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On August 29, 2024, Queen Woo Part 1 starring Ji Chang-wook, Jeon Jong-seo, and Lee Soo-hyuk was released on TVING. Returning to the screen in a historical K-drama after the success of her film, Ballerina, Jeon Jong-seo plays Queen Woo-hee (Jon Jong-seo), the first woman in Korean history to hold the title of queen twice.
However, the latest period drama got embroiled in several controversies over its historical accuracy and explicit content. The show is set in the Goguryeo era (37 BC–668 AD) of imperial dominance in Korea and follows Woo-hee's journey when her first husband, King Gogukcheon (Go Nam-mu, portrayed by Ji Chang-wook), dies.
She is compelled to find herself a new husband within 24 hours of the king's death to prevent the collapse of the Kingdom. With almost five clans fighting for power—including three of Go Nam-mu's brothers, she must choose the appropriate suitor to become the next emperor. Furthermore, Lee Soo-hyuk's plays Bal-gi, one of the brothers of Go Nam-mu, who is known as a ruthless and savage leader of his clan.
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However, the drama directed by Jung Se-kyo came under fire for its historically inaccurate costumes and s*xual content surrounding the performance. Although Woo-hee historically happens to be the only queen to wield equal power as a king.
Queen Woo embroiled in controversies for its outfits resembling those of the Chinese Warring States era
Maeil Business News reported that Part 1 of the original TVING series Queen Woo saw a decrease in its viewership ratings. The drama's production budget was over 30 billion KRW or $22.4 million.
The scene with 19 gold beds in particular in Part 1 attracted attention among Korean viewers for its s*xual exposure. Another scenario of a same-gender s*xual encounter between the king's female shaman and Queen Woo's sister fueled further controversy.
Geographically, Goguryeo was a Korean kingdom that occupied sections of modern-day Northeast China (Manchuria) as well as the southern and central regions of the Korean Peninsula.
Goguryeo ruled over the majority of the Korean Peninsula, sizable portions of Manchuria, as well as portions of Inner Mongolia, Eastern Mongolia, and contemporary Russia. Among the 'Three Kingdoms of Korea,' Goguryeo was one alongside Baekje and Silla.
Given that contemporary Korea and China have a common past predating the establishment of boundaries, outfit resemblance could coincide easily.
The outfits worn by Kim Mu-yeol in the show, who played Prime Minister Eul Pa-so in Queen Woo, were claimed by viewers to bear a resemblance to the Chinese Warring States era. The male actors were also featured with topknot hairstyles, which were similar to the ones seen in Chinese historical dramas, further fueling the controversies.
Although many viewers believe that the costumes are reminiscent of Chinese history, the director refuted these assertions, stating that they studied the book and sought expert guidance before choosing the outfits.
According to a September 2 report by Maeil Business News, Director Jeong Se-kyo said:
"There was also a professor of the advisory committee, and I have testified several times. While there are not many historical materials, some of them were created."
On August 29, 2024, TVING premiered the first four episodes of Queen Woo Part 1. Part 2 will air episodes 5 to 8 on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 12 PM KST.
