I enjoyed this show. Highly entertaining with a relatively normal pace. It was not deep enough to cause you to sit down and really think about these issues after watching the show, as the perpetrators are dealt with in the same episode (not the cases themselves objectively, but more the handling of them or omitting other related issues), but it still made an impact, made you sympathize with the victims in the show and understand why the perpetrators had to pay. The concept is like a combination of shows like Taxi Driver, Study Group, and Juvenile Justice (really liked these shows too). Binge-worthy, so I'm not surprised many rated this show highly. However, it can feel very superficial to others, since it is like an all-in-one drama.
The main characters are also written with points that call out to the sympathetic and soft side (kind of) to root for them despite not knowing too much about them. It's the classic 'dead wife who was very inspiring, kind, and was the ml's everything' however (not really a spoiler as this is the very intro of the series) but you really can't help but root for him. A father who misses their child but will still honor them. A quirky pair of other main characters.
The acting was believable, so each actor executed their role to a certain capacity.
My critique is that I wanted to know the backstory of Cho Gyu Cheol (iykyk). I think it would've added a nice touch to the story. And the others too for all that matter. The show could've definitely been expended to a few episodes, but it is Netflix, so...
An overall satisfying show. Definitely worth a watch, and has a relatively okay rewatch value!
Idk why so many complain about Bong and Hanrim being an item and saying that it came out of nowhere? The signs…
Same. I found them so awkward and cute. I personally think they're supposed to give that type of "chemistry" (the one where they seem to lack it) because they're very headstrong characters, and not the type to admit feelings in front of the other, and haven't really discovered each other. We were witnessing the preview of the beginning of their love story. So this was perfect.
I usually don’t watch Korean historical dramas, as most of them have rendered me disappointed either the plot unfolds poorly, the pacing is off, or (the most tragic one) the story elements are repetitive to a fault. Historical dramas often rely on the same ingredients: corruption, usurpation of the throne, a dash of tragic romance, treason, rebellion, and so on and so on. The problem isn’t the elements themselves, but the writers’ lack of effort to do anything other than that. Under the Queen’s Umbrella also contains these familiar tropes. However, they never feel like the entire plot, nor do they become unbearable to digest. This drama stays consistent from beginning to end around its main point: a mother’s love, and the extent to which she is willing to go to protect her children.
The show offers a spectacular performance centered on this theme. Each arc reveals something important about the lives of the princes in the palace not just the Queen’s sons, but the other princes as well. And also their mothers and the king’s position on the throne. It was genuinely interesting to see how certain topics were addressed, especially considering the time period in which the story takes place.
What I particularly liked was how the Queen was portrayed. She doesn’t go in roundabout ways to say what’s on her mind. Fiercely protective of her children especially the older ones, whose safety is constantly at risk she is also compassionate and understanding. Her worldview isn’t clouded by black and white thinking. She sees clearly and makes difficult but necessary decisions. I absolutely loved Kim Hye soo’s performance; I genuinely felt the motherly love and protective instinct radiating through the screen.
And can I say again how consistent the story is. One of my favorite characters was, of course, the Queen Dowager. I appreciated that the writers didn’t suddenly make her weak just to fit the plot. She attacked and schemed until the very end, with the same force. She was the epitome of being two steps ahead. Even if she wasn’t likable, you can’t help but admire how she barges in and eliminates anything that stands in her way. Even in her final moments, she leaves with her head held high very deserving of a main villain.
Each of the actors performances were very worth noting. I get attached to characters easily if I like the story so imagine how ugly I cried when the CP died in early episodes. Consort Tae So Yong, who was sad that her child was held back because of her. Simso is struggling to make her mother proud and so many more. None of this would have been possible had the actors not delivered.
I really didn’t want this drama to end. I still wanted to stay in their world and explore more, but the show wrapped everything so nicely that nothing felt left hanging. It’s the total opposite of other historical dramas where the ending feels rushed, like they suddenly didn’t know how to conclude the story. While some arcs could easily have a sequel (for example, Gyeseong’s journey toward self expression of his identity. I’d be curious how they would portray that, considering the era. However, I applaud the team for not dragging anything out and for knowing exactly when to conclude a story. It makes the drama worthy of another watch.
I will still be on a quest to find other historical dramas that have something else driving the plot, rather than relying on the same elements I mentioned earlier as the central focus.
Same tbh my favorite genres from Chinese dramas in general is either historical/xianxia (if we remove the annoying cliche plots lol)/wuxia dramas. For modern tropes I prefer crime/mystery/adventures/comedy (no romance) dramas. I almost cannot watch any thing romance, slice of life related from them idk why. Which is funny because it's the opposite with kdramas. I mostly can't watch korean historical dramas. (except if that historical so happened to have cultivational elements like alchemy of souls). But I love to watch their modern dramas (which ever trope it is. As long as it's a very good story). Kind of a rent here lol.
But yes Historical BLs are definitely a gem. The untamed (although it was more cultivational/mystery related) had set the bar so high for these. I'm glad they are finding loopholes in order to give us these dramas. And I can see the quality gets better with each new one that is released. So I'm very hopeful for the future.
To think K netizens almost removed this masterpiece from our screens… ugh. Despite being a sci fi, comedy, mystery drama, the writing feels so fresh and entertaining. I wanna thank all the crew members who made this possible. The actors absolutely nailed their roles.
Eunbi (one of my fav actresses) is such a versatile queen. She always manages to outdo herself no matter what she plays, whether it’s Woo Yeong Woo (still having hopes for another season), Jung Se Ok, Dam I. Dae Hoon and Sung Jae were such hilarious fools here, but in a very likable and realistic way. Their characters had me laughing so hard throughout the series.
And I almost forgot Bae Na Ra. His characters are so different from him irl that I always have to make sure it's really him on the screen. Ugh such a good actor, can't wait for him and his other projects
And Eun Woo… he played the heck out of Eun Jong. Such a subtle, mysterious character who hides his pain, and he portrayed that so well. I absolutely loved him as Johan in Island (still waiting for the next season too heh), and I’d been wondering when he’d pick up another good project. He really suits these genres, and I hope he gets to explore and grow even more as an actor now that he’s slowly breaking out of that typecasting curse (his recent roles all had that “intrigue” vibe to them. A good change in my book).
Unfortunately, he just enlisted in the military (and I don’t know if he has unreleased projects waiting), and the way insiders leaked his private info to the media, which is illegal, was so messy. They blew the tax assessment situation way out of proportion when it was an administrative process, not a criminal one. And of course, the public loves to twist things, add fuel to the fire, and push people to the edge. It definitely put a dent in his career for now (at least in South Korea). But I’m still waiting for his comeback in the next few years.
I can’t believe the hard work of the entire cast and crew almost got scrapped like that. Fortunately, the show finally made it to air, and thank goodness it did, because it’s easily one of the most refreshing dramas we’ve gotten in a while from S.Korea. You can really feel the amount of effort they put into the production of this series (I caught so many references to other Netflix series so fast. You'll know them hehe. The way they twisted it was so funny) . I’m glad people are seeing what a gem it is.
Honestly, I’m just grateful we still got to witness this chaos, comedy, mystery, and heart all wrapped into one. Wonderfools really lived up to its name in the best way.
- so, i got pulled into this lakorn because of my man Film, but STAYED for the plot. something definitely happened…
Pretty sure he got a stroke and is now bedridden (from arguing with his sons I guess)
I like your theory about Phoem becoming impotent due to an accident. It must be that or he got drugged and touched without his consent by a powerful person from his business trip ?(he knows how to fight so I would guess it only had to happen when he was in a vulnerable state)
As for Shin's death, I think it could be either Phoem's brother or Phoem himself. Like you said he might've set this up for Shen and Tone to test them so Shin knowing about that would ruin his plan. It could be his brother since he had warned his brother about it and this could ruin the family's reputation if it got out but that seems unlikely. Or we can go the conventional way and suspect Tone since he has the biggest motive after all but Idk if he's capable of killing but I wouldn't rule it out since infatuation can make you act out of character.
Shen's pitiful at the moment since she's caught up between all of that. Being naive and Phoem being the one who made her discover things, she was definitely disorientated when he became cold to her and wouldn't even explain what was wrong. He even hit her twice (which is a no-no for me no matter the reason behind your trauma). Tone was there and attractive enough, not to mention willing to give her the relief she had been looking for.
I can't wait to see how the other episodes turn out. For all we know maybe even Shin didn't die lol and it was just an illusion or something
You can start off with his most popular ones like "I am nobody" and "No pain no gain". Both are goofy/serious but very different characters. You can also watch one of his movies "Viva la vida" (which is based on a real story) You can start from there and tell me what you think
All I can think about is how the people who have passed away ended up meeting such a kind-hearted lawyer like I-rang. He's so selfless in a way. And kind to a fault. He's also very lucky to have found genuinely good ghosts who didn't really mean harm to him so far.
I suspect that her sister's death is connected to his dad's accident. they showed for a split second of her reading…
Well Na hyeon's sister was only a teenager when she died back then. So I'm a bit skeptical of what would a 19 year old know so much that they needed to silence her. And go out of their way to do it with a luxury car instead of paying a poor person to drunk drive. Not to mention when I-rang's dad died, he was around 12/13 years old or smthg so Na hyeon's sister was also around the same age and too young, so even more unlikely. But idk maybe yang's dad is behind it afterall. That would explain a lot
Don’t you guys think that the person who hit Han Na Hyeon’s sister could be Yang Do Gyeong, because the person…
Yes it could be him. So far we don't know if Na Hyeon got to give justice to her sister (or maybe I missed it). If not, then the person who hit her must've gotten help from taebaek. But it would be weird since he would be around 17 or smthg when her sister died. Since him and Na hyeon are around the same age. Unless he was allowed to drive early. but even then if he did it, he would know her but from what I've seen now he likes her. So if he was involved, he would not be like that with her. but maybe his father was involved
Also what if the ghost that visited I-rang in the end of ep 6 is his father, but his father has a resentful/fierce spirit because he felt wronged ?
While I don't read Arnold's expressions as smug, I think at this point of the story he's supposed to give off…
Okay perfect. I will make sure to go check out his other work in order to have an unbiased conclusion about his acting. Will also wit for this show to end. Thank you
The way I expected a normal comment section. But this is more entertaining.
Also I have to ask (don't get offended cause I'm genuinely wondering), are those Joss's facial expressions or is Arnold' supposed to be an asshole in the making ? He was 'serving face' and had this same 'smug expression' (one eyebrow up and all) in almost every scene he's in so it made the scenes with Gawin a bit off.
With that been said so far, this spinoff is a lot less messy than s1 but I'm waiting for chaos to follow suit because it's starting to slowly creep in.
The main characters are also written with points that call out to the sympathetic and soft side (kind of) to root for them despite not knowing too much about them. It's the classic 'dead wife who was very inspiring, kind, and was the ml's everything' however (not really a spoiler as this is the very intro of the series) but you really can't help but root for him. A father who misses their child but will still honor them. A quirky pair of other main characters.
The acting was believable, so each actor executed their role to a certain capacity.
My critique is that I wanted to know the backstory of Cho Gyu Cheol (iykyk). I think it would've added a nice touch to the story. And the others too for all that matter. The show could've definitely been expended to a few episodes, but it is Netflix, so...
An overall satisfying show. Definitely worth a watch, and has a relatively okay rewatch value!
Under the Queen’s Umbrella also contains these familiar tropes. However, they never feel like the entire plot, nor do they become unbearable to digest. This drama stays consistent from beginning to end around its main point: a mother’s love, and the extent to which she is willing to go to protect her children.
The show offers a spectacular performance centered on this theme. Each arc reveals something important about the lives of the princes in the palace not just the Queen’s sons, but the other princes as well. And also their mothers and the king’s position on the throne. It was genuinely interesting to see how certain topics were addressed, especially considering the time period in which the story takes place.
What I particularly liked was how the Queen was portrayed. She doesn’t go in roundabout ways to say what’s on her mind. Fiercely protective of her children especially the older ones, whose safety is constantly at risk she is also compassionate and understanding. Her worldview isn’t clouded by black and white thinking. She sees clearly and makes difficult but necessary decisions. I absolutely loved Kim Hye soo’s performance; I genuinely felt the motherly love and protective instinct radiating through the screen.
And can I say again how consistent the story is. One of my favorite characters was, of course, the Queen Dowager. I appreciated that the writers didn’t suddenly make her weak just to fit the plot. She attacked and schemed until the very end, with the same force. She was the epitome of being two steps ahead. Even if she wasn’t likable, you can’t help but admire how she barges in and eliminates anything that stands in her way. Even in her final moments, she leaves with her head held high very deserving of a main villain.
Each of the actors performances were very worth noting. I get attached to characters easily if I like the story so imagine how ugly I cried when the CP died in early episodes. Consort Tae So Yong, who was sad that her child was held back because of her. Simso is struggling to make her mother proud and so many more. None of this would have been possible had the actors not delivered.
I really didn’t want this drama to end. I still wanted to stay in their world and explore more, but the show wrapped everything so nicely that nothing felt left hanging. It’s the total opposite of other historical dramas where the ending feels rushed, like they suddenly didn’t know how to conclude the story. While some arcs could easily have a sequel (for example, Gyeseong’s journey toward self expression of his identity. I’d be curious how they would portray that, considering the era. However, I applaud the team for not dragging anything out and for knowing exactly when to conclude a story. It makes the drama worthy of another watch.
I will still be on a quest to find other historical dramas that have something else driving the plot, rather than relying on the same elements I mentioned earlier as the central focus.
But yes Historical BLs are definitely a gem. The untamed (although it was more cultivational/mystery related) had set the bar so high for these. I'm glad they are finding loopholes in order to give us these dramas. And I can see the quality gets better with each new one that is released. So I'm very hopeful for the future.
Eunbi (one of my fav actresses) is such a versatile queen. She always manages to outdo herself no matter what she plays, whether it’s Woo Yeong Woo (still having hopes for another season), Jung Se Ok, Dam I. Dae Hoon and Sung Jae were such hilarious fools here, but in a very likable and realistic way. Their characters had me laughing so hard throughout the series.
And I almost forgot Bae Na Ra. His characters are so different from him irl that I always have to make sure it's really him on the screen. Ugh such a good actor, can't wait for him and his other projects
And Eun Woo… he played the heck out of Eun Jong. Such a subtle, mysterious character who hides his pain, and he portrayed that so well. I absolutely loved him as Johan in Island (still waiting for the next season too heh), and I’d been wondering when he’d pick up another good project. He really suits these genres, and I hope he gets to explore and grow even more as an actor now that he’s slowly breaking out of that typecasting curse (his recent roles all had that “intrigue” vibe to them. A good change in my book).
Unfortunately, he just enlisted in the military (and I don’t know if he has unreleased projects waiting), and the way insiders leaked his private info to the media, which is illegal, was so messy. They blew the tax assessment situation way out of proportion when it was an administrative process, not a criminal one. And of course, the public loves to twist things, add fuel to the fire, and push people to the edge. It definitely put a dent in his career for now (at least in South Korea). But I’m still waiting for his comeback in the next few years.
I can’t believe the hard work of the entire cast and crew almost got scrapped like that. Fortunately, the show finally made it to air, and thank goodness it did, because it’s easily one of the most refreshing dramas we’ve gotten in a while from S.Korea. You can really feel the amount of effort they put into the production of this series (I caught so many references to other Netflix series so fast. You'll know them hehe. The way they twisted it was so funny) . I’m glad people are seeing what a gem it is.
Honestly, I’m just grateful we still got to witness this chaos, comedy, mystery, and heart all wrapped into one. Wonderfools really lived up to its name in the best way.
I like your theory about Phoem becoming impotent due to an accident. It must be that or he got drugged and touched without his consent by a powerful person from his business trip ?(he knows how to fight so I would guess it only had to happen when he was in a vulnerable state)
As for Shin's death, I think it could be either Phoem's brother or Phoem himself. Like you said he might've set this up for Shen and Tone to test them so Shin knowing about that would ruin his plan. It could be his brother since he had warned his brother about it and this could ruin the family's reputation if it got out but that seems unlikely. Or we can go the conventional way and suspect Tone since he has the biggest motive after all but Idk if he's capable of killing but I wouldn't rule it out since infatuation can make you act out of character.
Shen's pitiful at the moment since she's caught up between all of that. Being naive and Phoem being the one who made her discover things, she was definitely disorientated when he became cold to her and wouldn't even explain what was wrong. He even hit her twice (which is a no-no for me no matter the reason behind your trauma). Tone was there and attractive enough, not to mention willing to give her the relief she had been looking for.
I can't wait to see how the other episodes turn out. For all we know maybe even Shin didn't die lol and it was just an illusion or something
Also what if the ghost that visited I-rang in the end of ep 6 is his father, but his father has a resentful/fierce spirit because he felt wronged ?
Also I have to ask (don't get offended cause I'm genuinely wondering), are those Joss's facial expressions or is Arnold' supposed to be an asshole in the making ? He was 'serving face' and had this same 'smug expression' (one eyebrow up and all) in almost every scene he's in so it made the scenes with Gawin a bit off.
With that been said so far, this spinoff is a lot less messy than s1 but I'm waiting for chaos to follow suit because it's starting to slowly creep in.
is that First on your profile picture ?