3 Questions To Be Answered In 2nd Half Of "The Queen Who Crowns"

Jan 21, 2025

tvN’s “The Queen Who Crowns” is entering the second half of its run!

“The Queen Who Crowns” tells the story of Queen Won Gyeong (Cha Joo Young), a kingmaker who dreamed of a new world in the early days of the Joseon dynasty and helped her husband Lee Bang Won (Lee Hyun Wook) a king with whom she shared the power of the throne. Although she was described in historical records only as “King Taejong’s wife” or “Mrs. Min” without her full name, the drama reimagines history from the perspective of Queen Won Gyeong, who lived an independent life without losing herself in spite of devastating betrayals and harsh reality.

As tension mounts in the palace, the complex relationship between Won Gyeong and Lee Bang Won intensifies, and the power struggle for the throne grows. Meanwhile, suspicious figures emerge amidst the political turmoil, leaving viewers wondering what will come next. Here are three key questions still to be answered:

Will Lee Yi Dam fill the void left by Lee Shi Ah?

After a near-fatal incident involving his father, Lee Seong Gye (Lee Sung Min), Lee Bang Won found comfort in concubine Yeong Sil (Lee Shi Ah), who allowed him to release his frustrations. Having relied on her since his early years, Bang Won was unwilling to lose her, and when she was implicated in a conspiracy, he asked Queen Won Gyeong to spare Yeong Shil. However, Bang Won insulted Won Gyeong’s pride by mentioning her family “pestering” him, prompting her to retort, “Why don’t you beg for her life instead?” In response, Bang Won pulled out a dagger, warned Yeong Sil to “live like you’re dead,” and stabbed her in the abdomen.

With Yeong Sil’s influence over Bang Won expected to fade, Chae Ryeong (Lee Yi Dam), who has sworn loyalty to Queen Won Gyeong, is caught between the two. While Chae Ryeong promised Won Gyeong that her “core belongs to the queen,” she has also promised to serve as an informant for Bang Won. The question remains: will she take Yeong Sil’s place?

What is Lee Hyun Wook’s new strategy?

Lee Bang Won is considering bringing in another concubine to weaken the power of the Min family. Though Lee Bang Won and Queen Won Gyeong shared the dream of becoming king and queen, once he had ascended to the throne, Bang Won continuously worked to limit the influence of Won Gyeong and her family. Lee Seong Gye also warned, “For me to call you king, you must eliminate those who have only changed their clothes under the name of Joseon.” This implied that Bang Won needed to diminish the Min family’s power to strengthen his rule.

However, when Bang Won suggested bringing in another concubine, Won Gyeong firmly rejected the idea and said, “No.” What will be the outcome of the couple’s struggle over concubines?

Is Cha Joo Young at the center of a rebellion?

Previously on “The Queen Who Crowns,” Queen Won Gyeong uncovered a movement to restore King Jeongjong Lee Bang Gwa (Lee Seung Joon) to the throne. Lee Seong Gye had planned a rebellion with his own military forces and those who supported the reinstatement of the former king. As Lee Seong Gye launched his rebellion, Won Gyeong defended from the uprising, while Lee Bang Won persuaded his brother to form a bloody alliance. Despite feeling betrayed by her husband’s transformation, Won Gyeong stepped in to protect Lee Bang Won during a critical moment.

However, a tense preview scene raises new concerns. A determined-looking Won Gyeong asks, “Do you have the courage to overthrow the king?” Meanwhile, a suspicious Lee Bang Won questions, “Are you saying the center of the rebellion is the Queen’s Palace?” Additionally, Won Gyeong’s comment, “You’ve fallen into a trap,” adds to the growing tension and mystery surrounding the unfolding drama.