The Queen Who Crowns- Episodes 5-6

The palace is a whirlwind of emotions, and our king and queen are finally on good terms again! But let’s be real—peace in Joseon never lasts long. Just as Won-kyung and Bang-won start working together as the ultimate power couple, outside forces are busy plotting their downfall. And trust me, the drama is next-level!

Hyosun Lives… But at What Cost?

So, the good news? Hyosun survived the stabbing. The bad news? Bang-won stabbed her on purpose to “save” her and throw shade at Won-kyung. Um, what now? Bang-won basically tells Hyosun to live as if she’s already dead. Wow, Your Majesty, that’s real comforting. Since she can no longer bear children, she’s useless to him, but Won-kyung (being the queen that she is) offers her a lifeline: find a purpose beyond being the king’s favorite. Honestly, if Hyosun had done that earlier, she wouldn’t be in this mess.

Chae-ryeong’s Big Plans Hit a Wall

Meanwhile, Chae-ryeong is THRIVING in the chaos. She sees the cracks in Bang-won and Won-kyung’s relationship and is READY to step in as his new favorite. But before she can make her move, Minister Lee Sook-beon drops a reality check: if Bang-won really wants to weaken Won-kyung’s influence, he needs a concubine from a noble family, not some court lady. Ouch. Bang-won agrees, so cue the Royal Harem Expansion Project.

When Won-kyung finds out, she is not having it. A grand wedding? A potential new queen? NOPE. If this new concubine has a son, that’s basically an invitation for a throne battle, and Won-kyung refuses to let history repeat itself. She packs her things and leaves the palace, telling Bang-won that losing his love doesn’t mean she should lose herself. Mic drop.

Bang-won… Actually Misses His Wife?

Surprise, surprise—Bang-won is DEVASTATED when Won-kyung actually leaves. He sulks. He snaps at ministers. He’s basically a grumpy mess. Finally, Ha Ryun tells him what we’ve all been thinking: just go get your wife back, dude.

And he does! He rides to the Min residence like a full-on K-drama male lead, determined to bring Won-kyung home. I should be mad at him, but it was such a swoon-worthy moment that I’m ignoring his past crimes (for now). They have a heartfelt reunion, and she agrees to return only if he scraps the concubine wedding plans. He agrees, and for one night, they are simply husband and wife again, not king and queen. Ugh, my heart.

Enter Princess Jeonghui… and More Palace Drama

So, Bang-won doesn’t get his grand concubine wedding, but Princess Jeonghui (Yeon Shi-woo) still enters the palace. Won-kyung, being the queen boss she is, advises Jeonghui to find her own purpose and not rely on Bang-won’s affection. Good advice, right? Too bad Chae-ryeong ignores it completely. She’s still desperate for even a scrap of Bang-won’s attention, even though he’s made it very clear that he only has eyes for Won-kyung.

Cue harem tension! Chae-ryeong picks a fight with Jeonghui, which Bang-won overhears. Won-kyung summons Chae-ryeong, and for a second, it looks like she’s about to be sent packing. But instead of punishment, Won-kyung drops a serious truth bomb: “Don’t put yourself at the edge of a cliff.” In other words, play smart or prepare to fall.

Spies, Banquets, and Broken Trust

Now that Won-kyung and Bang-won are on good terms, the Min family is basking in their victory. To celebrate, they throw a lavish banquet to flex their power. Honestly, these people are way too bold. They know Bang-won is already suspicious of them, yet they still show off?

Chae-ryeong tags along with Won-kyung to “help” prepare for the banquet, but she’s really just spying. When Won-kyung catches her eavesdropping on her private meeting, their fragile trust completely shatters. Chae-ryeong admits that Bang-won sent her as a spy, and Won-kyung warns her to stay silent—or be exiled from the palace. Yikes.

Chae-ryeong’s Promotion & Won-kyung’s Suspicion

Soon after, Chae-ryeong gets the news she’s been waiting for—she’s pregnant! She’s promoted from Favored Court Lady to official concubine, and honestly? She is living her best life. But did Won-kyung know before the official announcement? Maybe. She totally aimed a pointed stick at Chae-ryeong’s belly back at the Min residence.Coincidence? I think not.

Now, Chae-ryeong is guarded AF, but Won-kyung tells her to chill out because, in the end, the baby is also hers. But let’s be real, Chae-ryeong is definitely not convinced.

Bang-won’s Next Big Test: Another Rebellion!

Bang-won gets word that Seong-kye’s people are stirring up trouble again. But instead of going to war, he decides to bring his father back himself. Won-kyung, knowing how dangerous this mission is, gives him one last passionate night together before he leaves. She also casually drops the exact location of Seong-kye’s temple hideout (thanks, Pan-su News Network), and this time, Bang-won doesn’t complain about her private intelligence. Progress!

Of course, things go sideways. Seong-kye orders his guards to execute Bang-won on sight. Luckily, Won-kyung’s brother and his men save him at the last second (oops, looks like Bang-won did bring an army after all). To everyone’s shock, Bang-won goes on his knees and begs his father for forgiveness. He promises to atone for his sins by ruling solely for the people. Seong-kye, moved (??), agrees to return to the palace, and the rebellion is over.

Time Skip & Foreshadowing Disaster

Fast forward five years, and the capital has moved to Hanyang! Bang-won and Won-kyung welcome a new prince, and surprise—Chae-ryeong is also a mother now. But hold up. In a flashback, we see that Seong-kye told Bang-won that to truly start fresh, he has to cut off all past influences—including Won-kyung.

Back in the present, Bang-won tells Won-kyung sacrifices must be made for the Joseon of his dreams. She, being ever loyal, promises to stay by his side. Oh girl, if only you knew.

DramaZen's Opinion

Swoon, Suspense & Schemes Galore!

Episodes 5-6 gave us romance, betrayal, and top-tier harem drama. Won-kyung and Bang-won’s relationship is thriving (for now), but we all know something dark is coming.

Also, Chae-ryeong is climbing the palace ranks, and it’s honestly terrifying. She started off naive, but now? She’s making power moves left and right. Will she be Won-kyung’s downfall?

With shifting alliances, a looming betrayal, and Bang-won stuck between love and ambition, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

What do you think? Will Won-kyung hold onto her power, or is trouble lurking closer than she thinks? Drop your predictions below!