Korean dramas are often quite restrained when it comes to showing intimate scenes and characters rarely exchange more than a simple kiss. But not all of them are so modest. Recently, the Netflix series For only luggage was talked about for its sex scenes that the team had justified before the episodes were even released. Another South Korean fiction also caused a lot of talk in 2024… and not only for good. Its title? Queen Woo. It is in fact a “sageuk” (which means “historical drama” in Korean), broadcast in South Korea between August and September 2024 on the TVING channel and including all eight episodes arrive this Monday, December 23 on Paramount+.
Queen Woo : what is this historical series that is coming to Paramount+?
As the title suggests, Queen Woo is centered on the queen of the same name, Queen U of Goguryeo, who actually existed. If fans of Korean historical series are used to exploring the Joseon period, this fiction takes us much further back, to the Goguryeo (or Koguryo) period, which extends from the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE . After the death of her husband, King Gogukcheon of Goguryeo, a war is about to break out. Queen Woo Hee (played by Jeon Jong-seo, who played Tokyo in the Korean remake of The Money Heist) finds himself the target of five tribes led by the brothers of the late king. Everyone wants to be proclaimed as the successor and Woo Hee clings to the throne. She will become the first woman in history to become queen twice…
Between intimate scenes and inconsistencies, the series Queen Woo created controversy in South Korea
As soon as the first images were put online, then during its broadcast in South Korea, the series Queen Woo was controversial for several reasons. The first? Historical inconsistencies noted by Internet users, particularly on the costumes and hairstyles of the characters, strongly influenced by Chinese styles, rather than those of the Goguryeo period. The character of Eul-paso (played by Kim Mu-yeol), a well-known historical figure and Prime Minister of Goguryeo in the second century, has particularly caused much debate. The production was even forced to justify itself in a press release published by the media OSEN, ensuring that he “received expert advice based on historical documents“.
Another point of tension? The sex scenes present in the series. Internet users and critics did not particularly appreciate the presence of numerous nude scenes. Without forgetting an intimate scene between two women which raised the hackles of the most conservative (and there are many in South Korea). Actress Oh Ha-nee, who filmed several of these scenes, responded after the criticism: “It's disappointing that people aren't focusing on my game instead“, she regretted, adding that the naked scenes had “not heavy” on her.
Queen Woo marks one of the last roles of actor Song Jae-rim, who died in 2024 at the age of 39
Queen Woo marks one of the last on-screen appearances of Song Jae-rim who plays the character Go Pae-ui. The 39-year-old actor was found dead at his home on November 12, 2024. While his family has never confirmed the causes of his death, the police said that “no evidence of criminal act” was not found at the scene. Song Jae-rim had appeared in numerous K-dramas since his debut in 2009. We could notably see him in the series Moon Embracing the Sun, who is leaving Netflix soon, in the series Two Weeks but also in the reality TV show We Got Married.
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