“A Legendary Finale”—Korean Drama Ends on a High Note with Record-Breaking Ratings

The Queen Who Crowns, starring Cha Joo-young and Lee Hyun-wook, concluded with a dramatic and emotionally charged finale, achieving its highest viewership ratings and solidifying its status as a standout historical drama.

The final episode, which aired on February 11, recorded an average nationwide rating of 6.6% and a metropolitan rating of 6.4%, securing the top spot among all cable and general programming channels in its time slot. It also achieved a 2049 target audience rating of 2.0% nationwide and 1.9% in metropolitan areas, ranking first across all networks, including terrestrial channels, according to Nielsen Korea.

The final episode saw Queen Wongyeong (Cha Joo-young) and King Taejong (Lee Hyun-wook) suffering the devastating loss of their youngest son, Grand Prince Seongnyeong. For Wongyeong, Seongnyeong was a precious gift that strengthened her bond with Taejong. His death left her in deep sorrow, but it was Crown Prince Yangnyeong’s reaction that truly shook Taejong. While all the royal siblings gathered to bid their final farewell to Seongnyeong, Yangnyeong deliberately avoided the moment, using a hunting trip as an excuse to stay away.

Taejong, furious at his son’s indifference, lashed out, asking, "How can you even call yourself human?" This further fueled controversy over Yangnyeong’s suitability as the crown prince. Despite the tension, he refused to relinquish his title, stating, "Even if I am deposed, I will not resent it. If my brother becomes king, I will serve him faithfully."

Following his mother’s teachings, Yangnyeong maintained his dignity as the eldest son and crown prince. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Chungnyeong, vowed to rule with wisdom and compassion, declaring, "A king who lacks virtue will face the wrath of his people. I will be a ruler who places the people first."

Ultimately, Taejong deposed Yangnyeong and passed the throne to Chungnyeong, who later became King Sejong the Great, ushering in one of the most prosperous eras in Korean history.

A Love Story That Endured Until the End

By the second year of King Sejong’s reign, Wongyeong and Taejong had spent decades together—as partners in power, as allies in battle, and as husband and wife. In an intimate moment, Wongyeong comforted her husband, saying, "You worked hard as king." Taejong responded, "I could only come this far because of you." However, time took its toll. Wongyeong fell gravely ill with malaria, and as her condition worsened, she made a final confession: "Even if we weren’t king and queen, as long as I had you by my side, I would have been truly happy."

As Taejong blamed himself for her suffering, she reassured him in her final moments. Heartbroken, Taejong pleaded with Sejong, saying, "I want to honor her as the true hero of this dynasty."

Sejong personally carried his mother on his back to the palace for her final moments. In a deeply emotional tribute, he performed a solemn dance in her honor, tears streaming down his face. Wongyeong, watching her son with pride, peacefully closed her eyes for the last time.

What Made The Queen Who Crowns So Captivating?

The drama skillfully combined historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. Wongyeong was a real historical figure—Queen Consort to King Taejong—who played a crucial role in shaping the Joseon Dynasty. The Queen Who Crowns depicted not only her political acumen and achievements but also her inner struggles as a woman, a wife, and a mother.

The drama explored her complex relationship with Taejong, her struggles with her father-in-law, King Taejo, and the difficult decisions she had to make as a queen and mother. While the production team remained committed to historical accuracy, they also introduced fictional elements and original characters to enhance the dramatic impact, balancing realism with engaging storytelling.

Cha Joo-young delivered a commanding performance as Queen Wongyeong, portraying both her strength and vulnerability with precision. Many viewers praised her versatility, particularly in contrast to her previous role as Hye-jeong in 'The Glory'.

Lee Hyun-wook also impressed with his portrayal of King Taejong, capturing both his ruthless ambition and inner turmoil. Supporting actors, including Lee I-dam, Lee Si-ah, and Choi Deok-moon, further enhanced the drama’s depth. Director Kim Sang-ho brought a meticulous touch to the drama, maintaining high emotional intensity throughout the series. His cinematic visuals, stunning costumes, and dynamic camera work created a visually immersive experience.

The depiction of court politics and power struggles was particularly well-crafted, keeping viewers engaged with its tension-filled narrative. The director also succeeded in capturing the emotional weight of Wongyeong’s journey, making her final moments even more impactful. The finale of The Queen Who Crowns received widespread acclaim, with many viewers calling it one of the best historical dramas in recent years. Fans praised the drama’s strong storytelling, compelling character arcs, and the emotional depth of its performances.

Some of the audience reactions highlighted Cha Joo-young’s exceptional performance, with viewers praising her as “phenomenal” and admitting they “couldn’t stop crying during the final episode.” Others commended the “breathtaking depth of the storytelling and character arcs” and described her acting as “one of the best performances in a long time” while emphasizing that “this is what real acting looks like.” Many also marveled at her versatility, stating, “Cha Joo-young can do it all—modern dramas, historical dramas—she’s incredible.”

With its record-breaking ratings, powerful performances, and emotional depth, The Queen Who Crowns has left a lasting mark on historical K-dramas.