Criticized for Its R-Rating, This Korean Drama Defies the Odds with Record Viewership

The tvN and TVING original historical drama The Queen Who Crowns is riding a wave of success as it sets its highest ratings yet with just two episodes remaining.

The 10th episode, which aired on February 4, recorded an average nationwide viewership of 5.6% and a peak of 7.0%, claiming the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the drama reached an average of 5.2%, peaking at 6.5%.

The Queen Who Crowns made headlines right from the start with its provocative R-rated content, creating a buzz during its initial broadcast. The premiere featured a bold bedroom scene between Wongyeong (Cha Joo-young who starred in Netflix's hit series The Glory) and Yi Bang-won (Lee Hyun-wook), while the second episode included a striking nude scene with Charyeong (Lee I-dam) and another intimate encounter with Yi Bang-won, shown exclusively in the TVING version. A scene depicting Charyeong entering a bath in the nude, as ordered by palace maids, also drew attention.

However, beginning with episode 7, both the TVING and tvN versions were adjusted to a 15+ rating, calming debates over excessive nudity. The shift allowed audiences to focus on the compelling storyline and the cast’s impressive performances, which continued to earn critical acclaim.

In the 10th episode, Wongyeong uses the drum of public appeal (a symbol for addressing citizens’ grievances) to expose corruption among royal relatives and officials while helping the oppressed commoners. Wongyeong sends a letter to Yi Bang-won, but it is intercepted by Myungseon Daebu (Choi Byung-mo), who accuses the exiled Min brothers—Min Mugu (Han Seung-won) and Min Mujil (Kim Woo-dam)—of treason. Wongyeong is detained at Haeamsa Temple under Myungseon’s scheme.

Wongyeong escapes under the cover of night and aids citizens in ringing the drum. With help from Crown Princess (Lee Hyo-bi), Yi Bang-won arrives on-site, where Wongyeong exposes the corruption, misuse of public grain, and Myungseon’s illegal activities. The citizens rally behind her, chanting, “Your Majesty, please protect us.”

The episode ends with Myungseon’s death after being hit by a stone thrown by a desperate father seeking revenge. Yi Bang-won orders the Min brothers to take their own lives for plotting rebellion. Devastated by the loss of her brothers, Wongyeong breaks down in tears in front of her mother.

The story then shifts as Yi Bang-won works to groom Crown Prince Yangnyeong (Moon Sung-hyun) into a capable monarch. However, the prince’s lack of discipline and violent tendencies cause concern. Meanwhile, Chungnyeong (Park Sang-hoon) is recognized for his leadership potential and scholarly excellence, having read The Great Learning five times compared to the Crown Prince’s six-year struggle to complete it. Wongyeong hints at her support for Chungnyeong with a meaningful gaze, suggesting his eventual rise as the future King Sejong.

The Queen Who Crowns has consistently maintained strong ratings since its pre-release on TVING. Its premiere hit 5.1% in the Seoul region, setting a record for tvN Monday-Tuesday dramas, surpassing 5% for the first time since Marry My Husband aired in January 2024.

The drama has also performed well on TVING, topping the platform’s list of most influential content on its release day. The show’s dual strategy of offering an R-rated version on TVING and a 15+ version on tvN reflects its adaptation to diverse viewer preferences. TVING airs two episodes every Monday, totaling 14 episodes, while tvN broadcasts 12 episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:50 p.m.

With just two episodes left, The Queen Who Crowns is expected to captivate viewers as it hints at the rise of King Sejong, one of Korea’s most celebrated rulers.

Below is the viewership trend for The Queen Who Crowns (Nielsen Korea, Nationwide/Seoul):

Episode 1 (1/6): 4.9% / 5.1%

Episode 2 (1/7): 5.5% / 5.3%

Episode 3 (1/13): 4.9% / 4.6%

Episode 4 (1/14): 5.6% / 5.3%

Episode 5 (1/20): 5.0% / 5.0%

Episode 6 (1/21): 5.2% / 5.0%

Episode 7 (1/27): 4.1% / 4.1%

Episode 8 (1/28): 3.6% / 3.5%

Episode 9 (2/3): 4.9% / 5.1%

Episode 10 (2/4): 5.6% / 5.2%