "fantasy history" to save their pathetic ego and their inferiority complex.
Liaoning belonged to Northern Wei, Sui and Tang of Yingzhou governor and tax registry office, the upper northern reaches of Western Liao River belonged to Khitan, Gaogouli never ruled Western Liaoning, he was afraid of these empires, the red line of Western Liao River had no government organization of official population registry. There are cultural relics and historical documents to prove that Koreans fabricated maps of "Goguryeo" (which does not exist in Korean history) to increase their national confidence in a pathetic way.
Korea was considered part of China. The definition of Korea today should be a rebel state expelled from the Chinese Sinosphere.
The northern comrade brothers do not want reunification, while the other side wants to represent and inherit all the history and culture of the Korean Peninsula by itself, a little too shamelessly.
The drama is considered a "faction drama", which blends historical facts with creative fiction (so they are openly stealing), because there is little historical information available about Queen Woo (Queen Yu is her real historical name) . Questionable historical accuracy, especially regarding the depiction of costumes.
Director Jung explained that some creative liberties were taken due to the scarcity of historical materials, so the director admits to stealing from China. The armors are based on the Shanmun, the typical Chinese armor.
The drama is a Western-style representation, with random gore and explicit scenes, as well as homosexuality. Although it was real, it is depicted in a fetish and vulgar way.
How can the king wear yellow hanfu when he is a king of a tributary vassal state and not an emperor?
Kings were not allowed to wear yellow clothes.
If they don't like Chinese culture and don't want to be Chinese, why do they still have the symbol of Daoism on their flag, as well as wearing Ming Dynasty hanfu and stealing Han Dynasty hairstyles and hanfu?
This is essentially a Hollywood series with Korean actors who have become too Westernised ( and not well casted at all).
Show it to a true historian and they will think it's about the Three Kingdoms or Warring States. "Some parts are artistically created, because there are few of them." So it's obvious theft.
The events of the drama take place in just 24 hours, the plot moves quickly without any room for depth, and with unnecessary gore and nudity that compromises the overall quality of the drama,
Korea should stop stealing from China, because Gaogouli is Chinese, and Chinese dynasties like historical wuxia are both tangible and intangible cultural heritage of China.
The drama basically cuts historical events in half.
Historians tend to disagree on whether there were even five princes, or whether there were four. This means that the writer has more leeway in what he wants to do, but what he chooses to do with his creative freedom is lacking and most importantly illogical and unhistorical. A historical drama does NOT need fantasy. For example, portraying the Fourth Prince as a coward and a pervert obsessed with the queen seems strange when we should be supporting him.
But this is a drama for perverts. Because watching people engaging in s*x is NOT normal at all.
And they should be ashamed of being on the side of those who steal.

https://www.mymusictaste.com/news/upcoming-historical-drama-queen-woo-heavily-under-fire-for-chinese-style-costumes,10414/
https://weibo.com/2012349682/OubGOiYAl

PS. I wont' answer to any criticism about my review, and i will block everyone criticise it. I recommend to learn more rather than blabbering.

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Queen Woo: An Unexpected Masterpiece from Korea

First things first, I did not expect this level of brilliance coming from a Kdrama (no offense), but "Queen Woo" has completely exceeded my expectations. The series is amazing, with a perfect story and deeply thought-out characters. Each character has their own motivation for what they're doing, and they all have well-written backstories. Every decision made felt right, and every detail about the story was perfectly logical—something I truly appreciated.

The story showcases a strong queen, which is not what we typically expect from historical dramas. Usually, we see queens who stay in the palace and accept their fate like every other wife of the princes. However, "Queen Woo" shows that if we try our best, we can change our destiny. We shouldn’t stay within the borders someone else has set for us; maybe those borders are too small for us. Seeing such a strong woman was refreshing and exciting. Her presence alone kept me on the edge of my seat.

The king who passed away (played by Ji Chang-wook) was portrayed as a lovely man and a strong king, making him a logical choice for the crown. His character's background and motivations made perfect sense, highlighting why his father chose him. I enjoyed watching his performance immensely.

I must also mention how deeply I feel for the loss of Song Jae-rim, a strong actor who played the role of the first prince. His performance was moving and powerful. And last but not least, my favorite actor Lee Soo-hyuk—only God knows how much I adore his role here. His increased screen time and flawless acting skills brought the character to life perfectly.

The entire cast and crew were incredibly talented and skilled. I deeply appreciate the director, the makeup artists, and the special effects team—everything felt real and immersive. "Queen Woo" is a perfect masterpiece that deserves to stay on top and go viral. I hope to see more genres like this coming from Korea. They’re typically known for cheesy romances, but "Queen Woo" has shown me their true potential, and I am excited for what's to come.

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An amazing drama that keeps you hooked till the end

Despites story line is simple and expected, the casting and filmography, and their acting were excellent. Better than I expected, scenes are not boring at all. The alliance between patagonist and hidden villians is actually fantasy as this really never happened in the real history but some characters are based on written history. If you like the Game of Throne and Korean historical political dramas then this is one to watch.

Ji change wook, Jeon jeong so, Lee so hyuk and everyone else are at their finest in this. The thrill and perfection is every episode will have you literally jumping from excitement..
Loved every bit of this series

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A Queen's Struggle for Survival in a Male Dominated Society

A woman can win the world once she sets her mind to it!

The drama exclusively focuses on the candor of a queen from a foregone era; in times when women were merely considered as pawns in power play. Starring Jeon Jong Seo in the titular role, “Queen Woo” charts her journey from childhood to her later years when she rises to power as the Queen of the nation. She holds the tower while her husband King Gogukcheon/ Go Nam Mu (Ji Chang Wook) is on the battlefield conquering their lost territories. Jeon Jong Soo and Ji Chang Wook have an amicable chemistry, that’s the first thing you notice about this pairing. King Go Nam Mu adored his wife, and she was the only love of his life (we are talking about an era where Kings didn’t take concubines). Despite being the Queen, Jeon Jong Soo is inevitably caught in the power struggles in the royal court. Her life is turned upside down when Go Nam Du is poisoned; left with no choice, she has to marry one of the King’s brothers to protect herself and the dynasty. The show has explicit depictions of sex, violence and gore; obviously not for the fainthearted.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/09/18/queen-woo-series-review/#more-1181

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Here for Ji Chang Wook

My first time watching historical K-Drama, before I've watched Alchemy of Souls, but it was a different genre. Watching it only for Ji Chang Wook, even after knowing that he is a guest star here. Lee Soo Hyuk's acting was on point alas he doesn't have screen time. Only if they used his character well enough I might have enjoyed the series. I liked the story but something about it didn't keep me hooked. I was skipping a lot of screens. I didn't like the screen of the White Tigers chasing after the Queen. Hated Woo Sun. In every C-Drama & K-Drama there will be a character like her. I'm confused about the relationship between the Yeon Bi/Jolbon clan & the Go Family. What is the North Queen Family?? Are they the four prince's wife family that's why they're called North Queen Family or their Ancestor were Queens.

I don't know why, but I wasn't excited while watching it. Rather, I wanted to end it as soon as possible. Although Politics & Historical series are my type of genre. Anyway, the story isn't finished yet. They're more to it. I think there will be a 2nd season. Whether I will watch it or not is debatable.

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