Mr. Queen

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Mr. Queen
Promotional poster
Hangul
철인왕후
Hanja
哲仁王后
Literal meaningQueen Cheorin
Revised RomanizationCheorinwanghu
Genre
  • tvN

    Jang cheol Kyo

    Kim Young-gyu
Based onGo Princess Go
by Xian Chen
tvN
ReleaseDecember 12, 2020 (2020-12-12) –
February 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)

Mr. Queen (

tvN every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 (KST) from December 12, 2020, to February 14, 2021.[4]

Despite its

5th highest rating in the network's history.[6]

Synopsis

In the modern age, Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk) is a head chef who works at the Blue House. He is a womanizer with a free spirit, and one day gets in trouble when a Chinese delegate takes out a fish hook after biting into their food cooked by him. After a near-death experience one day, he finds himself in the body of So-yong as Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) in the Joseon period.

King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun), the reigning monarch, is a gentle and easy-going person. However, he is a king as a figurehead, while the true power is wielded by the late King Sunjo's widow, Queen Sunwon (Bae Jong-ok). Bong-hwan goes on a mission to win Queen Sunwon's favor by cooking for her and try to get back to his body in modern Korea but Bong-hwan soon discovers that So-yong has a secret while the King is not what he seems, and has a dark and suspicious side to him.[7]

Cast

Main

The Queen of Joseon who has the soul of a man in her body.[8]
The 25th King of Joseon.

Supporting

People around Queen Cheorin

A sanggung and Queen Cheorin's devoted lady-in-waiting.
  • Chae Seo-eun as Hong-yeon
Queen Cheorin's loyal maid who served her since they were kids.

People around King Cheoljong

Cheoljong's older half-brother who serves as his royal guard.
Cheoljong's friend from his days on Ganghwa Island.

Andong Kim clan

The late King Sunjo's wife, who wields the true power in the country and, thus, relegates Cheoljong to being just a figurehead.
Queen Sunwon's younger brother and an extremely ambitious man.
The adopted son of Kim Jwa-geun, thus making him Queen Sunwon's nephew and a cousin to Queen Cheorin.
Queen Cheorin's father.
A bright young man who spent his days wandering around the palace and Kim Byeong-in's friend.

Pungyang Jo clan

Cheoljong's concubine and first love.
The late Crown Prince Hyomyeong's only wife.
Jo Hwa-jin's father.

People in the Blue House

An arrogant playboy and Blue House chef who is caught in a conspiracy and after a near-death experience, he wakes up in Queen Cheorin's body.

People in the Royal Kitchen

A cuisine specialist who doesn't get along with Queen Cheorin.
  • Kang Chae-won as Dam-hyang
A young court lady who is close with Queen Cheorin.

Court Ladies

  • Kim Ju-young as Oh-wol[13]
Jo Hwa-jin's maid.
Queen Sinjeong's lady-in-waiting.
  • Seo Hye-ryeong as court lady
  • Ahn Ju-ri as court lady

People in the Royal Palace

Special appearances

  • Ha Min as Physician Park (Ep. 1)
  • Seo Dong-suk as detective (Ep. 1)
  • Kwon Eun-soo as court lady (Ep. 2)
  • Kim Ka-eun as young court lady (Ep. 2)
  • Lee Seung-jin as royal guard (Ep. 2)
  • Yoon Jung-ro as royal guard (Ep. 2)
  • Baek Jae-jin [ko] as general store owner (Ep. 2–3)
  • Oh Ji-young as court lady (Ep. 3)
  • Na Mi-hee as court lady (Ep. 3)
  • Kim Yong-jin as eunuch (Ep. 3)
  • Moon Hak-jin [ko] as food palanquin bearer (Ep. 6)
  • Koo Ja-keon as food palanquin bearer (Ep. 6)
  • Kim Seung-wan as food palanquin bearer (Ep. 6)
  • Kim Nan-hee as fortune teller (Ep. 6)

Production

In March 2020, Shin Hye-sun was confirmed to be a part of the drama.[14] In June 2020, Kim Jung-hyun, Bae Jong-ok, Kim Tae-woo joined her to play lead roles in the series.[15] In July 2020, Seol In-ah[16] and Yoo Young-jae[10] also joined the cast.

In October, the first script reading was held.[17] The stills from filming of the series were released on November 16, 2020.[18]

The series reunites actors Kim Jung-hyun and Seol In-ah who previously acted together in the drama School 2017.

It also marks the second collaboration of

Legend of the Blue Sea
, respectively.

On November 24, 2020, filming was stopped as one of the supporting actors tested positive for COVID-19.[19]

Release

From November 4, 2021, the series is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.[20] From February 15, 2023, the series was made available for streaming on Netflix.[21]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateSouth Korea viewers
(millions)
1"Jang Bong-hwan In Wonderland"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilDecember 12, 2020 (2020-12-12)1.901[23]
Bong-hwan is a successful young chef, but he finds himself in trouble. After accidentally falling into a swimming pool while being chased by the police, he wakes up in the Joseon dynasty in a woman's body.[22]
2"Nobody Knows"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilDecember 13, 2020 (2020-12-13)2.337[25]
Bong-hwan's life as So-yong, the Queen, begins in earnest. The rigidity of the palace wears Bong-hwan out, but he runs into the woman of his dreams, the only problem is that she is Jo Hwa-jin, the woman King Cheoljong is in love with.[24]
3"Sleeping With The Enemy"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilDecember 19, 2020 (2020-12-19)2.276[27]
Cheoljong grows suspicious of So-yong. Meanwhile, So-yong misses modern food and decides to make it herself in the royal kitchen. She decides that she must win over the Grand Queen Dowager's heart with food in order to refill the drained lake.[26]
4"The Man Who Knows Too Much"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilDecember 20, 2020 (2020-12-20)2.801[29]
So-yong gets furious as she realizes who is trying to kill her. Cheoljong assumes So-yong is planning revenge over him as Oh-wol, the court maid of Hwa-jin, goes missing after that.[28]
5"A Heel That Can Easily Get Hurt"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilDecember 26, 2020 (2020-12-26)2.939[31]
So-yong admits a secret which saves Concubine Jo Hwa-jin and the King's lives, but puts her in a bad position with Queen Sunwon and Kim Jwa-geun. Meanwhile, the King regrets how he treated the Queen and decides to trust her for the time being. The lake is finally refilled and Bong-hwan finds his chance to go back.[30]
6"Between Understanding And Misunderstanding"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilDecember 27, 2020 (2020-12-27)2.981[33]
Cheoljong foils Bong-hwan's attempt to return to the present era by pulling So-yong out of the lake. The Poongyang Jo family files a petition to depose the Queen for being of an unsound mind, but Cheoljong speaks in her favor.[32]
7"Mask"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 2, 2021 (2021-01-02)3.281[35]
While in the kitchen, So-yong suddenly faints, slipping into a coma. Meanwhile, Queen Sunwon makes a move against Queen Dowager Jo. Fearful for her safety, the King agrees to let So-yong go to her family's residence to recover.[34]
8"A Dangerous Relationship"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 3, 2021 (2021-01-03)3.240[37]
While touring the residence with So-yong and her father, the King is shaken by a childhood memory that makes Hwa-jin nervous. So-yong has started to slowly recover some of her memories, and some of her feelings towards the King as well.[36]
9"Light And Darkness"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 9, 2021 (2021-01-09)3.195[39]
So-yong wants to go back to the palace but Cheoljong wants to stay at her place one more night in order to find the hidden ledger. So-yong joins Cheoljong's undercover adventure which leads to an unexpected street market date.[38]
10"Living A Nightmare"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 10, 2021 (2021-01-10)3.359[41]
Cheoljong and So-yong return to the palace. Queen So-yong quickly gets to work in appeasing Queen Sunwon's hunger. Meanwhile, Cheoljong's feelings towards So-yong cause a rift between him and Hwa-jin.[40]
11"The Unforgiven (The One Who cannot be Forgiven)"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 16, 2021 (2021-01-16)3.234[43]
Cheoljong makes a move against both Kim and Jo families by convincing So-yong to select three concubines from other powerful families. Cheoljong organizes a banquet for the Queen, the Kim family retaliates, and Hwa-jin makes a bold move.[42]
12"Dancing On Top Of The Sword"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 17, 2021 (2021-01-17)3.625[45]
Dressed as Lee Saeng-mang, So-yong assembles a banquet with the help of Royal Chef, thereby helping Cheoljong recover from Kim family's sabotage. Kim Jwa-geun suddenly delivers a piece of news in front of everyone that threatens Cheoljong. A bomb goes off in front of Cheoljong.[44]
13"There Is No Tomorrow"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 23, 2021 (2021-01-23)3.518[47]
Cheoljong remains unconscious from his injuries and the palace is in a panic. Kim Jwa-geun threatens So-yong to accept his suggestion, and So-yong jumps into the lake to regain more memories before becoming Queen. Kim Jwa-geun believes that So-yong is no longer on his side as he finds out So-yong helped Cheoljong to save the banquet. Cheoljong recovers from his injuries.[46]
14"The Woman Who Must Die To Live"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 24, 2021 (2021-01-24)3.595[49]
Cheoljong keeps following after So-yong, but So-yong tries to avoid him because she is confused with her feeling towards Cheoljong. Cheoljong is disappointed by So-yong, who keeps pushing him away. Grand Queen Dowager Suwon attempts to poison So-yong during their brunch.[48]
15"The Crazy X in This Palace"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 30, 2021 (2021-01-30)3.898[51]
So-yong decides to get her revenge on those who tried to kill her by forming an alliance with Cheoljong. Cheoljong feels strange about his memory of what happened in the well. Meanwhile, Kim Byeong-in joins hands with the Jo clan.[50]
16"All In"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilJanuary 31, 2021 (2021-01-31)4.094[53]
After Cheoljong shares about the future of Joseon he dreams of with So-yong, she wants to help his future goals. Byeong-in is hurt as Cheoljong and So-yong grow closer. Hwa-jin decides to tell Cheoljong the truth about the well incident. So-yong learns how to make alcohol with pear blossoms with the royal cook. A physician comes visit with unexpected news.[52]
17"Pregnancy Is Beautiful / A New Rumor"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 6, 2021 (2021-02-06)3.731[55]
Everyone including Cheoljong in the palace is happy to hear about the Queen's pregnancy, but So-yong is not happy about it. Meanwhile, a fierce rumor also starts to spread with the news of the Queen's pregnancy.[54]
18"The Counterattack Of Memories"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 7, 2021 (2021-02-07)3.968[57]
Cheoljong leaves the palace to respond to a mutiny from local bandits and to protect So-yong. So-yong worries about him as he left without any explanation. Queen Sunwon regains her regency claiming Cheoljong was killed by the bandits. Byeong-in tries to persuade So-yong to reconcile with the Kim clan, but So-Yong realizes what really happened to Cheoljong and leaves the palace to find him.[56]
19"The Man Who Came Back From The Dead"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 13, 2021 (2021-02-13)3.912[59]
After So-yong sneaks out of the palace to find Cheoljong, Byeong-in dies while protecting her from assassins. The palace is busy with the preparation for the enthronement ceremony. However, someone goes around the streets and spreads the news about the King surviving.[58]
20"My Life Without Me"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)4.749[61]
Cheoljong and So-yong return to the palace to stop the planned enthronement ceremony. After a near-death experience during the fight, Bong-hwan returns to the future and the real Queen So-yong remains in her body. Cheoljong manages to take back his position and continues to punish the enemies. So-yong nearly miscarries, but both she and the baby survive. Afterwards, she takes the internal court power back from the Grand Queen Dowager and begins the new ruling era with King Cheoljong, rewriting the nation's history. When Bong-hwan returns to the 21st century, he checks what happened to Cheoljong and So-yong by accessing the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty, and starts fighting corruption in his own time.[60]

Spin-off

tvN announced that they would be airing a spin-off titled Mr. Queen: The Secret (official Korean name: Mr. Queen: Bamboo Forest), which featured the secrets and an extended love story of King Cheoljong and Queen Cheorin. It aired exclusively on the streaming service, TVING after the end of the main series' episodes 19 and 20 on February 13–14.

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"The Secrets of The First Meeting"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 13, 2021 (2021-02-13)
In a time before So-yong became elected as the future queen of Joseon, she tries to catch a glimpse of the Emperor in hopes of knowing what her potential future husand looks like. After many failed attempts, So-yong meets a handsome young man. The next day, she realizes the young man is the Emperor when he bestows her the title as queen of Joseon.
2"The Secrets of The Competition"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 13, 2021 (2021-02-13)
Kim Beyong-yin and Prince Yeongpyeong compete to find out which of them is the stronger one.
3"A Lady's Secret"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 13, 2021 (2021-02-13)
A storybook is spread throughout the palace. All the maids love it so much that they pass it around.
4"The Secrets of The Guy Friend"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)
King Cheoljeung gets jealous when he catches various men coming out of So-yong's bedchamber and begins to wonder who she is most fond of.
5"The Secrets of The Real Siblings"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)
Sibling rivalry between the Grand Dowager and Kim Jwa-geun.
6"The Secrets of Destruction"Yoon Sung-sikPark Gye-ok & Choi Ah-ilFebruary 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)
Everyone in the palace panics as news of the end of the world nears. So-yong, King Cheoljeong and their close ones watch and witness the night sky being brightened by a meteor shower. So-yong convinces everyone to make wishes. Many wish to meet each other again in their next lives.

Original soundtrack

Mr. Queen OST
Dreamus Company

Part 1

Released on December 13, 2020 (2020-12-13)[62]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Bong Hwan A" (봉환아)
  • Jang Young-soo
  • OSKAR (HIGHBRID)
  • SIROO (HIGHBRID)
  • ARTROTMAN (HIGHBRID)
  • Jang Young-soo
  • OSKAR (HIGHBRID)
  • SIROO (HIGHBRID)
  • ARTROTMAN (HIGHBRID)
Norazo2:37
2."Bong Hwan A" (inst.) 
  • Jang Young-soo
  • OSKAR (HIGHBRID)
  • SIROO (HIGHBRID)
  • ARTROTMAN (HIGHBRID)
 2:37
Total length:5:14

Part 2

Released on December 27, 2020 (2020-12-27)[63]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Like A Star" (마음이 별이 되어)
  • DANI
  • HowL
  • Park Geun-chul
  • Jung Soo-min
Jang Han-byul4:08
2."Like A Star" (inst.) 
  • Park Geun-chul
  • Jung Soo-min
 4:08
Total length:8:16

Part 3

Released on January 3, 2021 (2021-01-03)[64]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Here I Am"B.O.K
  • B.O.K
  • Yoon Sang-jo
Jo Hyun-ah (Urban Zakapa)3:58
2."Here I Am" (inst.) 
  • B.O.K
  • Yoon Sang-jo
 3:58
Total length:7:56

Part 4

Released on January 9, 2021 (2021-01-09)[65]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Puzzle"
  • Hwang Yong-joo
  • Park Woo-jin (AB6IX)
  • Hwang Yong-joo
  • Jo Dae-min
3:00
2."Puzzle" (inst.) 
  • Hwang Yong-joo
  • Jo Dae-min
 3:00
Total length:6:00

Part 5

Released on January 16, 2021 (2021-01-16)[66]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Keep Going"
Major LeaguerDinDin3:55
2."Keep Going" (inst.) Major Leaguer 3:55
Total length:7:50

Part 6

Released on January 17, 2021 (2021-01-17)[67]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."The Great Recipe" (철인시대 (위대한 레시피))
  • DANI
  • HowL
  • Park Geun-chul
  • Jung Soo-min
sEODo3:49
2."The Great Recipe" (inst.) 
  • Park Geun-chul
  • Jung Soo-min
 3:49
Total length:7:38

Part 7

Released on January 31, 2021 (2021-01-31)
EXO
)
4:31
2."To My One and Only You" (inst.) Choi Soo-in 4:31
Total length:9:02

Part 8

Released on February 7, 2021 (2021-02-07)[69]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Like A Star" (별들 중에서)
  • HowL
  • Junoha
  • HowL
  • Junoha
Onestar4:25
2."Like A Star" (inst.) 
  • HowL
  • Junoha
 4:25
Total length:8:50

Part 9

Released on February 13, 2021 (2021-02-13)[70]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Venus (feat. Kwon Hyun-bin)"Psycho Tension (GK, KiKO)Psycho Tension (GK, KiKO)Moon Jong-up3:16
2."Venus" (inst.) Psycho Tension (GK, KiKO) 3:16
Total length:6:32

Mr. Queen: The Bamboo Forest OST

Released on February 27, 2021 (2021-02-27)[71]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."But I Miss You"
  • DANI
  • HowL
  • Park Geun-chul
  • Jung Soo-min
Gyeongree3:40
2."But I Miss You" (inst.) 
  • Park Geun-chul
  • Jung Soo-min
 3:40
Total length:7:20

Mr. Queen OST (Various Artists)

Released on February 17, 2021 (2021-02-17)
EXO)
 
8."Like A Star" (별들 중에서)  Onestar 
9."Venus (feat. Kwon Hyun-bin)"  Moon Jong-up 
10."Like The First Snow" (첫눈처럼)
  • E-Race
  • Ha Jae-hong
    • Baek Moo-hyun
    • E-Race
    Kim Jung-hyun 
    11."Mr.Queen" Howl  
    12."Secret of the well" Howl  
    13."Conspiracy" DL  
    14."Palace" Howl  
    15."No Touch" Howl  
    16."Iron tango" Howl  
    17."Lost Memory" Howl  
    18."Other World" Howl  
    19."Rebellion" DL  
    20."Toy Soldier" DL  

    Chart performance

    Title Year Peak
    positions
    Remarks Ref.
    KOR
    Gaon
    KOR
    Hot
    "Here I Am" (Jo Hyun-ah) 2021 115 Part 3 [73]
    "Puzzle" (Soyou & Park Woo-jin) [a] Part 4

    Reception

    Controversies

    Following its airing, a controversy erupted in episode 2 as the series referred to Korea's national treasure, the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty as a "tabloid." This drew outrage among viewers and about 700 people filed complaints to the Korea Communications Standards Commission.[75] The series was also criticised as the author of the original Chinese drama has made negative remarks about Korea in their other work.[76] The producers released a statement clarifying their stance and apologising for the controversies, adding that they were not aware of the negative comments made by the novelist.[77]

    Domestic audience viewership

    An 8.0% viewership rating was recorded nationwide for the first episode, making it the second-highest premiere rating of any weekend drama of

    Mr. Sunshine,[81] and Encounter.[82][83]

    As per

    Mr. Queen : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)