The Queen Who Crowns- (Final) Episodes 11-12
We’ve reached the final stretch of The Queen Who Crowns, and let me tell you—the emotions are at an all-time high!With political betrayals, heartbreaking losses, and a powerful ending that left me in TEARS, this drama truly delivered a finale worthy of its legacy.
Let’s get into the final chapters of our queen’s journey! 👑💔
The episode kicks off with Queen Won-kyung realizing that her younger son, the future King Se-jong, has a genuine heart for the people. Meanwhile, guess who’s making a comeback? Chae-ryeong, who has spent five years in exile after being booted from the palace. But plot twist—this time, she’s humbled. The queen invites her back for her son’s wedding, and Chae-ryeong vows to remain loyal. Will she actually? TBD.
Meanwhile, Lee Suk-beom, the ultimate political cockroach, has shifted gears. He’s done with Bang-won and is buttering up the crown prince instead. His offer? A black horn bow in exchange for a guaranteed high-ranking position when the prince ascends the throne. The crown prince, as expected, falls for it. 🙄
Then, scandal strikes! The prince is caught sneaking a gisaeng into the palace, disguised as a maid. The king is FURIOUS. Meanwhile, the queen finds out that her brothers nearly struck the crown prince. To de-escalate, she suggests sending them into exile—but secretly begs the king to spare their lives.
Lee Suk-beom isn’t done yet. This time, he weaponizes Princess Hyosun’s maid—who reports that the Min family supposedly attacked Hyosun and her unborn son when she was living outside the palace. Of course, this is a LIE. But before the truth can come out, the maid is assassinated (gee, I wonder who ordered that?).
As a result, the queen’s brothers are sentenced to death by poison. 💔 Won-kyung is grief-stricken, but as always, she keeps her composure.
Meanwhile, the king finally catches the crown prince and Lee Suk-beom red-handed with the black horn bow.BUSTED. Lee Suk-beom is exiled for good, but the queen makes one last plea to convince the king that the crown prince is unfit to rule. Unfortunately, Bang-won refuses to change tradition, fearing another bloody fight between brothers.
But then, tragedy strikes. Their youngest son falls sick with smallpox. 💔 As the family prays for a miracle, the episode ends with the king pleading with the royal physician to save his son.
The palace is plunged into mourning as the young prince succumbs to his illness. 😭 And just when you think things can’t get worse, the crown prince is nowhere to be found—he went on a hunting trip. A HUNTING TRIP.
When he finally returns, he walks into a palace drowning in grief. The king, heartbroken and enraged, scolds him for his absence. Later, after completing his brother’s final rites, the crown prince finally breaks down.
With her heart still heavy with loss, the queen meets with the crown prince to discuss his deposition. And surprisingly? He accepts. He knows his younger brother is the better ruler and asks the king to name Se-jong as the next heir. Growth? We love to see it. 👏
Even after the crown prince is deposed, Bang-won still hesitates to name Se-jong as his successor. But Won-kyung, always three steps ahead, arranges a meeting between father and son. In that moment, the former crown prince proves his loyalty by reaffirming that his brother deserves the throne. Finally, the decision is made—Se-jong will be the next king. 🎉
Fast forward years later, and we see Se-jong ascend the throne as one of the greatest rulers in history. Meanwhile, Bang-won and Won-kyung retire to the countryside, ready to live out their remaining days away from palace politics.
But fate has one final heartbreak in store. 😢
As they prepare to return to their childhood home, Won-kyung falls ill with malaria. Weak but ever the fighter, she gives Bang-won a letter she wrote after Pan-su’s death—one that reaffirms her love for him, regardless of his title.😭💔
Though Bang-won tries to grant her last wish and take her home, she is too weak to travel. Instead, she is brought back to the palace, where Bang-won can bid her farewell as the queen who shaped Joseon.
In her final moments, she watches Se-jong perform a dance for her—one last time. 😭💔
The screen fades to black, revealing the ultimate gut-punch: despite being one of the most influential women in Korean history, Queen Won-gyeong’s name was never officially recorded.
DramaZen's Opinion
This finale wrecked me. 😭💔 It had everything—heartbreak, redemption, power struggles, and a fitting send-offfor one of the strongest queens we’ve ever seen in a drama.
🔹 Won-kyung? Iconic. From her political genius to her unwavering loyalty, she fought tooth and nail for her family and her people.
🔹 Bang-won? Exhausting, but tragic. He made so many mistakes, but at the end of the day, he truly loved Won-kyung.
🔹 Se-jong’s rise? Beautifully done. The way the former crown prince stepped aside without jealousy was so refreshing to see.
🔹 Chae-ryeong? Redemption arc COMPLETE. Who knew she’d actually come back as an ally?
But that final scene? The mask dance? THE HISTORY ERASURE?! I need a moment. 😭
With its brilliant storytelling, powerhouse performances, and emotional weight, The Queen Who Crowns cemented itself as one of the best sageuk dramas of all time. I’ll be thinking about Won-kyung’s journey for a LONG time.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
How are we feeling, everyone? Did this finale break you too? Let’s discuss in the comments! 💬👇
