K-drama midseason recap: Mr. Queen – period comedy slips in subtle queer themes amid fun set pieces
- Since arriving in the Joseon Era, Mr. Queen has been dealing with major identity issues, and these have grown even more confusing as time goes on
- But the premise’s sly charm means the series can play it both ways and not worry about losing its mainly conservative audience
This article contains mild spoilers of the show.
In its early run, Mr. Queen was all about the cocky chef Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk) trying to find ways to escape the body of So-yong (Shin Hye-sun), Queen Chorin of the Joseon Era, and return to the present day. Yet apart from a mysterious figure shutting off Bong-hwan’s life support and briefly putting So-yong into a coma at the end of episode 6, the show has shifted its focus and is now firmly rooted in the past.
Mr. Queen has been dealing with identity issues ever since arriving in the Joseon Era, and these have grown more confused over time. After waking from her coma, the queen’s inner voice is now that of So-yong, instead of Bong-hwan. The actor Choi has not been seen, or heard, since.
Also during her recovery, So-yong’s sense of smell starts to bring back the real So-yong’s memories. On top of that, So-yong has become increasingly flustered when around King Cheol-jong (Kim Jung-hyun), as she slowly finds herself swayed by his charms. Is this a remnant of So-yong’s feelings for him, or has Bong-hwan himself developed an affection for him?
In spite of their “no touch” rule, and no matter how much So-yong tries to resist, the pair frequently find themselves in each other’s arms and they often help one another, sometimes secretly, to succeed in their plans, like when So-yong heads into the kitchen and saves the king’s banquet in episode 12 after the Kim Andong Clan conspired to have most of the planned ingredients spoiled or stolen.