This review may contain spoilers
Mr. Queen is the queen of my heart
I definitely believe this is one of the best ASIAN dramas ever made. Not just Korean. I mostly watch C-dramas and I barely watch K-dramas, but wow! This one is an absolute gem.The cast is spectacular! Every single one of them, not limited to the Male lead, lady Choi, the chef, the maid, the queen Dowager and especially the guy who played Kim Hwan (He's probably the most hilarious side character I've seen) They were fantastic!!
However, the main person that carries this entire drama is the Female Lead. She is probably the best thing about this drama. She is an absolute joy to watch on screen. She rightfully steals every scene she's in. She genuinely lived and breathed this role. The chemistry between the leads is also a treat to watch (such great kiss scenes, ngl!). I CANNOT emphasize enough how this show needs to be watched just to see how great she is in her role. I have no clue who this actress is, but she is extremely talented!
The OST just fits. Most of the songs/music that was picked just made each moment that much more hilarious, wonderful and emotional.
I won't say it's a perfect drama. There are only a handful that have gotten that title and this does have its flaws, but it comes so close to that title. The ending is a main reason for it. I think I'll forever be conflicted and upset over how this ended. It was so bittersweet. I just wish they had changed it a little bit by showing our two leads meeting in the future. Is that too much to ask??! Is it?!
Even though I loathed how it ended (and I can understand the reasoning behind it but it still hurts), I would still recommend this drama in a heartbeat to anyone, especially for people who think asian dramas, and k dramas in general are nothing but slow burn regurgitated romances with different casts.
The sheer creativity and just the overall fun tone in the entire drama makes you realise that the people who worked in this really put their heart into making it. For that alone, it's worth a watch.
Edit: It is also one of the most re-watchable dramas I have ever watched. At this point, I have re-watched it thrice, almost four if you count my current viewing and I enjoy it so much, though I do skip the political intrigue/serious parts.
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Surprisingly really good and refreshingly feminist! A rare find!
I went into this show expecting it to be really silly and perhaps just something I'd watch in the background while working, but I ended binging the whole series in about a week! I really couldn't stop!I think what made it so incredibly fun and gripping, was the fact the characters felt so alive. I attribute this to the fact it's also a comedy, whereas most historical Korean dramas are very very serious all the time this one had a spark of life and fun to it that allowed the characters to be more than weeping women and stoic men. I also found the main character to be one of the most empowering female figures I've seen in a kdrama in ages (unfortunate that it is probably only because her character was originally a man, but alas). Actually, I have to give some credit to the writers, because most of the people in power were women in this show. They were running the whole thing, good or evil, and I found it really fun to see the main cast of mostly females. It also explored in much more depth the roles of women in Joseon which are usually left untouched in a lot of period dramas. In many ways, it was just a lot more feminist than I was expecting and it made me very happy.
And the male lead also had a surprising amount of depth and sensitivity, crying perhaps more often than the female lead. By the end, I loved him so much! It made them a very fun and enticing couple, especially with the very very well done enemies to lovers arc! I ended up falling in love with both of them as the show went on and you could really feel the chemistry and how in many ways they came off as companions instead of lovers. A balanced relationship in which they listened and relied on each other. Also very rare to find!
The drastic contrast of moods within the show also allowed the dramatic/sad parts to hit even harder. I found myself tearing up at some parts even! The show wasn't as cinematic or high budget as some period dramas these days and in many ways, it was very silly and ridiculous, but I think it really embodied what makes a good kdrama! They played with the concept of the show to the fullest extent and didn't shy away from subversive scenes or realities that might come up in such a situation. Though unintentional it seems, I thought the interesting underlying dialogs on gender and sexuality were really fun and fresh. It really ended up being a fun watch.
From the complex characters to the well-done concept, It was really lovely to see and overall it helped make this drama super refreshing! Especially to someone like me who loves period dramas! It was like a breath of fresh air.
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Such a refreshing and FUN DRAMA!
When watching this drama don't take anything too seriously, although there are some serious scenes it is still very light. SO IT IS PERFECT IF YOU DON'T LIKE HEAVY DRAMAS like me. This drama was so funny and unserious, I heard a lot about this drama being funny but it was different from what I expected. I haven't really seen comedy like this before so it was refreshing, and I LOVED SHIN HYE SUN'S acting so much i think she was the perfect person to play the main character, nothing felt fake and she seemed so immersed in the characters that it was satisfying to watch. Kim Jung Hyun's character as the king was also excellent and he was able to express the character well, but in some scenes where he speaks extremely slow felt weird, but I guess that is just because it is a historical drama. The relationship between the two characters was very interesting and I loved seeing the development of both of the characters! Also the friendship between The Queen, Court Lady Choi and Hong Yeon was so cute and it felt genuine.However, the story and the revenge plot of the king didn't really make sense to me, it felt over exaggerated than what it had to be, but this is probably down to me as i just get confused when it gets too historical. Also the drama doesn't really explain why the soul transfer even happens, like why did he have to go back 200 years ago and be her, I was hoping for some sort of plot twist or some sort of link between the two. I just felt like there are some holes in the story but nonetheless it is defo a must watch!
HAVE FUN WATCHINGGGG! ˚₊‧꒰ა ₍ᐢ. ̫.ᐢ₎ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
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This review may contain spoilers
"Mr. Queen" it's a time travel drama and also a body swap story. Bong Hwan is a chef that gets in an accident and wakes up in the past. To make things worse, also he wakes up in the body of the Queen.There were so many hilarious things, that if I were to list them all here, it would be huge. I have to highlight So Yong/Bong Hwan dancing to Blackpink in the rain or her obsession with being with her concubines and feeling like a man again... or all the moments she made her culinary inventions that revolutionized Joseon.
I just think the ending should have been different, in my opinion Bong Hwan should have stayed in So Yong's body, not returned to his original self. I feel sorry for So Yong, but she gave up her life when she threw herself into the lake and Bong Hwan built a relationship with Cheol Jong, helped everyone in the palace and Cheol Jong only fell in love with So Yong after her "change". The two special episodes are light and fun, but they deviate a little from the direction of the drama's story, since even Byung In is all friendly with them and that was impossible to happen.
It has a very similar setting to "Moon Lovers" and that was one of the reasons why the drama grabbed me so much <3
It's simply a sensational production, whether in the characters, the main couple or the humor that is an essential part of the plot, but the main star who makes the drama a success is Shin Hye Sun, I think this was her best role so far now!
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But it wasss reallyyy good.
This drama knew how to be funny and at the same time give twist and turn and be serious with the whole political situation....
I highly recommend thiss drama to those who likes comedy cozzz it was realllyyy funnnyyy ....
And ohh myyy gaaddd ... This is a spoiler but the whole scene with the main lead making all these modern dishes back in history... That was soo funnyyy .... I loved it ...
And the chemistry between the king and the queen is also really goood...
So , there is romance , drama and comedy all in one...
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My Favorite K-Drama
I finished this drama when it first came out and I love it. I have watched both the Chinese version and Korean version. This drama has love, comedy, romance, politics, etc. it simply has it all. This my all time favorite drama and have watched many dramas since 2012. No drama I have watched can beat this drama. I am not the biggest fan of the ending, I wanted a little bit more. However, it was still SO great! The actors did such an amazing job. It's been a year and I still can't find anything like this. I wish they had a season 2. I highly recommend this drama if u haven't already watched it go watch it! I LOVE this drama!Was this review helpful to you?
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Amazing!
I adored this drama! The actress for the female lead did a phenomenal job, the comedy was always on point, and the character development for Cheoljung was very well done too. I loved Court Lady Choi, Hong Yeon, and even the curmudgeon cook and Soyong's dad. The pacing and development of the story - including the palace drama, romance, and Soyong/Bong Hwan identity aspects - were very well executed. I was deeply invested in every part of the drama, and the OST and other pieces of recurring music helped set the scene nicely. I thought that Uibin's character also had an interesting development arc - she almost went down the path of vengeful villainess, but then she saved herself. It was a nice change from cliches, which is a general theme in this incredible drama. As I said, I ADORED it. 10/10 recommend and will be rewatching!!Was this review helpful to you?
Comic yet so enthralling
When I started watching Mr Queen, I have to say that first 2-3 episodes was pure comedy and I was liking it but to a fair extent.However as the show progressed with more episodes, it became more interesting and enthralling. The mix of comedy with historical politics began to show its true colors and the whole premise suddenly became more engaging. The outstanding performance of Shin Hae Sun was the most positive factor of this drama. Also the overall soundtrack of the series was amazing, sometimes quirky sometimes intense.
The story was good, driven by strong performances of the cast, especially the lead female and execution till the final episode was swiftly delivered. Mr Queen has definitely made a place in my 'Top 5 Dramas of 2020'
My Rating : 8/10
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A Near-Perfect Blend of Comedy and Drama
Mr. Queen is a near-perfect blend of comedy and drama, earning its spot among the top Korean dramas with its innovative concept, exceptional performances, and intelligent writing. With a brilliant cast led by Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun, the series flawlessly merges historical elements with laugh-out-loud humor, keeping viewers engaged and entertained throughout. The meticulous attention to detail in costumes and set designs, combined with stunning cinematography, creates a visually captivating experience. Beyond its comedic premise, Mr. Queen delves into thought-provoking themes, displaying character growth and exploring complex issues of identity and power. While taking creative liberties with history, it does so purposefully, adding intrigue to the narrative. With a rating of 9.5/10, Mr. Queen stands as a shining example of the best that Korean dramas have to offer, leaving viewers thoroughly entertained and eager for more.Was this review helpful to you?
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Made me laugh out loud BUT I AGREE with the criticism
Are you familiar with that meme where there’s one member of a group project that does nothing at all but still gets an “A” because everyone else did the work?That is how I feel about Mr. Queen’s ending.
First off, this drama had excellent comedy. I found myself actually laughing. The female lead was spectacular. I really enjoyed the journey through the first 18-19 episodes.
And then, oh. This is one of the dramas where it’s “BUT THE ENDING.”
I legitimately spent a couple of hours late at night processing this ending when I watched it about two weeks ago. I felt so strongly about it, so I came back to write this review. I read some ranting reviews and I agree with the criticisms though I wouldn’t go as far as giving the show a 1 because of the finale - though that really gets the point across. (If I do my rating system like a class grade, the final can feasibly only account for a percentage of the overall score. Gotta give some credit for the bulk of the semester…).
My issue is we spent the whole show with Bong Hwan. The king fell in love with Bong Hwan, not that suicidal queen that he didn’t love. At the end, the Queen comes back just like that meme. She didn’t do anything except fail to kill herself and she comes back to a pregnancy and a loving husband. Seriously??? I couldn’t buy that shit. The ending is not satisfactory for the character we watched and loved - Bong Hwan. Le sigh. Oh yeah, and damn, the second male lead was the ONLY character to actually accept that Bong Hwan and the Queen were different people, but you know what… he gets a good dose of tragedy for saving the Queen he loved. Good grief. Oraebani deserved better.
So to sum it up, I am a fan of Mr. Queen but not the Queen herself.
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Ah, Mr Queen , What a treat
Every so often in K-drama land, after kissing a dozen frogs (messy plots, flat leads), you find a crown jewel. For me, that was Mr. Queen. Bold, funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly profound . I reminded me why I stick around for the gems.From the jump, it had insane chemistry (Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun nailed it), unpredictable plots, laugh-out-loud comedy, unexpected tenderness, and villains worth hating. The heart of the story? To love is to know, and to know is to love , a beautiful truth woven into every character arc.
It balanced irreverent, zany humor with moments that hit deep. My only gripes: politics dragged, and I wanted more of those juicy tropes where the “villains unknowingly push the leads closer” moments. Plus, the fading body-swap aspect could’ve been fleshed out. Still, the dual-identity theme made the ending land for me.
The cast ate, the OST slapped, and the rewatch value is high. In short: hilarious, heartfelt, chaotic in the best way, and full of soul.
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A Chaotic Masterpiece
Mr. Queen UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT!! This drama is definition of addictive entertainment. The comedy, the twists, and the sheer chaos made it impossible to stop watching.Going into this drama, none of the main cast members were among my personal favorites and i didn’t know any of them except the ML. Usually, I struggle to stay invested when I'm not familiar with or particularly attached to the actors. But Mr. Queen completely changed that.. Without a doubt, it's the best comedy time-travel body swap drama I've ever watched.
The King and Queen are easily one of the most chaotic and entertaining couples in K-drama history. Every scene they shared was pure gold. Their chemistry, constant bickering, unexpected teamwork, and hilarious misunderstandings made them impossible not to root for.
What I Loved Most👇🏻
The QUEEN herself❤️ Shin Hye-sun absolutely stole the show with her acting. Her performance was nothing short of phenomenal. The Queen's expressions, mannerisms, body language, and comedic timing were executed flawlessly. She didn't just play the role—she became the role. Every scene she was in was a masterclass in acting.
The supporting cast deserves just as much praise. Lady Choi and the Royal Chef were the perfect cherry on top of an already amazing drama. They brought so much humor, and heart to the story that they became my favorite supporting characters. They're the kind of supporting characters you'll remember long after finishing the show.
What surprised me the most was how politically intense the drama became. Since it’s a Comedy drama you normally wouldn’t except such hard core politics and high stakes. I expected a fun comedy, but the writer delivered so much more. The royal power struggles, schemes, betrayals, and political maneuvering were brilliantly written. The balance between comedy and serious palace intrigue was handled exceptionally well that you never get bore. Every episode left me wondering what would happen next because the story constantly found new ways to surprise me.
As for the ending, I know some people weren't happy with it, but I actually loved it. The chef had to go back eventually, his place was in the modern world, not trapped in someone else's body forever. And So-yong deserved to get her body and life back too. Was I sad to say goodbye to the chaos? Of course. But the ending felt right. It was bittersweet, emotional, and the most sensible conclusion for both characters. Ps I have already watched it twice.
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