'Queen Woo', the new TVING original series, has taken the top spot on the 'Today's TVING TOP20' chart as of August 30.
The historical action drama, starring Jun Jong Seo, Kim Mu Yeol, and Ji Chang Wook, follows 'Queen Woo' as she battles various factions to establish a new king within 24 hours after the sudden death of the king.
While the series has been a hit, it has faced some controversy. Critics have pointed out that the costumes in the teaser and stills look similar to traditional Chinese attire, raising questions about historical accuracy.
In response, the producers clarified, “The series is a reimagined version based on historical figures. We consulted experts and used verified historical documents.”
The Part 1 episode, which aired on August 29, showed Queen Woo Hee (Jun Jong Seo) grappling with the power struggle after the king’s death.
The series adds intrigue with the story of Woo Hee continuing her role through the tradition of 'hyeongsa chwi su hon' (where a younger brother marries his older brother's wife after his death).
Ji Chang Wook’s action-packed scenes and quick scene transitions have heightened the drama’s intensity. Viewers commented, “The battle scenes are epic,” “The actors have great chemistry,” and “The chase scenes are thrilling.”
However, some critics have taken issue with the series' level of exposure. The show has drawn attention for its bold depiction of female nudity. Notably, a scene featuring Woo Hee’s sister, Woo Sun (played by Jung Yu Mi), and a same-sex high priest has sparked debate.
Jung Yu Mi addressed the controversy at the 'Queen Woo' press conference on August 27, saying, “I felt some pressure, but I believed the scene was important for the story. After deciding to proceed, I worked closely with the team and gave it my all.”
Despite the praise and interest, some viewers have criticized the series for being too explicit, calling it “unnecessary” and “over the top.”
Part 2 of 'Queen Woo' is set to release on September 12.
Source: [1]
