The Queen Who Crowns Episode 2 Review: Pathetic King!

Queen Won-gyeong, born into the powerful Min family during the Goryeo period, is the daughter of Min Je, a high-ranking official. She marries Yi Bang-won, later known as King Tae-jong, the ambitious son of King Tae-jo, founder of the Joseon dynasty. Determined to secure her husband’s rise to power, she supports his efforts to claim the throne over his brother, Yi Bang-gwa.

However, their relationship becomes strained after Yi Bang-won’s ascension, as his multiple concubines and growing desire to consolidate power create conflict. The queen struggles to maintain her position and protect her family amidst the king’s increasing control. Cha Joo-young portrays Queen Won-gyeong, alongside Lee Hyun-wook as King Tae-jong, Lee Yi-dam as Chae-ryeong, and Lee Shi-ah as Yeong Sil.

– Contains Spoilers –

The Queen Who Crowns Episode 2 Recap

The episode begins with an unsettling scene as the maids prepare Chae-ryeong for an unwanted encounter with King Tae-jong. Chae-ryeong, chosen by the King to bear his child, walks tearfully into his chambers, knowing she has no choice but to comply. The King’s actions are a means of humiliating Queen Won Gyeong, and Chae-ryeong becomes an unwilling pawn in his cruel game. Meanwhile, the Queen, who harbors a deep affection for Chae-ryeong, is overwhelmed with sorrow.

A flashback reveals their history: as a young girl, Queen Won Gyeong found Chae-ryeong, an abandoned toddler, scavenging for food. Out of compassion, she brought her to the palace and raised her. In the present, the Queen is numb with anguish, knowing the King has chosen Chae-ryeong to disgrace her.

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After the ordeal, Chae-ryeong returns to her quarters, unable to walk and emotionally shattered. She breaks down, consumed by guilt and self-loathing for betraying the Queen, despite being forced into the situation. The next morning, as the Queen heads to meet the King, Chae-ryeong falls to her knees, begging for forgiveness. The Queen reassures her, emphasizing that she is not to blame and expressing anger over the suffering Chae-ryeong endured. Before continuing to the King’s chambers, the Queen is alerted by maids about Prince Chi’s declining health and rushes to her son’s side.

In the prince’s room, the Queen anxiously cares for him, feeding him porridge and watching over him. King Tae-jong arrives to check on their son, but when he reaches out to touch the boy, the Queen coldly stops him. The King silently walks away. Later, the Queen visits Prince Fiery, the son of the King’s favored concubine, Yeong-sil. She advises Yeong-sil to ensure the prince’s education is prioritized so that he does not fall behind his peers. That evening, the King spends time with Yeong-sil, who is revealed to be his favorite concubine.

The next day, during a meeting with his officials, King Tae-jong is warned about the Ming Dynasty’s suspicious activities. The ministers urge him to remain cautious and take decisive actions. Meanwhile, the Queen continues her rounds, checking on the princes. She discovers that Prince Fiery is neglecting his studies and decides to discipline him. Despite her good intentions, her actions infuriate Yeong-sil, who accuses the Queen of jealousy and cruelty. The confrontation escalates, leading the Queen to slap Yeong-sil, asserting her authority.

Seething with anger, Yeong-sil begins plotting against the Queen. She invites Chae-ryeong to her chambers, encouraging her to join forces in undermining the Queen’s position. That night, Yeong-sil spends time with the King and manipulates him by showcasing her bruised face, claiming it as evidence of the Queen’s unjust treatment. This stirs resentment in the King, further straining his relationship with the Queen.

Meanwhile, Chae-ryeong seeks solace in the Queen’s chambers, tearfully confessing her guilt and reaffirming her loyalty. The Queen offers subtle advice, reminding Chae-ryeong of the importance of maintaining her position to survive in the palace. However, Chae-ryeong’s internal conflict deepens when the head maid advises her to use her newfound status as the King’s concubine to secure her place in the court. Determined to survive, Chae-ryeong arranges another night with the King, hoping to gain his trust.

The following day, the Queen visits a blind foreseer, who warns her of an impending danger. Though his vision is incomplete, he promises to inform her when more details emerge. In the meantime, the King receives an invitation from his father in the Ming Dynasty for a funeral event. The King’s officials caution him about a potential hidden agenda and urge vigilance.

As night falls, the King reluctantly spends time with Chae-ryeong. Despite her attempts to get closer to him, he remains distant, suspecting her intentions. The tension in the palace continues to grow as alliances shift and schemes unfold. The day of the funeral arrives, and the Joseon delegation, led by the King and Queen, travels to the Ming Dynasty. Before their departure, the foreseer urgently seeks an audience with the Queen, having finally uncovered the full scope of his vision.

He reveals that a hazardous weapon is concealed inside a golden bell meant for the event. The Queen, realizing the gravity of the situation, races to warn the King’s father just in time. She shouts for him to stop as he prepares to activate the weapon. Enraged, the King’s father grabs the weapon and spins it, leaving the episode on a suspenseful cliffhanger.

The Queen Who Crowns Episode 2 Review

This episode serves up a deliciously dramatic platter of palace intrigue, betrayal, and jaw-dropping moments that will leave you gasping. From the heart-wrenching bond between Queen Won Gyeong and Chae-ryeong to the explosive slap heard across Joseon (sorry, Yeong-sil, but you had it coming!), the show keeps the tension high and the stakes higher. Watching the Queen navigate her complicated web of compassion and authority while dealing with an increasingly hostile King is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing.

And can we talk about the foreseer? The man literally sprinted into danger mode at the last minute, dropping cryptic wisdom like he was auditioning for a thriller spin-off. But let’s not forget the spicy subplots! Yeong-sil’s Oscar-worthy performance as the bruised victim is equal parts infuriating and entertaining. Seriously, this concubine knows how to play the game. And poor Chae-ryeong, caught between survival and loyalty, is turning into one of the most tragic yet intriguing characters. The episode ends on a high-stakes cliffhanger with the golden bell drama, leaving us yelling at our screens and desperate for answers. If palace life is this intense, we’re glad we’re just spectators!

The Queen Who Crowns is streaming on Viki.

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