The hit Korean drama Mr. Queen recently concluded after a highly entertaining 20-episode run. The show, about a modern-day chef named Jang Bong-hwan who finds himself trapped in the body of Queen Kim So-yong in the Joseon era, kept viewers hooked with its unique premise, hilarious comedy, and poignant romance.
1. ‘Mr. Queen’ Drama Summary
The drama centers around Jang Bong-hwan, a modern-day chef who works at the presidential Blue House in Korea. After messing up an important meal and facing ruin, Bong-hwan has an accident and wakes up in the body of Queen Kim So-yong in the Joseon era.
So-yong is the future wife of King Cheoljong, who is largely a puppet monarch with limited power. The true ruler is the Grand Queen Dowager Sunwon, who manipulates Cheoljong along with other corrupt figures like Kim Jwa-geun.
As Bong-hwan tries to figure out how to get back to the present day, he contends with palace intrigue, the scheming of the villainous dowagers and ministers, and his growing feelings for Cheoljong. A key subplot involves the forbidden romance between So-yong’s cousin Kim Byeong-in and court maid Hong Yeon.
Over 20 episodes, Bong-hwan gains confidence as a queen and helps Cheoljong defeat the villains trying to control him. Their unlikely romance blossoms thanks to the time their souls spend together.
In the finale, Bong-hwan is returned to modern-day Korea, while So-yong regains her body. Cheoljong retains feelings that something is missing but finds happiness with So-yong.
2. What Happened In Final Episode of ‘Mr. Queen’ (Ep 20 Recap)?
here is a summary of what happened in the finale, episode 20 of the Korean drama “Mr. Queen”:
- Jang Bong-hwan successfully prevents the coup attempt being planned by the villainous Dowager Queen Sunwon and her allies. He helps King Cheoljong reveal the truth and defeat the corrupt ministers trying to overthrow him.
- However, instead of returning to modern times, Bong-hwan’s soul suddenly returns to his original body back in the present day. He wakes up from the coma he had been in before traveling back to the past.
- In the Joseon era, Queen Kim So-yong regains consciousness in her own body. She reunites with King Cheoljong, who seems to retain a sense that something is missing but finds happiness with So-yong.
The ending implies that Bong-hwan’s time in the past has created ripple effects changing history – Cheoljong goes on to become regarded as one of Joseon’s greatest rulers. Back in modern times, Bong-hwan’s name is also cleared from the scandal that ruined his career.
Character Fates in ‘Mr. Queen’ Ending
A) Bong-hwan’s Fate
In the final episode, after successfully preventing a coup and ensuring a bright future for King Cheoljong’s rule, Bong-hwan finds himself suddenly returned to his original body in modern-day Korea. He wakes up from a coma, having been unconscious since his soul switched places with Queen So-yong. At first confused, Bong-hwan soon realizes that his time in the past has altered history – Cheoljong goes on to become one of Joseon’s greatest rulers.
This bittersweet ending means that Bong-hwan and Cheoljong do not get to have a romantic happy ending together, to the dismay of many fans. However, Bong-hwan’s success in bettering Cheoljong’s reign shows his time in the past was meaningful. And back in the present, with his name cleared of the scandal that ruined his career, Bong-hwan is poised for a brighter future than the one he left behind.
B) So-yong and Cheoljong’s Romance
After Bong-hwan’s soul leaves her body, Queen So-yong regains consciousness and returns to her role. She and King Cheoljong have clearly fallen deeply in love thanks to the time their souls spent together. The final scene shows So-yong visiting the site of Bong-hwan’s arrival, gently caressing the marks he left behind on the rocks.
So while Bong-hwan does not get his romantic ending, his efforts paved the way for one between the original king and queen. Cheoljong does appear to retain some sense of missing Bong-hwan, but the mutual love between him and So-yong suggests they will go on to rule Joseon well together.
C) Defeat of the Villains (Kim Jwa-geun, Queen Grand Dowager Sunwon and Dowager Jo)
Throughout Mr. Queen, King Cheoljong contends with corrupt and power-hungry figures seeking to control him and bring down the monarchy. In the finale, he finally defeats them in a cathartic showdown.
The conniving Kim Jwa-geun meets a fitting end as Cheoljong slices his crown from his head and condemns him to live in disgrace. Similarly, Queen Grand Dowager Sunwon and Queen Dowager Jo are stripped of power and banished. Justice is served as the villains who caused years of suffering face humiliation and punishment for their misdeeds.
D) Bittersweet Ending for Byeong-In
One of the most complex characters in Mr. Queen was Kim Byeong-in, played by Na In-woo. Byeong-in starts out as an antagonist, attempting to bring down Queen So-yong under orders from the Dowager Queens. However, he has an underlying connection with So-yong and a genuine desire to protect her.
In the final episode, Byeong-in sacrifices himself to save So-yong from assassins. With his dying breath, he confesses he only had eyes for her. Byeong-in finds redemption in the end by choosing love over duty. His death is tragic yet beautifully poetic.
2. Who Pushed the Queen in ‘Mr. Queen’?
The person who pushed Queen Kim So-yong down the stairs was revealed to be Lady Choi, a high-ranking court lady played by actress Cha Chung-hwa.
Lady Choi’s motivations for pushing the queen were related to her desire for power and control. She was initially loyal to the queen but grew increasingly resentful as she perceived the queen gaining more influence.
3. What Happened to Jo Hwa Jin?
Jo Hwa-jin was a noblewoman who King Cheoljong loved before he fell in love with Queen Kim So-yong (whose body was inhabited by Jang Bong-hwan’s soul). Hwa-jin had helped save Cheoljong when they were young, though it was later revealed to be staged by her family.
As Cheoljong’s affection grew for So-yong, Hwa-jin became jealous and worked with the villainous Dowager Queen Jo to try and bring So-yong down. However, Hwa-jin eventually has a change of heart, realizing she was losing herself and apologizes to So-yong.
In the finale, after helping So-yong and Cheoljong defeat the corrupt ministers, Hwa-jin gracefully leaves the palace to live as a deposed concubine. The ending implies she may find some happiness with Prince Yeongpyeong, who had feelings for her.
4. What Was the Controversy Around ‘Mr. Queen’?
There were a few main controversies surrounding the Korean drama “Mr. Queen”:
- The original Chinese novel the show was adapted from was written by an author who had made offensive and racist comments about Koreans in the past. This sparked criticism when it was discovered.
- There was criticism that some scenes in the show mocked and distorted aspects of Korean history and culture, such as calling the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty a “tabloid”, making light of royal ancestral rituals, etc. This was seen as irresponsible and offensive by some viewers.
- The show depicted actual historical figures from the Joseon era in silly or mocking ways at times for comedic effect. Descendants of one such figure complained, leading the producers to change character names.
- The Korea Communications Standards Commission issued an “administrative guidance” against the show for some controversial scenes, though no formal penalties were given.
The producers apologized for the issues and edited some scenes, though criticism continued. Despite that, the show maintained strong viewership and popularity, overcoming the controversies with its fresh take on period dramas.
5. Review of ‘Mr. Queen’ (2020)
Mr. Queen is an extremely entertaining and hilarious historical-fantasy drama about a modern-day chef named Jang Bong-hwan who finds himself trapped in the body of Queen Kim So-yong in the Joseon era. Shin Hye-sun delivers an absolutely brilliant dual performance as both Bong-hwan and So-yong, effortlessly switching between the two distinct personalities. Her comedic timing is impeccable and she steals every scene.
Kim Jung-hyun is also wonderful as the gentle King Cheoljong, who hides his intelligence behind a simple-minded facade. The chemistry between the two leads is fantastic, both comedically and romantically. Their odd-couple relationship provides endless laughs but also touching emotional moments.
The drama skillfully balances humor with intrigue and action. The power struggle plot involving the ruthless Queen Dowager (played to perfection by Bae Jong-ok) adds high stakes while the side characters like Jo Hwa-jin (Seol In-ah) and Kim Byung-in (Na In-woo) make the royal court come alive.
With its unique premise, great script, amazing cast, beautiful cinematography, and catchy OST, Mr. Queen completely exceeded expectations. It has cemented itself as one of the most entertaining Korean dramas of all time. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extremely fun watch that will make you laugh, cry, and keep you on the edge of your seat.
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The ending of Mr. Queen delivered a mostly satisfying conclusion even while leaving some loose threads. Key villains met their overdue downfall, the romantic leads found happiness, and Bong-hwan managed to change history for the better.
