Watch Mr. Queen

Mr. Queen is a South Korean television series that premiered on tvN on December 12, 2020, and ended on February 14, 2021. The show is a fusion historical drama that merges traditional Korean history with modern-day sensibilities. The plot of the show revolves around Jang Bong-hwan, a chef who works at the Blue House (the presidential residence of South Korea), who happens to get transported back in time through a mysterious tunnel. He wakes up as a woman in the Joseon dynasty and into the body of Queen So-yong, the wife of King Cheoljong. Bong-hwan initially finds it impossible to cope with his new surroundings and the societal restrictions placed on women in the dynasty. However, he quickly realizes that he has to adapt and play the role to stay alive in this new world.

Overall, Mr. Queen is a gender-bending comedy with a healthy dose of action, romance, and intrigue. It is a unique drama that blends humor, fantasy, and history in a way that is both engaging and fun. The show has a great cast that includes Shin Hae-sun as Queen So-yong, Kim Jung-hyun as King Cheoljong, Cha Chung-hwa as Jo Hwa-jin (King Cheoljong's mistress), Yoo Min-kyu as Kim Jwa-geun (the head of Noron faction), Lee Jae-won as Eunuch Han, Choi Jin-hyuk as Kim Byeong-in (a loyalist to Queen So-yong), and Kim In-gwon as Grand Queen Dowager Jo.

One of the most striking features of the show is the way it portrays gender and societal norms prevalent in the Joseon dynasty. As a modern-day chef who is used to a liberated lifestyle, Bong-hwan finds it difficult to cope with the strict rules and norms imposed on women. His struggles to adapt are as hilarious as they are insightful, revealing the deep-seated patriarchal values that were prevalent in the society.

Another aspect of the show that stands out is the chemistry between the two leads, Shin Hae-sun and Kim Jung-hyun. They both do an exceptional job of bringing life to their characters and their onscreen chemistry is palpable. The romance between the two is a gradual build-up and not rushed, and it is a treat to watch.

The show also does an excellent job of blending history and fiction. The historical setting and costumes are beautifully crafted and add a layer of authenticity to the show. Furthermore, one of the show's key strengths is how it subverts history and offers an alternative interpretation of the events that occurred in the Joseon dynasty. This way, the show offers a fresh perspective on a well-known period in Korean history.

Overall, Mr. Queen is a show that is funny, engaging, and offers a fresh perspective on Korean history. The show is an excellent blend of genres that offers something for everyone. The cast is great, the chemistry between the leads is perfect, and the setting is breathtaking. The witty writing and the strong performances make the show highly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. If you want to watch a show that offers something different, Mr. Queen is the perfect choice.

Mr. Queen is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on December 12, 2020.