Queen Woo review: Is the TVING release worth watching?

TVING released its latest period drama, Queen Woo part 1, on August 29, 2024. Part 2 of the acclaimed K-drama was released on September 12. It is important to note that season 1 was divided into two parts with four episodes each. The latest Part 2 aired episodes 5 to 8 altogether which picked up from where the previous segment ended—with Woo-hee's search for a new king.

A bloody conflict between tribes broke out as soon as the news of King Gogukcheon of Goguryeo aka King Nam-mu assassination spread like wildfire. Five clans vied to take the throne from Woo-hee, as she fought to install a new monarch in less than a day. The life of 'Woo', the first woman in history to hold the title of queen twice, thus began.

With a stellar cast line-up of Ji Chang-wook as King Nam-mu, Ballerina actress Jeon Jong-seo as Queen Woo-hee, Lee Soo-hyuk as Prince Bal-ki, and Kim Mu-yeol as Prime Minister Eul Pa-so, among others, Queen Woo, delivered a thrilling plot. Despite getting embroiled in controversies due to its explicit scenes and alleged historical inaccuracies, the drama-packed a punch.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this series' review belong solely to the author.

---

Queen Woo makes a strong statement with a powerful female lead and edgy storytelling

Despite the season 1 ending of Queen Woo, it delivered impeccable storytelling by portraying a formidable female lead character, who rises up to the throne amidst a male-dominating empire. As she approached her liberation, Woo-hee showed herself to be a daunting lady. Even with all the obstacles against her, she opted to fight for her principles and protect her people.

Jeon Jong-seo showcased her acting prowess as Queen Woo-hee while South Korean superstar, Ji Chang-wook, redefined himself as an actor. Well-known for his dramas such as Welcome To Samdal-ri, The Worst of Evil, Lovestruck in the City, Backstreet Rookies, and more, his portrayal as the ruthless King Nam-mu was a refreshing addition to his acting repertoire.

Actor Lee Soo-hyuk, who is hailed in the Korean industry for his prince-like visuals, delivered yet another powerful performance as the savage and barbaric Prince Bal-ki in the latest TVING drama.

Although for the K-drama fans, it was quite a shocker to watch these two male actors engage in s*xual scenes in Queen Woo—which is a result of a director's and script's artistic liberty.

The drama got entangled in controversies for these explicit scenes as some netizens wondered about the importance of adding them to the plot. However, it is crucial to note that movies and dramas are an art form and the explicit scenes were seemingly retelling of the eccentricity of Prince Bal-ki and King Go Nam-mu's lavish lives.

Queen Woo season 1 (both Part 1 and 2 combined) did not have a single moment where a filler scene was added to keep it going. Each scene was crucial to paint the entire picture of the Goguryeo dynasty or Go dynasty and the story of Woo-hee, who became the queen twice in the history of Korea.

Directed by Jung Se-kyo and written by Lee Byoung-hak, the cliffhanger conclusion could be felt disappointing by some viewers. The build-up of the entire series till its end, left viewers asking for more.

It was a letdown to never show the real combat after making viewers wait for eight episodes, to witness Woo-hee go to war as the Queen of the Go dynasty in order to save the kingdom and her future.

The momentum and build-up from previous episodes were thrown away by the program. Although, season 1 ended with a clean slice, due to the disappointing ending, a season renewal is the least the director and the producer could offer.

---

Overall, Queen Woo is worth a watch for its stellar cast, stunning visuals, untarnished storytelling, and to know about Woo, who rewrote history.