Mr. Queen: rare mix of the funny and the sad

There are very few K-dramas, and fewer period K-dramas, that can make one laugh out loud. Literally. Mr. Queen is a rare mix of the funny and the sad that nonetheless is never short of being incredibly entertaining.

Plot pot

In the present timeline, Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk) is a hugely successful chef who has recently been appointed to the Blue House (the presidential residence in South Korea). However, he has also gathered enemies in the meantime. In a turn of events, he one day jumps from his balcony while being chased by officials. He falls into the pool below his balcony but wakes up to find himself in the body of Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun).

Chaos ensues as Bong-hwan adjusts to being in a woman’s body, especially one who is living as an elite member of the society centuries before his own time. King Cheol-jong (Kim Jung-hyun), on the other hand, is largely a puppet in the hands of the Grand Queen Dowager Sun-won (Bae Jong-ok). To survive till he finds a way out, Bong-hwan, while in the Queen’s body, slowly tries to adjust to his surroundings. But trouble awaits as he accidentally discovers dark secrets and devious plans that are being hatched inside the palace. Even the King has his own secrets and is not as meek and silly as everyone around him makes him out to be.

In case you are looking for a relaxing and entertaining time, Mr. Queen is the watch for you. It is equal parts fun, engaging and even tragic at times, to make it a great and memorable watch. Bong-hwan’s struggles as he adjusts to a different period and Cheol-jong’s gradual love for his queen, even though it really is Bong-hwan himself who is with the King, the political tensions that are rife and rebellion against the status quo, Mr. Queen has everything you would need in an entertaining but relaxing watch.

Trivia

The K-drama shows Bong-hwan experimenting with food and make items like pasta and more using utensils and ingredients found in the Joseon period.