Following the release of Part 2 of the TVING original series Queen Woo on the 12th, discussions have intensified around its ending.
Queen Woo, a historical action chase drama, depicts Queen Woo’s struggle to secure a new king amidst power struggles from rival tribes and princes after the king’s sudden death. The series, which launched its first part on the 30th of last month, quickly attracted attention with its $30 million budget and a star-studded cast, including Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Moo-yeol, Ji Chang-wook, and Jung Yu-mi.
Despite the initial excitement, the series faced controversy even before its release, including debates over its historical accuracy and issues surrounding lead actress Jeon Jong-seo’s past. Once released, Queen Woo drew further criticism due to explicit content, particularly in the first four episodes, which featured numerous high-level nudity and intimate scenes. These elements were deemed excessive and not well-integrated into the narrative, leading to viewer backlash and questions about their necessity.
With anticipation high for Part 2, the new episodes presented a different tone. The storyline, which had been criticized for its disjointedness in Part 1, became more cohesive, and the frequency of explicit scenes was significantly reduced, likely in response to viewer feedback.
Jung Jae-kwang delivered a compelling performance as the principled prince Go Gye-soo. In his role as Go Gye-soo, the youngest prince, Jung Jae-kwang showcased a commanding presence. Gye-soo is portrayed as a devoted brother to King Go Nam-mu (played by Ji Chang-wook), pledging unwavering loyalty with the declaration, “No matter what orders you give, I will follow you.” His martial prowess and dedication are evident as he defends the king on the battlefield.
Amid the chaotic struggle for the throne among his siblings, Gye-soo sides with Queen Woohee (played by Jeon Jong-seo) and leads a formidable army. When questioned by the ambassador Dosuryu (played by Kim Ki-ri) about his lack of ambition for the throne, Gye-soo responds firmly, “I promised my brother long ago that I would use this spear only for Goguryeo and its people. I will not commit the injustice of enlisting foreign powers to spill the blood of our people,” highlighting his steadfast principles.
Jung Jae-kwang effectively embodies Gye-soo’s rugged exterior and inner strength. His portrayal is marked by a calm yet resolute gaze that conveys the essence of a general. Particularly notable is his nuanced depiction of Gye-soo’s loyalty and moral integrity during critical moments of the story, underscoring his dedication to his brother and his principled stand amidst the turmoil.
Kim Moo-yeol masterfully transformed into Eul Pa-so, the meticulous and strategic state minister of Goguryeo. Portraying a character with a serene demeanor yet formidable charisma, Kim Moo-yeol captivated audiences with his nuanced performance.
As Eul Pa-so, Kim Moo-yeol embodied a state minister whose calmness belied a sharp and calculating mind. In the drama, he engaged in a tense battle of wits while guarding the vacant palace after Queen Woohee (played by Jeon Jong-seo) had left. Confronted with the deceased King Go Nam-mu (played by Ji Chang-wook), Eul Pa-so’s quiet investigation into the poisoning case added to the suspense, as he meticulously pursued his suspicions.
Eul Pa-so’s strategic prowess was further highlighted when he declared, “I will go to the Fourth Prince, not the Fifth Prince,” prompting curiosity about his true motives. Ultimately, he allied himself with Queen Woohee, promising to support her vision for the future. His declaration, “Your Majesty, I will now help you with your dream,” underscored his commitment and set the stage for his forthcoming role in the power struggle.
Kim Moo-yeol’s portrayal of Eul Pa-so showcased his ability to anticipate every possible outcome, reflecting the character’s role as a shrewd strategist who always thinks several moves ahead. Despite his reserved demeanor and minimal dialogue, Kim Moo-yeol effectively conveyed a depth of intelligence and a distinctive charm.
In addition to his strategic acumen, Kim Moo-yeol demonstrated the ‘dignity of a national leader’ as he prepared for war. By donning armor and leading by example, he showed genuine concern for the people and worked to minimize their suffering, embodying true leadership.
Kim Moo-yeol’s portrayal of Eul Pa-so, with his quiet charisma and precise gestures, has received acclaim from viewers. His performance has set high expectations for the future, as audiences eagerly anticipate the new dimensions he will bring to his character.
However, Part 2 sparked a new controversy with its ending. The series concluded with Queen Woo preparing for war, but crucial plot points remained unresolved. Key details, such as the identity of Go Nam-mu’s killer and Eul Pa-so’s plans for Hwandoseong, were left ambiguous. Additionally, the high priest’s subplot ended abruptly, and the final battle scene was not depicted.
The open-ended conclusion led to viewer frustration, with comments like, “Is there going to be a Part 3 of Queen Woo?” and “This is the end?” expressing disappointment. Many viewers felt that the buildup of the series did not culminate in a satisfying resolution, leading to speculation about the use of production resources and the overall substance of the narrative.
Overall, Queen Woo has received mixed reviews for both parts. Part 2 shifted focus to a more prominent role for Woo Hee (Jeon Jong-seo), who had less screen time in Part 1. The heightened tension of a full-scale chase was notable, but the unresolved ending has left viewers expressing regret and calling for a new season or spin-off to address the lingering questions.
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