1Brilliant. Timeless epic quality of emotionally processing the life of 2 historic heroines
This KDrama tells historical heroine stories for a change. (Yes: female AND plural.) On top of that, enriched along the way with some highly topical insights and a vivid examination of management systems - what does the common people need? How does it want or have to be lead? In this respect, the 2009 series has not lost any of its topicality. But above all, "Queen Seondeok" brings the viewers closer to the earlier (not so well represented in KDrama and KMovie) Korean history of the Three Kingdoms.Here, history is presented in 62 episodes in a moving manner and in dazzling characters, while offering valuable historical input. 62 episodes should not frighten you. This is perhaps more like 5 or 6 seasons western style. You don't have to go through all the episodes in one go, (but you can of course). To be honest, the number of episodes and the rather stiff-looking poster with a heavy crown kept me from watching the series for a long time. But that was a big mistake. This series is wonderful in view of the wealth of impressions, personal processes of the protagonists, and the profound examination of the attitude and philosophy of rulers. Also funny in places. In any case, an impressive piece of Korean history that is told in a round, rich and colorful way. The KDrama leaves nothing out when it comes to being human and being a hero - it presents all of this in various dramaturgical entanglements and depths, with twists & turns and deep feeling. (Swords, bows and battles are also included.)
This is about real historical personalities from Korean history, who made remarkable achievements in their time. First and foremost Queen Seondeok. She was the first Queen of Silla and the first of the few female heads of state in Korean history. If one considers her progressive achievements for her people, she must have been a charismatic personality in order to be able to place herself in the first, officially leading position in this feudal male world. Her life, but also that of other contemporary significant, history-shaping people in her environment are prepared dramaturgically lively and unforgettable. Admittedly enriched with a bit of poetic freedom in the service of a compelling and exciting story. However, in the historical drama orbit, it seems to me quite acceptable to bend the facts here and there in order to create a vivid impression of the character of the historical figures and their work instead. This is much more memorable (in passing) than exact chronologies. In addition, the actual valid sources that can be evaluated are limited. Even historiography has to do a bit of guessing every now and then to understand where, for example, a woman at that time got the vision, the strength and the courage to put men in the second row - and at the same time intelligent, visionary and with respect for the people, to rule in an almost idiosyncratic way.... In my opinion, the fictional plot does not damage the essential impression that one gets about life and challenges in the Silla Reich, about the charisma of the historical personality of Queen Seondeok and the historical figures around her plus her achievements for her people. The KDrama draws a memorable, unforgettable character portrait of the Silla Empire in the 7th century. In doing so, it brings the bones of the queen lying under one of the burial mounds in Gyeongju to life again.
Good to know: The Silla Empire was not yet under the influence of Confucianism, which clearly defines the man as the head of the family/tribe. Among the noble Silla families there were also those in which descent on the mother's side was decisive, or women were considered the heads of the family. At that time, matrilineal and patrilineal tribal structures still existed in parallel. Therefore, the respect for women and their functions in society was comparatively higher overall - but still not a matter of course.
For me, what is valuable about this story (and at the same time the timeless quality of the KDrama) lies in the juxtaposition of two very different, each impressive, intelligent female figures of their time: Princess Deokman (Queen Seondeok) and the noble concubine Misil, who hardly had an influential king or leader of the Hwarang left out during her time in order to directly influence political events. In fact, the two women did not live at the same time, but poetic freedom overrides this and juxtaposes the two as equal antagonists. (Extremely successful!)
The KDrama "Queen Seondeok" is characterized by a timeless epic quality in the emotional processing of the historical events. Brilliantly done in places, quite funny at times, with colorful vividness and everything that life usually entails: plenty of drama that stirs the spirits and also touches the heart. An exciting script (which in the second half has to work through a little more historical facts), and a colorful dance of highly inspired mimes, reviving those distant 50 years in the past 7th century. Not only the later queen and the concubine Misil get a memorable profile, also the men around Queen Seongeok - Bidam and Kim Yushin - are noticeably filled with life. Love story included - it's more of an encore than the main thing when it comes to the entire story, but it refreshes the second half as a balance to the historical ride through time.
By the way, the ratings literally went through the roof at 43.6 percent when the series was broadcast on television in 2009.
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Well, there are a lot of things that happen in this drama which you must have seen in other historical dramas as well. So what sets this apart from all the rest? I think the answer to that lies in the whole drama itself. After watching from ep 1 to 62 I realized that it is one of those dramas which need to be watched in entirety before one can fully appreciate it.
This is a cleverly written drama. It has a nice script and all the right elements in it keep you engaged. For a drama to have that pull factor, the characters need to be fleshed out well. It is a cherry on the top when you also have the right actors to play these characters to make them more real. Here the cast is made up of actors I consider a class apart like Ko Hyung Jung and Kim Nam Gil. So of course, they HAD to be good. These two actors not only impressed me as usual but blew me away is the right way to put it. They probably took the drama to an entirely different level than it would have been otherwise. Apart from them, Lee Yo Won, Uhm Tae Woong and Yoo Seung Ho also did a great job. The cast seemed to have been chosen wisely and had great chemistry with each other. I would also like to mention Nam Ji Hyun here who did a spectacular job of playing the child version of Deokman and I daresay made more of a lasting impression than Lee Yo Won did. I have liked Nam Ji Hyun's previous portrayals as well and she never disappoints.
I liked the entire span of the drama. Right from the historical events depicted in the beginning to the childhood episodes to the ending. Most Korean dramas (especially historic) are a disaster with their endings and here is one which did it right. All writers should take a clue on how to end a drama from this writer. The events were always flowing at the right pace and surprisingly- the melodrama in this was kept lower than I expected from such a long one. There is makjang in it but it somehow seemed smart makjang than something used as filler.
I also loved how the drama focuses on its title. The queen is actually given importance and we get to see her be one. I loved Deokman's character. She was smart, flawed and strong. She always knew how to do the right thing and pulled out from every hole she fell into. Of course- she had two amazing guys beside her which made life better for her. Yushin is seen as nice, righteous and loyal. Bidam is sly, calculating, fierce, passionate and much in need of love. LOL. I can never ever forget Bidam's amazingness thanks to the almighty Kim Nam Gil. He made the character impossible not to love and made him so real to me that I felt his every pain and happiness as he did on-screen. I also loved Yushin but I prefer Bidam a bit more. Deokman was lucky enough to have such amazing guys who loved her more than anything. Although romance is not a central part of the drama, the dynamics between these three characters were exceptional.
The fight scenes, costumes, sets, politics and battles always keep the drama going. There is a lot regarding the throne and battle for power in this drama. It will always make you question what is right and what is wrong and what is fair and what is not. It shows how big a burden power can be. This is the driving factor of the story in the later half.
Plus, the characters are all so wonderfully messed up and tragic. They all have abandonment issues, mommy issues and what-not. They constantly go from good to bad and vice-versa, taking you on the crazy ride with them. The character development of Deokman and Bidam was phenomenal. I liked how Deokman acted like a ruler when she was one. She was pretty believable in her struggle to fit into the role of a queen. Now this brings me to the hotness called as Bidam. I wanted to hug him because of all that emotional baggage he seemed to carry with him. I have a thing for misunderstood bad boys like him. Mishil is one of my favourite antagonists ever now. She puts all Kdrama antagonists to shame with her badassery and cunning attitude. Others can only hope to be half as awesome as she was.
The soundtrack of the drama is pretty good. The song 'Windflower' by IU has become one of my all-time favourites. The background score and ending score in the drama are brilliant. I can never forget the ending score. It will always bring back all the feelings and memories.
I can go on talking about this drama and it will never end. LOL. So let's just end it here and go watch the drama if my point of view convinced you even one bit. :D
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I only have two complaints for this drama though; first was the romance side of it. I didn't really like the characters that were paired with her. I didn't hate them, I just found myself rooting for an alcheon x deokman pairing all throughout even though I very well knew that it wouldn't happen. Hehe... Anyway, I'm just in the minority so you might actually like the love story part of it since most people do. :)
My 2nd complaint was the ending. I just think that they could have ended it better. I know the number of episodes was actually extended from its original plan but somehow the ending felt a little rushed and it seemed like there were missing scenes that should have been shown.
However, all in all, I think this was a great historical drama that left a deep impression on me. Plus, the soundtrack is good! It added to the tension and excitement of the drama!
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From a production standpoint, the show is often uneven. This is very much a writers’ show, and at its best, it’s tightly plotted, with thematic depth, complex characters, and powerful payoffs. It’s not perfect - the initial episodes are exposition heavy and awkward, the action lags in places, and the set-up presents a giant structural challenge that the writers are never able to fully overcome. The directing is functional, but not particularly distinguished. It’s also a show that is far more fortunate in the casting of its antagonists than of its protagonists. On the plus side, Go Hyun Jung and Kim Nam Gil are fabulous, and their performances alone are worth the 62 hour investment in the show. On the down side, this skews the dramatic structure and emotional impact of the story in ways that become particularly problematic towards the end.
Issues aside though, this remains a powerful show, one that for all the political games, epic battles, and over-dramatic close-ups keeps returning to three abandoned children and the cost of breaking human bonds. And how often do dramas of any type provide both a strong, smart female protagonist and a strong,smart female antagonist (and surround them with gorgeous guys)?
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Seon Duk was an amazing woman, in a time when women took the back seat to history. This story serves as an inspiration. It was written superbly, even the tragedy of it was beautiful. I made the comment to my husband that if there was ever anything anyone studying politics or war needed to know, they should watch this. This drama is a prime example of life then and now. We have come a long way as a people, yet we have a long way to go, life now has a higher value than it did then. However, life would have no meaning/value without trust, love, respect/honor, and sacrifice. This story tackles that perfectly. The only complaint about the story was the romance, or seemingly lack there of.
The acting/cast have put me at a loss for words. Some of the best acting I have ever seen in my entire life. Kim Nam Gil as Bidam, magnificent, just short of perfection. Lee Yo Won as the Queen, heartbreaking. Ko Hyun Jung as Mishil, as much as I hated the character, the actress portrayed her to the point of perfection. But, there was a great supporting cast as well, small characters that made the main characters seem even greater. One of those characters was Lee Mun Shik as Jook Bang, as flighty and crazy as he seemed, he was an inspirational man to all.
The music was great, I have no idea who the male opera singer was, but whenever that music would play I would get chills.
I will NEVER re-watch this. No matter how great it is, one time is enough for this emotional roller coaster of a drama. And yet, it still deserves a perfect 10 rating.
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From the beginning till the harrowing end (which I agree could not have been done any better), you are experiencing an edge-of-the-seat suspense and the feeling never really goes away. The political machinations all the characters indulge in - from the deliciously evil Mishil and her gang to Princess Cheonmyeong and later on Queen Seon Deok and Bidam - are all par excellence and it's a pleasure to watch this drama of epic proportions unfold onscreen. There are mesmerizing sword fight scenes (which thanks to the genius of Kim Nam Gil look absolutely real-life) in which Bidam and Yushin will monopolize your attention.
And Ko Hyun Jung is beyond brilliant. A worthy villain - beautiful, conniving and yet regal in her own way. The only somewhat weak part of the drama is Lee Yo Won as QSD, who should have done a little better. But Kim Nam Gil and the rest of the cast have delivered a performance of a life time.
And the OST is gorgeous - Lee So Jung's 'Come, People of God' will give you goosebumps (it is Queen Seon Deok's theme mainly).
If you are still hesitating because of the 62-episode thing, trust all the reviews and the mad ravings all over the internet regarding QSD, and hop along for the ride of a life time.
You will not forget QSD once you are done with it. It will leave its indelible mark on your memory. And so will the angst-ridden, dark anti-hero Bidam.
Watch this for Kim Nam Gil if not for anything else.
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Story - Main point reunification of Korea, but it follows Dukman jounery and how she climbed and over come the many obstacles to become Queen.
Politics - The political game was AWESOME and is one of the main driving force behind this drama. i loved it for my brain was working trying to figure out Mishil, Dukman and Bidam next move especially MISHIL!!! (love her)
Mishil - The evil one, She`s by far the most brilliant of them all and is my number-1- character. Her postion of seju is one that she did indeed deserve, but lost due to her ambition of trying to become Queen and ruler of shila. Her death was a lost to the show, even thought Bidam did a good job of fillin in.
Bidam - Mishil`s son with a sacred bone (royality) and Dukman`s true love. His devotion to her is by far the best in the show and border`s obession at times.
Dukman - Twin daughter to the King, but was sent away for her own safety. Her fight for her country was one of the building blocks and a key stone in the unification process.
Yushin - 1st love for Dukman and Chief marshall of shila. His devotion to shila is unsurpass by no one. He`s a Gayan by birth but accepted Shila as his country, that does not mean he turned his back on his people. For he stood up for them n fought for them on countless occassions.
i cant bother to go thru everyone, but every character plays a very important role like pieces on chess board. All in all this is a masterpiece and is for persons who love history, political game play and love to think. WATCH IT!!!
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"Mishil. Were it not for you, I might have not made anything out of myself. I salute Mishil and her Legacy."--Queen Seon Duk (1st queen of Silla).... and I salute Ko Hyun Jung"s mesmerizing and unforgettable portrayal of the brilliant, yet evil Mishil.
The glorious cinematography, subterfuge/suspenseful storyline and astute casting combined to present an intriguingly rich historical. All the characters were very well developed, especially the devastatingly formidable Mishil (she dominates the screen) and the powerfully irrepressible Bi Dam. Personal favorites: Munno, Alcheon, Jilsuk, Wolya, and Chunmung. So if you're entertained by court intrigue, romance, turmoil, power struggles etc., you'll enjoy the time spent w/ QSD.
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Queen Seondeok is mainly a historical/political melodrama depicting the struggle of opposing (good vs. evil) factions. The evil faction is led by a ruthless leader (Mishil) representing government control both of government officials and citizens, based on manipulating them with fear. The good faction has a good leader who wants power and freedom to shift from government to the people (control by their choice instead of governmental dictates, ownership of land by farmers instead of tenant farmers working for the rich), and who appeals to the hope and good nature of others.
Despite displaying inaccurate portrayal of the actual historical figures. Nonetheless, it did do an excellent job introducing the viewer to Korean, specifically, Sillan, history at a critical time. Whatever the artistic license taken, the fact is that this period in Silla saw first a major change in succession rules, and second the period of unification that would occupy the reigns of Sillan monarchs for a space of decades, and which Queen Seondeok started. In addition the story is so engagingly written that you really don't care if it's what "really happened" or not.
Another core theme is women's rights in a male dominated world, which I find the most appealing theme of this show. The power play between two very intelligent women (Deokman and Misil). Their chemistry was very much electrifying as many of the greatest hero/villain rivalries of literature and TV. The concept of the shadow self that makes for such a dynamic, two sides of the same coin, but rarely has it been done with both the characters being women. Misil and Deokman do have moments that prove they can fight; but it's really intelligence that marks these women as strong females.The conflict between duty and love is one Deokman has to tread throughout the show.
The marvelous thing about many characters in this show is the depth they all have. Bad guys have sympathetic moments. Characters you think are good doing something that suddenly makes you hate them, or vice versa. Every character, good or bad, has motives you can understand. The complexity of characters and the realism with which they are portrayed that gives the show it's nuances. It's really the quality of acting that also keeps things realistic that with actors of lesser experience could easily turn into melodrama. Equally nuanced is the writing. This show is great in what it chooses to reveal to the audience at certain points and what it doesn't allow the audience to know. My personal favorite of Deokman's boys though is Alchun (Lee Seung Hyo). There's something I love about his deep loyalty uncomplicated by romance, especially since he doesn't start off as one of Deokman's supporters. She has to earn his trust, but once she does, she has it for life.
Acting:
Deokman/ Queen Seondeok – Lee Yo Won: Amazing how well Lee Yo Won was able to portray this character. LYW’s performance as Princess Deokman, who later became the great Queen, was really stellar. The way she portrayed herself as a nangdo (a soldier trainee), to princess, to ruler was a compelling/convincing act. Her expressions were so clear, that I find myself “congratulating” her for overcoming every impossible feat that stood her way.
Mishil- Go Hyun Jung: GHJ is a brilliant actress who made the Mishil character stands out in this drama. She had the most audience attention actually in QSD. She played the controlling, power-hungry Mishil perfectly. She was as beautiful as she was terrifying in her quest to sit on the throne. Most times the ‘bad guy’ of the drama is detestable, in Mishil’s case I couldn’t detest her, in the end I understood her.
Bidam- Kim Nam Gil: FAWLESS! I was waiting for Kim Nam Gil to appear from the opening credits but I had to wait about 21 episodes for it to happen. But boy-o-boy when you came, he came with the thunder. Just as I was getting a little bored, Bidam came into the picture adding a whole new dynamic to the show. KNG really played the role of Bidam perfectly. I couldn’t imagine another actor playing his part very effectively. As Bidam, KNG was able to portray different emotions one after another that you would find him the charming, egoistic, and suddenly frightening individual. His character is a thin line between evil and good.
Yushin-Uhm Tae Woong He played the upright Yushin very well. Always steady and honest. That was the energy that he brought to this role. I was like with all the chaos, he was the one constant, the pillar for not only Deokman but for us viewers as well.
I should also mention the music of the show which has a great mix of character themes, sung love themes (both romantic and parental), and suspenseful background music.
Finally, the reason I could not give this drama any less than a perfect 10 despite its flaws is because at times the story offered some of brilliant psychological insights, such as Mishil saying "Humans can not live without believing in fantasy", as in liberal idealism (world peace, income equality without degrading the economy, big government that works efficiently, etc.) that can never be achieved. I am weak when it comes to brilliant/breathtaking psychological insights especially if portrayed so raw and wonderful as it is the case in QSD.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Do not even think of possessing me, nobody can ever possess me as long as this crown adorns my pate”–Queen Seon Duk
“Why did you change?”-Bidam
“Because I have no name, crown prince crown princess and even the scoundrels parading in the market have a name but a ruler does not… All I am is Her Majesty”, “Because the moment I lost my name, you became nothing more but an influential subject of mine” –Queen Seon Duk
“I love you for loving me as woman”–Queen Seon Duk
“Earning people’s trust is hard, however what is even harder than that is abandoning them” – Queen Seon Duk
“I shall neither give up, nor abandon my people, not a thing not anyone” –Queen Seon Duk
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The Regnant Queen
Queen Seon Duk is a critically acclaimed epic sageuk production that continues to be held in high regard even to this day, since its release more than a decade ago in 2009. It has taken me just as long to finally watch this remarkable drama as part of my classic watch project, and what a fulfilling journey it has been. All the plaudits rained upon this production have been well deserved indeed, where it has won numerous awards, including honours at the 46th Baeksang Arts Awards.The Story
The drama is partly a biopic, which cleverly fuses fact and fiction. Set during the turbulent period of the Three Kingdoms, the premise is based on the official records of the Samguk Sagi and Samguk Yusa. However, the storyline is primarily driven by the events chronicled in the controversial Hwarang Segi. The screenplay is infused with much creative liberty, thanks to the writing flair of dynamic duo Kim Young Hyun and Park Sang Yeon, who have written countless epic sageuk including Jewel in the Palace, Tree With Deep Roots, Six Flying Dragons and Arthdal Chronicles.
Queen Seonduk, the first female sovereign of Silla, and her achievements have been celebrated through the ages across all historical texts. On the other hand, historians have argued whether Lady Mishil, her arch enemy, had existed in the first place. Nonetheless, regardless of the historical accuracy, the characters and events are magnificently depicted in this incredible story of love, revenge, betrayal and sacrifice.
The Production
For an MBC drama that was released back in 2009, the general quality of production is worthy of praise indeed. Filmed on location at MBC’s famous outdoor film set, Yongin Daejanggeum Park as well as Shilla Millennium Park, thus reflecting the high levels of authenticity in its set designs. The costumes in the drama, particularly those of the Hwarang, are deserving of acknowledgment.
On the other hand, the cinematography feels quite dated in terms of the camerawork and the typical overuse of close-ups, which is prevalent in older sageuk dramas. You really do get to see actors’ microexpressions up close and personal. The action choreography is not the best, in terms of the swordplay and fight sequences. Interestingly, although this is a sageuk, there are elements of wuxia blended into the choreography. Perhaps this is influenced by Hwarang Segi’s almost fantastical account of the legendary powers of the Hwarangs of Silla.
The Characterisation
This is one of those rare occasions where I actually root for the bad guys instead of the good guys. Although this drama is focused on the character development and accomplishments of Queen Seon Duk, I was won over by Go Hyun Jung’s characterisation of Lady Mishil. She successfully encapsulated this larger-than-life figure who is arguably the epitome of female empowerment, charisma and wit, despite being the ultimate villain. This woman has screen presence and gravitas aplenty, and I honestly feel that she carried the entire show. Other character portrayals that I have enjoyed include Kim Nam Gil’s extraordinary interpretation of the complex and layered anti-hero, Bidam as well as Jung Woong In as the somewhat amusing and rather fun Misaeng.
On the contrary, I feel that Uhm Tae Woong’s depiction of Kim Yoo Shin is a bit flat, where he wears the same lifeless stoic expression throughout the whole show. Meanwhile, Yoo Seung Ho’s Kim Chun Chu is rather one-dimensional. I do think that Park Ye Jin’s Princess Chun Myung is more convincing than Lee Yo Won as Princess Deok Man and later Queen Seon Duk. I know Lee Yo Won has her admirers but I think she was outshone by Go Hyun Jung who went on to win the Daesang at the Baeksang.
Music
The original score, composed by Eom Ki Yeop, is exceptional for a production of this magnitude. Most sageuk soundtracks tend to be inspiring and surreal, which is the case here as well. The main title, comprising upbeat orchestral music, is an absolute favourite. I also love Mi Shil's Theme (미실 테마), an evocative operatic aria. Viewers may not be aware that IU contributed a song to the soundtrack, the lighthearted and catchy To the sea (아라로), which is a fusion of traditional instruments and pop music.
Overall
Queen Seon Duk is actually composed of three major arcs - the first 25 or so episodes before Princess Deok Man enters the Silla palace, the beginning of the palace politics that transpire in the second arc, and the final phase after the key events that take place in episode 50. I personally enjoyed the first arc, which had a measure of action, adventure and excitement. The second arc feels somewhat more regal and solemn in terms of the court machinations. The last 12 episodes probably could have been set aside, since I’m rather torn with the ending especially for one of the characters in question but, suffice to say, all loose ends are neatly tied up.
For fans of epic sageuk, this drama is certainly worth your while to check out. It might be a little old, but this is definitely gold.
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The drama’s setting was about war times in which people were still ignorant about science and turned to believing in myths. The main character Seon Duk or first known as Deokman was born during those times of conquering kingdoms and ignorance. She had to be separated with the royal family right after birth due to the nation’s cruel beliefs . It was then, a prophecy was given that a chosen one will unite the kingdom of Silla. Though, never in their wildest dreams did they think it would be a Queen and a twin nonetheless. Seon Duk’s journey from being a traveler, to a soldier then finally to being a queen was an epic one. During her growth, she had a handful of help from different people she get to meet along the way. Her perseverance, wit and loyalty has touched people’s heart around her and because of this, they become loyal to her in return.
What I liked about the drama was the political conflicts in every aspect. The more problem there is on the top of the ladder, the larger the problem becomes at the bottom. Politics has always been a mar in our society due to the scoundrels who take advantage of their power. It’s sad that if one person tries to be righteous in his ways, a flock would try to bring him down. Solving political problems was never easy to begin with, but this drama even the antagonist had the same thoughts as on how to control the government properly. It was a good idea, only it had the wrong ways on executing it which turns the table to our protagonist. Though the antagonist Mishil is very much witty like Seon Duk, the show got more interesting because two great female minds are going to collide head on with their own tactics.
Inserted along the way is also a love triangle within the story line. (They just wouldn’t let romance get away in sageuk dramas!) There is the ever loyal Kim Yu Shin from childhood to puberty and then later on comes the feisty Bidam. This part of the story isn’t your average love story, there were so many twist and turns that in the end it just made me pull out my hair and cry out loud for all the things these three people had to go through.
I am recommending this drama, because it is a good watch. An eye opener and you would seriously love Mishil in this show. Love her and hate her all at the same time.
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