The wait is over—tvN’s eagerly awaited historical drama “The Queen Who Crowns” begins tonight!

“The Queen Who Crowns” tells the story of Queen Won Gyeong (Cha Joo Young), a kingmaker who dreamed of a new world in the early days of the Joseon dynasty and helped her husband Lee Bang Won (Lee Hyun Wook) a king with whom she shared the power of the throne. Although she was described in historical records only as “King Taejong’s wife” or “Mrs. Min” without her full name, the drama will reimagine history from the perspective of Queen Won Gyeong, who lived an independent life without losing herself in spite of devastating betrayals and harsh reality.

As the long-awaited premiere airs tonight, here are three reasons to get excited for the first episode:

Birth of a love-hate couple portrayed by Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook

The love story between Queen Won Gyeong and Lee Bang Won is one of the drama’s most anticipated elements. Once a couple who promised to share everything through difficult times, they now face intense conflict and transformation in a tale of love and war.

After a grand coronation ceremony, the drama shifts to tense, chilling moments that amplify the suspense. The chemistry between Won Gyeong and Bang Won will drive their love story, forming the heart of the plot.

Viewers are eager to see Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook showcase their impressive acting skills in this historical drama, just as they have in their previous projects.

Diverse relationships that enhance the storyline

The characters in “The Queen Who Crowns” create a range of storylines through their interactions. A recently released highlight video showcased the intense feud between King Taejo Lee Seong Gye (Lee Sung Min) and his son King Taejong Lee Bang Won. The central conflict revolves around Lee Seong Gye’s refusal to recognize his son, who started a rebellion, and Lee Bang Won’s fight to defend the throne. This sets the stage for a dramatic, irreversible clash, with Lee Sung Min’s portrayal of the founding king of Joseon expected to add even more intensity to the drama.

The relationships between Queen Won Gyeong and Bang Won’s concubines—Chae Ryeong (Lee Yi Dam) and Yeong Sil (Lee Si Ah)—are also key to the plot. The concubines were brought in to replace Won Gyeong, but they are actually people close to her. As these complex relationships unfold, they will deepen the characters’ stories and add to the drama’s intensity, making the narrative even more engaging.

The drama’s stunning cinematography

“The Queen Who Crowns” is set to captivate viewers from its first episode with its breathtaking scenery. The landscapes of Korea—mountains, seas, rivers, and fields—serve as a backdrop that enhances the emotional impact of the characters’ journeys.

Director Kim Sang Ho shared, “We focused on showcasing the charisma and presence of Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook. To achieve this, we filmed at over 100 locations across the country to feature as many beautiful spots as possible.”

Another highlight is the drama’s fast-paced narrative. The journey of the two central characters, Queen Won Gyeong and Lee Bang Won, will unfold over just 12 episodes. This means the story will progress quickly, offering a rich experience in a short amount of time. Cha Joo Young explained, “In this short span, we show Won Gyeong and Bang Won from their teenage years to old age. I’ve worked hard to portray their evolving relationship and growth in diverse ways.”

“The Queen Who Crowns” premieres on January 6 at 8:50 p.m. KST and will be available to watch on Viki.

Watch the teasers for the drama below:

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