Queen Woo

우씨왕후 ‧ Drama ‧ 2024
Ongoing 4/8
secretwriter person
9 people found this review helpful
Sep 7, 2024
4 of 8 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

It is a must watch.

I only started this show based on a review I read on another site and I have to say, I am glad I did. I have finished watching the 4 episodes released so far and I absolutely cannot wait for the last 4!

I was so disappointed to read all these critic reviews on the show being a huge disaster with the story not being very clear, etc. For someone who doesn't watch fast paced, mystery shows- this would seem like a really confusing story but to someone who is used to this genre, I found it extremely thrilling.

The story is a re-enactment of the most important 24hrs in the Queen's life. The pressure is bang on- not just for her, but for every character involved in the story, as well. The clock is ticking fast for everyone to play their pieces. The reason why it seems that without building on the back story of a character, the pov changes already is because the direction is intended to make us feel the heightened sense of urgency around, when literally all the stakes are high in the game. I absolutely loved the pacing of the story!

The comparison that some people are making of the show with GOT and failing miserably- I understand where that is coming from, but GOT had 8 seasons to showcase the storyline spanning over years of their drama. These characters here, in the story only have 24hrs and not a moment can be missed.

I don't understand why some people think the actress portraying Queen Woo doesn't give off the vibe of a Queen on-screen, because based on how her character's backstory goes, the actress is doing a marvelous job at it. The Queen is full of confidence and is incredibly sure of her skills, but at the same time is mourning & dreading the consequences that might ensue if she fails in her conquest.

Kudos to the costumes, the cinematography, the lightening and the beauty of the direction- it is a well built show that deserves a watch from anyone wanting to enjoy a good brain squeeze.

There is so much hue and cry over the explicit scenes, which I get- I mean, kdramas are never about them. I do think, even without these scenes, the plot could have progressed and felt the same way but some of the explicit scenes with the gore involved, just make it all the more interesting to see the cruelty of being obsessed with power and greed. I do have a complaint about them though- there is only female nudity and if the screenwriter felt that these scenes were that necessary to the story, male nudity should also have been explored or we could have avoided all of it together. Alas, can't have everything thought out, haha.

Since it is largely a true story with major fictional elements, I kinda do know how it ends but I am still eagerly awaiting to see how it will all pan out, at the end.

So, if you are planning on watching it, please do so with ease because it's worth a watch!

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Completed
Haya Algeva
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 20, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

one of the best historical kdramas

In my watch list, I have over 400 kdramas, of which at least 100 are historical, (with plots ranging from fantasy love stories to reality-based hysterics) This drama is one of the best historical kdramas I've watched (including Empress Ki being one of them) Amazing screen acting / perfect casting The actors did an amazing job especially the female lead. Jeon Jong Seo and Ji Chang Wook I knew he would never disappoint. I think everyone who complains about nudity scenes are people who are simply not used to this genre. Because this is far from your average historical kdrama. What was special about the drama was that it was historically based. The production was accompanied by a historian who made sure that the details were accurate, including amazing costumes. The production was so invested on an international level. I'm not sure why they made such a big deal out of the "sex" scenes (historically, that was the case). And that was also a tactic intended for the queen. The drama was accurate in terms of the number of episodes as well as its ending. The queen, who was historically strong, managed to keep the throne for a short period of time. It's true that there is violence in the drama, but it was also historically correct (the historical period was very cruel, that's a fact). In my opinion, a drama that deserves all the praise, for the casting, the soundtrack, the set... and of course Ji Chang Wook, who did not disappoint with a phenomenal performance.

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Ongoing 3/8
dhyen31
9 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2024
3 of 8 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Ji chang wook Nailed it and Jeon Jong Seo!!

Ji Chang Wook, really nailed this drama even his exposure was only 2 episode, he continue to shine across genres, maintaining his impressive versatility after his role in Empress Ki a decade ago. Jeon Jong Seo's fierce presence seems to really elevate the narrative, making her performance stand out and perfectly complementing her character. Despite some criticisms and hate, this 2024 historical drama truly feels like a must-watch!
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Completed
viky2066
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 20, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

A new form of historical Kdrama

I'm only at the 5th episode but I think this drama wants to highlight the behaviors before the New Confucianism that we then find in historical dramas, it's a raw drama in which sociopaths, bipolars reign whose only goal is power. The hard scenes are no less than the splat scenes. The soundtrack is wonderful and engaging. It's not a Kdrama for everyone if you are used to watching dramas full of clichés, hypocrites and far from reality, there is no yellow umbrella, there are no touches of hands, everything is a game of chess, it looks more like a horror and I watch it from this angle,😱

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Completed
Ramnyli
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 26, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Fast paced drama full of action and intrigues.

It's a fast-paced historical drama based on real events. It all happens in 24 hours, so there is a lot of action, plotting, and tactics. It's interesting to see how the events are going to turn out as life beside palace walls is a matter of life or death. I like that the queen is a great tactician and thinks a few steps ahead.
I did not mind the sexual scenes as they fit well in the drama. They could make more episodes to fully develop the characters. The acting was great, except for Jong Seon, as she does not fit in the drama. I can't help but feel her expression is just ruining the experience for me. Chang Woo and Soo Hyuk did a great job portraying the king and the crazy prince.

Apart from that, I really enjoyed the drama. It was a great watch, but I don't like that it ended at the best part. And I am not sure if we are getting a season 2.

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Completed
NanyDream
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 14, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

very interesting series

I loved it, the historical dramas are exceptional, they bring a lot of action, intrigue, love, sex, violence, betrayal, wars and show what life was like in the past and especially sexual life where there was no gender distinction but there was a distinction in social classes, but not , in sex. This type of situation occurs in all ancient civilizations, whether European, Asian, Indian, etc. This drama meets the expectations of viewers who like the unvarnished real story of what life was like before the religions that painted our lives in rosy colors and also full of prejudices existed and that still exist today. I congratulate the team of Actors, Production, Costume Design, Art, Location, Post Production, Scenography and other technicians who participated. Special mention for Ji Chang Wook, a great actor, I've seen all his dramas and Empress Ki, another historical drama with his great acting.

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Completed
Gabriela
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 22, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

It's like "Game of Thrones", but better

"Queen Woo" is a story about a woman named Woo Hui, she's the queen of a country named Gogoryeo and unexpectedly her husband Nam Mu dies and she has only one day to find another prince to marry or she's going to die.
Woo Hui quest is really amazing, it's so good what I wanted a prequel and a sequel, there's definitely enough content for that, especially about the relationship of Woo Hui and Nam Mu. They are a great couple and the drama only shows flashbacks of that, just to make us understand how Woo Hui got where she is now. Speaking of her, what a great character. She's a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. I loved it how she chose the fourth prince because he's easy to manipulate, he's the king only in name and she's the one who calls the shots. HAHA'
Jeon Jong Seo is a badass actress. I loved her work in "Bargain" and "Money Heist" <3

It's a shame that Ji Chang Wook is only at the first episode and in small flashbacks, Nam Mu is a very interesting character and I wanted to see more of him.

There is a lot of violent scenes, a lot of cruelty specially in Lee Soo Hyuk's character, the third prince. His acting is really impressive, he really became that person and to be able to see Lee Soo Hyuk and Song Jae Rim acting together, is like a dream coming true.

Eul Pa So is a mystery to me, I can't actually say that he's a traitor because he wanted to change Gogoryeo, the country needed to change and he helped Woo Hui... and I don't think it's only me who though that Pa So loved Woo Hui, the scene that he gave her the head band clearly showed that.

This drama is unlike anything I've ever watched in the kdramas universe. It goes beyond all the barriers and limits that South Korea normally imposes and it seems like it doesn't even care about it.
It's not scared of showing passionate scenes, to play with eroticism and does so in a way that does not become vulgar. Yes, there is a lot of moments like this, but I think it works with the ambiance that the drama sets, it's to show a place with people craving desire and power.

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Dropped 1/8
saseum
10 people found this review helpful
Sep 17, 2024
1 of 8 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 1.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 3.0
Music 2.5
Rewatch Value 1.0

Overrated historical drama, that'll be forgotten once another sageuk series comes along.

This drama is overrated, in my opinion. The FL has a lifeless expression on her face and eyes looked dead. She was supposed to portray a strong queen, but I can't see the authority, fire, or power in her eyes. Though many actresses with greater talent than her are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to perform, she is fortunate to have landed the part. If I may say so, Wookie and So Hyuk were the drama's saving grace.
It's also quite funny that this became popular in part because of too much, and sometimes unnecessary, intimate scenes.
Much superior were the earlier sageuk dramas, such as Jewel in the Palace, Empress Ki, Queen Seon Deok, and Emperor of the Sea! Good story, superb leads, and no hullabaloos just to create "steam" among viewers.
Frankly, Queen Woo is a drama that's akin to a freshly cooked griddle cake ---- appetizing at first, but will be forgotten after its "heat" dissipated.

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Completed
Lisse
2 people found this review helpful
Dec 30, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Talvez reassista

Comecei esse drama super empolgada quando lançou, vi os 4 primeiros episódios em um tacada só. No entanto, com a demora pra lançar a 2° parte desanimei muito. Vi do 5 ao 8 me arrastando, só fui terminar agora: três meses depois. perdi o ritmo e a importância da história.

O elenco é ótimo e entrega muito; nem preciso falar sobre a estrutura pra fazer um drama histórico, vai além da imaginação. Acredito que se pegar em outro momento pra rever flua melhor pra mim, mas agora não rolou. Acho até que tenha alguma discrepância entre as partes 1 e 2 que com a minha perda de ritmo eu tenha deixado passar. E respeito muito os meus momentos para assistir as coisas e se não rolou, tá tudo bem tbm.

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Completed
Patrick41
2 people found this review helpful
May 1, 2025
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Un superbe drama historique

C'est un des dramas les plus percutants et intéressants que j'ai vus.
L'histoire est prenante et l'interprétation excellente.
Dommage qu'il n'y ait que 8 épisodes...
Cette femme, la reine Woo, est d'une modernité étonnante ("je ne veux plus être une pièce dans un échiquier") et veut prendre en main sa destinée et celle de son peuple pour le meilleur.
L'histoire est particulièrement violente et réaliste jusque dans l'intimité des protagonistes .
Certains se sont offusqués des scènes de nus alors qui ne sont qu'une visualisation de la condition des femmes à l'epoque et n'ont vu que cela. Ça en dit long sur leur état d'esprit et c'est dommage car ce drama méritait mieux.

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Completed
Jirmina
2 people found this review helpful
Oct 9, 2024
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Mini-dramas são moda!

Pasmada do início ao fim! Sangue? Imenso, de acordo com o plot, 50% da população coreana foi à vida! Nudez? Mais do que estava à espera! O romance todo da coisa passou despercebido e os momentos cómicos foram mais uma brisa de ar fresco depois de tanto drama e vingança.

Não me dei ao trabalho de pesquisar se alguma parte da história era realidade (penso que não). Tinha imensos plot twists, por momentos já não sabia quem era quem e quem estava do lado de quem, mas gostei bastante! Para um mini-drama (o meu maior pesadelo!), conseguiu surpreender-me!

Props: para o Lee Soohyuk, que nem sabia se morria de calores ou de medo por causa dele!
Conclusão: mini-dramas continuam a ser o meu arquinimigo! Aberrações da arte!

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Completed
angloma
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 1, 2025
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

Una occasione mancata. un finale senza finale

Il regista deve essersi fatto prendere la mano dalle americanate, altrimenti non si spiegano certe scene che non portano niente alla storia, parlo delle scene di sesso, che di per sè non mi turbano, ma con la storia non hanno nulla a che fare. Una americanata!
La storia è interessante ma si dilunga troppo in battaglie e viaggi a cavallo, con musiche opprimenti e cupe.
La fotografia non è male, un pò noir, ma ci sta.
Molto bravi gli attori, niente da dire, la regina è un pò mummificata nella sua solita severa ed imperturbabile espressione.
Un piccolo drama senza lode e senza infamia, una occasione persa perché poteva essere realizzato molto meglio, più scorrevole, con dialoghi meno criptici e più chiari.
Il finale semplicemente non c'è.
Comunque questo drama è ispirato ad una storia vera accaduta durante il periodo Goguryeu, La regina regnerà con il secondo marito, ovvero il quarto principe, per cui vincerà la guerra contro i cognati usurpatori.

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Queen Woo poster

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  • Score: 7.7 (scored by 7,566 users)
  • Ranked: #4458
  • Popularity: #994
  • Watchers: 26,690

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