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The drama The Queen Who Crowns has become embroiled in controversy due to its explicit scenes, particularly those involving leads Cha Joo-young, Lee Hyun-Wook, and Lee Yi-dam. The show, which airs simultaneously on cable channel tvN and streaming platform TVING, features nudity and intimate moments between the lead characters.
These scenes have raised questions about whether they were essential to the plot or if they were intentionally added for marketing purposes. The controversy has been further fueled by the use of body doubles and computer-generated graphics, leading to accusations that the production team prioritized sensationalism over storytelling.
Controversy erupts over explicit content and CGI in The Queen Who Crowns
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The controversy surrounding The Queen Who Crowns further escalated when South Korean media outlet Munhwa Ilbo revealed that the original script did not specifically describe nudity, but only outlined a s*x scene. However, during the continuity stage, the production team decided to increase the level of exposure, leading to the use of body doubles.
The actresses filmed their scenes fully clothed, with the body doubles taking over for the explicit portions. The show's final cut incorporated CGI to place the actresses' faces on the body doubles, a move that has raised questions about the necessity of nudity in relation to the storyline.
While Cha Joo-young and Lee Yi-dam were aware of the explicit scenes, their agencies reportedly expressed concerns before the broadcast, requesting edits to tone down the exposure. However, the production team insisted that the nudity was integral to the narrative.
The Queen Who Crowns was aired in unfiltered form on TVING, which carries a 19+ rating, while tvN’s broadcast, rated 15+, removed the scenes entirely. This discrepancy has led to criticism, with some speculating that the inclusion of explicit content was a deliberate attempt to boost subscriptions to the Tving platform.
According to South Korean media outlet Munhwa Ilbo, TVING's history of airing explicit content has fueled further debate. Similar criticisms were made in 2024 when Empress Woo featured scenes that were censored on TV broadcasts but aired unfiltered on TVING.
Director Kim Sang-ho of The Queen Who Crowns addressed the controversy and said that the series was always planned as a 19+ version for TVING, and nudity was openly discussed during the casting process.
A statement from the production team of The Queen Who Crowns to the South Korean media outlet Xports News stated,
"From the beginning of planning, we planned to differentiate the tvN and OTT versions, and we casted the OTT version openly, saying that it would be produced with a 'not for minors' rating."
The statement aadded, "Regarding the level of exposure, each actor had their own unique approach depending on the characteristics of the character and scene, and we consulted with each actor and their agency at each stage of production."
The inclusion of body doubles and computer-generated graphics has raised concerns about the production team prioritizing sensational content to attract viewers rather than focusing on the strength of the storyline. The lead actresses' agencies have refrained from commenting further, citing the ongoing broadcast.
Plot Overview of The Queen Who Crowns
The Queen Who Crowns is a South Korean historical drama featuring Cha Joo-young in the lead role, alongside Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Yi-dam, and Lee Si-a. The series premiered on TVING on January 6, 2025, airing every Monday and Tuesday at 2 pm KST, and on tvN at 8:50 pm KST.
Set during the Goryeo period, the drama follows the life of Queen Wongyeong (Cha Joo-young), born into the prestigious Min family, which has produced high-ranking officials for generations. Initially known as Lady Min, she marries Yi Bang-won (Lee Hyun-wook), the son of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty.
Despite being ambitious, Yi Bang-won’s aspiration to become king is thwarted when his father chooses his younger brother, Yi Bang-gwa, as his successor. Unwilling to accept this decision, Lady Min joins forces with her husband to secure his rise to power. Together, they orchestrate Yi Bang-won’s ascension to the throne, where he becomes King Taejong.
However, after assuming the throne, King Taejong acquires multiple concubines, causing tension in his marriage. Queen Wongyeong grows resentful of his relationships with other women, leading to a deteriorating bond between the king and queen. As Taejong seeks to consolidate his power, he takes measures to suppress Queen Wongyeong and her family, further straining their relationship.
As The Queen Who Crowns continues to air, the debate over its explicit content remains unresolved. The controversy has sparked questions about the ethical implications of using nudity for marketing.
