Rainha Cheorin (2020)

queerbaiting taken to the next level

i'm sorry, does it make sense for the king and the queen (bong hwan) to have fallen so deeply in love, then have the protagonist be replaced with a character (soyong), who is practically a stranger to the viewers (and the king himself) in the last episode?

major yikes. they bent over backwards to champion the het agenda with an obvious (but god forbid) gay romance plot to, you know, make it ✨ spicy ✨ i knew what i was getting myself into, but i held out hope until the end like maybe the king would realise that she was not the soyong he fell for, YET! we're, of course, not going to unpack the fact that the person he loved was actually a man. and no, implying that some sliver of soyong was still "alive" and coexisted with bong hwan during her possessed state does not justify any of the above. we watched the king fall for his personality traits. it ended as a completely different drama than the one i had started.

disappointed but not surprised. 6 stars for the brilliant cast and the comedy, though. shin hyesun, you are incredibly talented.

Leia Mais

The homophobic ending to this masterpiece made no sense :/

I'm ashamed to say, I was naive and hopeful enough to imagine that they would give this drama a just ending. So many people, including myself fell in love with this drama for doing everything right- atleast at the beginning. The deep and sophisticated portrayal of changing, loving and transforming one's self in order to love whole heartedly was what kept me hooked, baited and caught. And then episode 20 left me at the bottom pits of the ocean. Not only was my heart broken but also left me disappointed at the creators. Not just because of the homophobia we always complain about but also their pathetic attempt to tie the unfairness and messiness in pretty little bows and ribbons.

Are we supposed to be happy for the modern day chef who gave his all, risked his everything for his love only to come back refreshed like he went for a Bali trip or something? He fought to earn the love, admiration and loyalty of those around him in a time where he was in an alien, unfamiliar and often frightening place all alone, only to be left with no one left by his side at the end. He wasn't grieving or even missing his husband and the baby he fought and changed himself for once he came back to modern day? I don't buy it as a viewer.

The king was completely fine with loving a completely different person who he felt nothing towards despite being engaged to for a considerable amount of time once before??? Huh???

In one episode when Bong Hwang was acting sweet and feminine, the king was even shown to be uncomfortable and frankly a little grossed out. He fell in love with Bong Hwang and everything about Bong Hwang. The modern mindset, the cleverness, the honesty, the sweet fiercenesss. And at the end, the bravery of Bong Hwang was depicted to earn the king's loyalty and love. But not at the very end??? Then it was all for null!

They spent 19 hours showing us, convincing us of the love that existed between the king and Bong Hwang only to end it with " SIKE! You didn't think those emotions, the love between them was real did you? It was all just body hormones. And guess who gets all the credit for saving the kingdom and the gets to live with the king's undying love? The girl who wasn't there for 90 percent of the show of course!"

The creators let down thousands of viewers and their own professional integrities by going through with this 'happy' and insensible ending.

Leia Mais

THE Worst Ending EVER: Never Have I Felt This Betrayed, Disappointed and Played by a Show!!!

After some time (more than needed thinking about this show and trying to put into words how I felt), I came up with this final review on dramabeans which is more complete than the first one, I also had to lower the rating because the more I think about it the more bamboozled I feel. So here we go.

First of all I would like to commend the cast for their amazing work specially Shin Hye Sun, She did the damn thing. She rocked the show, hell she was THE SHOW.

This drama would've been such a masterpiece without that disrespectful ending. I've never felt this betrayed or hurt because of a show because I've never rooted for a couple as much as I did for Sobong and CheolJong just to have the time, feelings and energy I invested in this relationship throwed in a trash bag.

These two were a match made in heaven and this show consolidated my belief in love regardless of genders. Just to be clear, the king never fell in love at first sight with Soyong (love at first sight doesn't exist), he was curious and had a sense of familiarity about her , attracted AT BEST. Everything went through the window when he realized that she was from the Kim clan. Think about it CJ fell in love with Sobong 's personality which is mainly JBH's personality. He fell in love with his/her strange (and unpredictable most of the times )behavior, her/his sassiness, strange words (thanks to which we got the epic Queen's Dictionary) ,boldness and crazy eccentric self. Sobong was someone like no other in Joseon.

From episode 1 to episode 19 ,we got to see the relationship between these two evolve from deep antagonism and lack of trust to selfless love and solid partnership. They were ready to die for each other and my God this insane chemistry , the constant bickering and the fluttering moments between them. I JUST CAN'T. SB went from an identity crisis to carrying his child , accepting his/her feelings for CJ to being all in for CJ knowing that he was going to lose just to die (when BH got sent back to the future) at the most crucial moment just when CJ was dying before him/her.

The first thing BH did when he woke up was try to see if the king survived if that's not love I don't know what it is. BH regardless of Soyong's memories (which I admit could have influenced him in the beginning) fell in love with the king when he saw him in a new light and saw how much the king wanted to change Joseon and cared about his people.

The only reason people are trying to justify this ending is by saying that what CJ and BH had was a bromance and all the romance was done by SY which I will never understand, maybe I watched a different show. Because BH was there and felt everything, he enjoyed the sex, as CJ said SB was a true tigress.

If the queen's body was possessed by a woman from the future nobody would be trying to attribute the feelings of said woman to Soyong's and the internet would be in shambles if she was sent back to the future after making all these sacrifices.But as we have a man here, I suppose to some it's less comfortable that a man who happened to be straight fell in love with another man. This is problematic on so many levels...

They made BH do all the heavy lifting and all the sacrifices just to be treated like a tool that was supposed to help mend the relationship between SY and CJ which is straight bullshit. SY reaps all the benefits without doing NONE of the work and CJ ends up with a person completely different from the one he loved deeply and who had a knack for surprising him every time. It's like falling in love with one twin (the mischievous one, fun, crazy and eccentric one) and ending with the other twin.

To make matters worse, they dumbed him down in the end which is quite contradictory to his character throughout the series , he is very smart and perceptive and remembers every small detail Sobong ever said to him, as he said , he prides himself in being the one who knew and understood his eccentric wife the best, so how come in the end, he doesn't seem to realize the person he truly loved is gone? From the way SB used to call him affectuously "cheoljongie", "Jongie Jongie"or "Jong ah" to SY's annoying high pitched voice "Cheona" there is a huge difference. What about Court Lady Choi ad Hong Yeon who went from being treated like family members by Sobong back to being treated like servants by So Yong. Didn't they realize something was off?

THIS is the problem I got with the ending: the Lack of acknowledgment of BH's sacrifices and everything he did to save their asses without him the king wouldn't have achieved anything (Come on he saved his festival , went to save him when he was declared dead and did everything till the end to help him regain his place) . I wanted more from CJ rather than this vague question talking about "did I lose something?". I wanted him to mourn the loss of the person he loved who is Sobong who sadly died in the end.I wanted CJ to realize that the person who helped him all along was BH( a man who really came from the future). I wanted to see BH mourn what he lost, deal with the trauma (being trapped in SY's body, falling in love with the king after multiple mental breakdowns, coming to terms with it and finally accepting his feelings , carrying a baby he came to care about, building strong relationships with Hong Yeon and Court Lady Choi among others just to be sent back when the love of his life was dying before him). I wanted to see him evolve after his life changing experience in Joseon and see how much of his feelings were influenced by Soyong. I wanted to see Soyong tell the truth to CJ that she is not the person he fell in love with anymore and gave him space to digest it and why not build a relationship afterward based on the truth. I wanted to know more about So Yong, if the writers knew they were gonna make her the protagonist of the show and she will get the man, they had to show us more and make us root for her. Show me SY being active and participating and taking over from time to time very clearly, and show me that she is a badass and she is more than a desperate and sad woman from Joseon who lacks skills and experience who wanted to kill herself because among other reasons her husband to be didn't love her back. Because what we got here as per her own words is someone hiding 98% of the show and you want me to root for her? What I got instead of an honest discussion and her acknowledging the truth ( the fact that she would never have had that life without BH’s help) all I got was a ridiculous laugh when the king asked her if she was plotting something to surprise him.

This made me dislike Soyong and made me think that she is not that different from the Hwa Jin of the beginning because she is pretending to be someone she is not and taking credit for everything BH did which is upsetting and dishonest coming from her who made the same reproach to Hwa Jin beforehand.

In the end, the main protagonist of the love story got relegated to being a Second Lead or the Third wheel in his own damn love story, never got the deserved acknowledgment and that’s what made it so heartbreaking. SB and CJ have that understanding and love that SY and CJ will never have.

This ending is somehow worse than SHR's ending and the only person who got a happy ending was SY and I wonder how long it will last until she realizes that she is not the one CJ fell in love with.

As a viewer, I don't know how to recommend this show maybe the 19,2 episodes. Such a waste of potential...This show used to be my favorite and now whenever I think about it I just feel empty and betrayed. I mean what else can i do beside boycotting the writers’s future works FOREVER (I know I’m being petty but idc at this point)!I said my piece it's time to move on.

Leia Mais

One heck of a ride ...... but ending.

If your looking for a show to watch for fun after long day of work, MR.queen is the answer. However, i would suggest not look for deeper meaning or logic in the story; the premise itself is 21st century chef - man soul (jang bong hwan) enters women's body (kim so yong) who is from joseon era making them into new person so-bong.

As the story progress we get to see so-bong tackling palace life challenges along with identity crisis in more unique & comical way possible. I personally love how so-bong calls out every person who actually wronged so-yong in one way or other & comradeship between so-bong and king.

Acting wise, this show does have one of the best ensemble cast i came across in k drama world; their acting manage to cover up most of the plot holes. And a big shout out to Shin Hye sun who managed to nail both characters in one go; i can't imagine anyone in those roles other than her. Same goes with kim jung hyun as a king and their chemistry is off the charts, i hope down the line someone would cast them in modern drama.

My only complaint is writers are too focused for 20 episodes on balancing comedy, action, drama they failed to establish entire two souls in one body logic leaving it to audience imagination. In process the entire romance between king - so bong falls apart leaving bitter n unsatisfying feeling in the end. <---- MY OPINION

Leia Mais

#TeamNoTouching

My Goodness this drama had me hooked from the first episode to the last. it had me laughing, squirming, and blushing at the same with unconversional love story between Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) and King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun), with unbelievably amazing chemistry between Shin Hye Sun (FL) and Kim Jung Hyun (ML). i really enjoyed Shin Hye-Sun portrail of Jong Bong Hwan (the male part in her) so perfectetly.
ive seen the chinese version and it was ok and didnt kow how the writer was going to approach this drama but I've been surprised by how good this drama was.
I can’t get #NoTouching and the amazing OST "Bong Hwan A" out of my head lol. I’m not usually keen on historical dramas but this drama is 10/10. if you are thinking about watching Mr Queen, then give it a go you will not regret it.

Leia Mais

A refreshing tackle of historical drama

I'm not really fond of historical drama because I simply get bored watching action packed scene in a drama (typical saeguk) but this one got me hooked on the very first episode!

This drama immediately become my favourite saeguk drama. From the characters to the plot to the beautiful cinematography, everyone deserves a standing ovation! Who would've thought a historical drama would contain such an outstanding comedic scene, you never get bored. Working full time, but I managed to finish this drama in just 4 days. I can't stop watching because they know how to end an episode that makes you anticipate what is happening next!

Cheoljong's "My Queen" still give me teary-eyed to this day. Good chemistry between Shin Hyesun and Kim Junghyun that I can feel the pain just by watching their eyes. Plus, we can't forget our fav duo Court Lady Choi and Hongyeon who simply give excellent acting of their character esp Hongyeon since this is her debut drama.

I'm gonna miss this drama so much. Thank you for giving us laughter during this hard time. I'm gonna watch it again when I need something to cheer me on!

Leia Mais

Awesome Gender bender

What a refreshing gender bender drama. I was skeptical when I initially heard the story. How ever it has set a high bar for this genre, which will be hard to overcome in the future. The FL acting was remarkable with a strong script backing her up. She portrayed the confusion of feeling both like a man and a woman extremely well. I really liked how she walked and talked like a male and reacted emotionally like a male as well. She quickly adapted to each new turmoil thrown at her with out preserving over issues she could not resolve. I liked how she remained a direct and honest person and did not use lies or hurtful comments to make the king back off. The transition of her feelings was very well portrayed, which I believe is a remarkable feat.

The associated humor was masterfully done and was hilarious without being crass. Very funny portrayal of male ego vying to appear cool in front of others.

Nearly satisfying ending. In my personal opinion, the female was there through out the journey but only came forward to express her love. Perhaps she needed another stronger soul in her to make her braver so she could help the king.

I believe now the modern ML will have an inner female counterpart for him to understand women problems. It would have been fun if he found a FL who had an inner male counterpart and some how they complemented each other. well.

I took away a point as the number of episodes need to be less. Although I watch k dramas as if my life depends on them but there are so many now that it is an addiction. I would rather not fast forward and watch a tight knit story instead.

Over all really well done to cast and crew.

Leia Mais

While the story is wonderful, what makes this show is Shin Hye Sun's acting

I am a fan of Isekai stories, so right off the bat this drama piqued my interest. What I thought was truly unique was that it was a man in a woman's body and I was very intrigued about how they would manage to do a romance story.

How they managed it was absolutely wonderful, mostly because the main female actress (Shin Hye Sun) was absolutely amazing. She was truly able to convey a man trapped in a woman's body so well. The mannerism, the speech, the actions, she nailed everything! She was able to make this humorous, but managed to make you think and draw emotions from her viewers. You couldn't help but to root for her.

As far as the romance a lot of lines were blurred, but I will say at the end of the day it was about what makes a person attracted to another, it transcends physical and it is all about the soul. That being said, this is not a BL drama at all, all is resolved at the end, but I liked how lines of sexuality got questioned.

King Cheoljong was also very likeable, you understood his pain and struggle. The side characters all did a terrific job. They tended to be funny and lovable. Lady Choi, the Royal Chef, Hong Byul Gam, Kim Hwan, etc., all hilarious and interesting to watch.

All in all I highly recommend this drama, it is very enjoyable and a relatively unique idea.

Leia Mais

Show went from lit to shit in the ending

Trust me, I have NEVER (I repeat) NEVER felt so strongly for a drama like Mr. Queen.
I don't know Korean but I watched the live episodes on YouTube because I couldn't wait for the next day. THAT WAS HOW DESPERATE I HAD BECOME.
I hated the ending, I don't even want to talk about it. The day I found out about the ending, I cried for HOURS, I cried for so long I got sick and I didn't even go to school even when I had a fucking EXAM! That's how it hurt me.
I cannot write enough about how wonderful and great Mr. Queen could've been if they had changed the last 40 minutes of the show. I swear, the 9.0 rating would've been 10 easily. I really recommend this show BUT only watch from episode 1 to episode 19 (or maybe the first half of last episode) but please, don't watch the last episode after watching the whole show (I'm saving you from a heartbreak)
I will rewatch Mr. Queen only from 1st to 19 episode. The last episode never happened for me. I've made up an ending in my head and I'm really satisfied with it.

Leia Mais

Best Korean Drama Ever

Everything about this is perfect. From the beginning to the end. From the beginning starting in the water, and end in the lake. Omg this drama is perfect, every character has a perfect ending. From the King, to the Chefs, to Prince Pyeongmong. In the beginning I have thought the King wanna kill the Queen and end the clan influence badly, but throughout the drama King understands her, including her moodswing, and best part is Jo Hwa Jin is not loved by the King anymore, which carve a more better ending for the male lead and female lead.

Ahhh, this is the first historical drama I watch, and the best one and could top all other KDramas, the budget set for this drama is impressive :) Thanks for creating a perfect drama :) I love all the characters in the drama, and I would definetely rewatch it, and I believe there is no other dramas could top this drama in every aspect.

Not bias, but it hooked me to the end. What a perfect degree holiday I had :)

Leia Mais

Deliberately misleading

***I've included my thoughts on where the writers were trying to go with this in the comment section of this review. Still think they could have handled it better, but it does make much better sense now and had me improve my rating. Can't do a perfect 10 though - episodes 17 and onward were weak (not just with the romantic elements) and filled with stupid decisions and too much deus ex machina. Might change this entire review at a later date but for now it stays as it is an honest representation of how I felt at the show's conclusion and how poorly they executed their intent that I had to sit here ruminating for a week to see where they were going with this all.***

I haven't felt this betrayed by writing since the controversial last season of Game of Thrones. The entire premise of this show was built around the love story of SoBong (Bong Hwan in So Yong's body) and Cheoljong. From episodes 1-19, it was a steady progression of these characters falling in love with each other...not with a memory and not the physical appearance but the substance of each of them as they strove to understand and accept each other. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I've watched. The writers perpetuated this idea by various methods:

1. CJ's fascination with SB was completely with the SB personality. The audience saw his fascination with SB's otherness, heard it in his confession of love for them, and saw it in how he treasured those aspects enough to write them down and pour through them to reminisce and help heal his own wounds.
2. The writers made the SY character a stranger to the audience. We get only the barest of flashbacks, and nothing to show us anything but a one-sided love. Even the prequel in the Bamboo Forest leans heavily to this idea. Which is why so many viewers then feel puzzled as to how the ending makes sense.
3. The writers deliberately made it seem as if the SY character was gone. There's a scene where the queen jumps back into the lake in order to regain more memories and SY's "spirit" or whatever appears before her but at the end she sees her close her eyes and falls back to sink to the bottom. Additionally, when the BH character briefly flashes back to present times, SY does not return, even for a minute.
4. The writers showed a true progression of the feelings in SB for CJ. In the last few episodes, there were major milestones to be had and shared with the viewers. The character of SB accepts their feelings. Reciprocates those feelings. Initiates intimacy - which in a story of quasi-gender bending is a penultimate moment. It's all been culminating to this point where you feel as though everything leading up is falling into place and then Wham! We draw a "Go To Jail" card.

Not only is the soul sent back but the contributions of that character are marginalized. Heck, forget marginalized, they're not even acknowledged in the slightest...as if this brash and vibrant personality never existed. The continuity issue with that alone is enough to curse at my screen. The entire story was about Mr. Queen...yet when Mr. Queen "left the building," there was no true sense of loss felt by their friends or even their love. We get one scene where the king looks puzzled for all of five seconds and asks "did I lose something." Yes...the main character of this entire drama. The show had already struggled with continuity issues such as selective fighting skills to fit the narrative and other minor faux pas but this...who just negates the existence of the main lead? Sure, SY's body is still there, and she's conveniently staying mum about the entire thing and letting everyone think it was her the entire time. The fans vilified Hwa Jin Jo when SHE pulled that move, but it's all good now. A few curses interspersed with an annoying high pitched giggle, and we're supposed to buy that she's SB 2.0 as she simpers "jjeona" like a teenager. Meanwhile the main male character, who is brilliant enough to stage a coup against one of the most powerful families in history, doesn't notice a thing.

I can't with this ending. I just can't. It obliterated all of my excitement and joy at seeing this story unfold. Seeing CJ and SY hug at the lake was like seeing Bran crowned king. Felt like I'd been gobsmacked by a 747. All of these feelings of betrayal could have been avoided by better writing. I'm not intransigent. I could have gotten behind a SY/CJ ending, IF it fit the narrative leading up to the finale, but it didn't. So frustrating!!! The acting though. Not a single complaint there. The acting was brilliant. The music too. I still can't listen to "Here I Am" without tearing up, and the comedic scores were on-point. However, I can't raise my rating higher because despite all of these things being components of a whole, the writing is the heart, and this one stopped beating right at episode 20.

Leia Mais