The Queen Who Crowns- Episodes 7-8
Just when we thought things were settling down, The Queen Who Crowns throws us right back into the deep end! With threats of abdication, backstabbing galore, and enough political scheming to make your head spin, our girl Won-kyung is stuck in the middle of it all. And let’s be real—this queen is fighting battles on every front.
Hanyang Drama & King Insecure’s Latest Power Move
We’ve officially moved to Hanyang, and Bang-won is laying down the law. But, of course, Won-kyung’s brothers are out here shamelessly trying to grab power, using their uncle status to butter up the crown prince. Bang-won, predictably annoyed, bans them from personal visits and luxury gift-giving. Sorry, no nepotism allowed in Joseon.
Meanwhile, Bang-won gets played in a treaty negotiation, and suddenly, Ming is demanding tribute brides. Won-kyung, ever the problem-solver, reminds Bang-won that he promised to abolish this outdated system. When Bang-won says his hands are tied, she takes matters into her own hands and blackmails the Ming envoy into backing off.
Instead of thanking her, Bang-won is JEALOUS. That’s right—our queen is out here saving Joseon, but King Insecure the First thinks she’s in a competition with him. Sir, please touch some grass.
A Bold Ultimatum & Bang-won’s Fake Abdication
When Won-kyung questions Bang-won’s sudden “peace” with his father, he reveals his real strategy: eliminate ALL threats, even if that means taking out her brothers and the crown prince. For the first time in a long time, Won-kyung is actually shaken. Her son’s future is at risk, so she officially cuts ties with the Min family. The Min brothers, however, don’t take the hint and instead push for more power.
That’s when Bang-won drops a bombshell—he’s abdicating the throne! The Min brothers immediately celebrate, thinking they’ve won. BIG MISTAKE. Because this is all a trap to gather his enemies in one place and wipe them out in one move.
But Won-kyung? She sees right through him. She gives Bang-won an ultimatum: withdraw the abdication decree, or she’ll side with her brothers. With Won-kyung in the mix, the Min brothers might actually have a chance at a coup. So, Bang-won backs down, and the crown prince is safe. Whew!
Won-kyung immediately orders her brothers to step down from their positions, but Bang-won is still in a MOOD. Even without her brothers, the palace is crawling with opportunists.
The Hanyang Housing Crisis & Won-kyung’s Revenge
After moving to Hanyang, corrupt nobles and ministers forced locals out of their homes, jacking up real estate prices.The royal relatives are at the center of this mess, and they’re so cocky they actually say Bang-won can’t stop them. Oh, you think?!
Won-kyung, being a boss, demands they return the stolen properties. The royal relatives laugh in her face and then plot to get her removed for interfering. Bad idea, guys.
The ever-reliable Pan-su News Network (aka Won-kyung’s informant) tips her off, and she flips their own plan against them. Suddenly, the royal relatives AND the corrupt ministers are forced to hand over the stolen land. One of their key brokers is arrested, and the relatives immediately throw her under the bus. Loyalty? Never heard of it.
Bang-won’s Divide & Conquer Strategy
Just when we think Bang-won might actually be pleased with his wife’s win, he instead appoints one of the Min brothers as inspector general. Why? So the Min family and the royal relatives can fight amongst themselves while Bang-won sits back with popcorn. Classic.
Oh, and the crown prince? Officially on the marriage market. Minister Sook-beon jumps at the chance to make his daughter queen, but Won-kyung is in charge of the selection and is DEAD SET on making sure that doesn’t happen.
Won-kyung vs. EVERYONE
I do not envy whoever ends up as crown princess because being a Joseon woman in power is a NIGHTMARE. Won-kyung has to deal with sexist ministers, jealous concubines, and now… her own husband doubting her.
Speaking of which, Chae-ryeong is fully in her Hyosun 2.0 era. She’s stirring up drama with Jeonghui and whispering poison into Bang-won’s ear. She even compares Won-kyung to Queen Seondeok (aka a powerful female ruler), knowing it will feed Bang-won’s insecurity. And if that’s not enough, Ha Ryun chimes in, warning Bang-won that Won-kyung has a “king’s physiognomy.” SERIOUSLY?!
At this point, it’s Won-kyung vs. EVERYONE in Joseon. And honestly? She’s still standing strong. But for how much longer?
DramaZen's Opinion
These episodes were a rollercoaster! Political mind games? Check. Betrayals? Check. A king who seriously needs therapy? DOUBLE CHECK.
Won-kyung is fighting EVERY battle, from power-hungry nobles to Bang-won’s endless insecurities, and I am EXHAUSTED FOR HER.
Meanwhile, Bang-won is making enemies left and right, Chae-ryeong is fully in villain mode, and the Min family is playing with fire. At this point, NO ONE is safe.
With Bang-won’s paranoia growing and Won-kyung walking a political tightrope, things are about to get even messier. Will Won-kyung hold her ground, or is the storm about to take her down?
One thing’s for sure: Joseon has never been this dramatic, and I am LIVING for it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
What do you think? Can Won-kyung survive this game of thrones, or is her downfall already written? Let’s hear your thoughts below!
