“‘Is this really how it ends?” — The Discomfort Left by the Ending of “Queen Woo”

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On the 12th, TVING released Part 2 (episodes 5–8) of “Queen Woo”. In Part 1, Queen Woo Hee (Jeon Jong-seo), chased by the third prince, Go Bal-gi (Lee Soo-hyuk), returned to the palace with the fourth prince, Go Yeon-woo (Kang Young-seok). 

Part 2 carried on the chase-action sequences, making up for Part 1’s shortcomings. The action scenes, especially in episodes 5–7, boosted the show’s immersion. The story of Goguryeo’s history, Queen Woo’s polyandry, and the power struggles for the throne added intrigue, giving fans of historical dramas much to enjoy.

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Jeon Jong-seo led a stellar cast, including Ji Chang-wook, Kim Moo-yeol, and others, each actor bringing their character to life. Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of Queen Woo Hee, fighting for survival, added tension and charisma to the drama.

Episode 8 showed Queen Woo Hee preparing to battle the rebel Go Bal-gi and the former Crown Prince Go Pae (Song Jae-rim), showcasing a strong female lead. However, “Queen Woo” ended with Queen Woo Hee stepping out to face the rebels, leaving viewers who expected a large battle feeling frustrated in open chat rooms, with comments like “Is this really the end?” “It ended on a frustrating note,” and “Is there going to be a Part 3?” Some were outright critical, saying, “What is this?” “It feels unfinished,” “It’s so disappointing,” and “I’m angry after watching the ending.” 

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The ending leaves room for two interpretations:

One theory suggests it was meant to set up future episodes. Director Jung Se-kyo expressed interest in a second season during a press conference, fueling this speculation. Moreover, during the press event, Lee Soo-hyuk mentioned hearing about a second season, further hinting at the possibility of a Part 3. If that’s the case, then episode 8 may not be the end. However, there has been no official announcement regarding this.

Another possibility is that Queen Woo’s imagination before the final battle hinted at victory. Before heading into battle, Queen Woo Hee was given a sword. She then imagined killing her enemies with the sword, and soldiers reacted in a way that suggested victory. This could be seen as an indication that the rebels were ultimately suppressed. But even if this was merely symbolic or an imaginative sequence, the ending still feels lacking.

“Queen Woo” sparked controversy in Part 1 with its nudity, and Part 2’s ending left viewers with mixed feelings. Despite its stunning visuals and strong performances, the drama’s conclusion fell short, leaving both high expectations and deep disappointment.

Source: Daum