If you are unfamiliar with this picture, this is from the movie Mr. Queen. This movie is a funny remix of “travel back in time” movies. The character Jang Bong-Hwan, who lived in the modern era, travels back in time to the Joseon Dynasty because he fell into his apartment pool and hit his head. That somehow entered him into this medium place where he switched lives with Kim So-Yong. Jang Bong Hwan navigating this new life is so hilarious. As Bong-Hwan is not used to modern traditions it is not used to the strict traditions of the Joseon Dynasty. There are so many themes to explore in this show.
- The Restriction Era
Through this series, you see that the Joseon Dynasty was very restrictive towards people’s way of living. This series gives insight into why Joseon customs really exist now. Women were not allowed to run, even if they needed to get to a place faster. The King, who is supposed to be the supreme power, could make decisions if it went against the Grand Queen Dowager. There are rules in the palace that require them to be presentable at all times, which means wearing layer upon layer of heavy clothing at times. Women could not enter the kitchen or even cook. People always had to follow the path their elders or parents set for them. Even if you decide to change you will receive punishment of some sort like staying restricted at home all your life like with Kim So-Yong.
- Arrogance is not the right way of life.
Bong-Hwan was a well-known chef who became the youngest chef at the Blue House. Due to his arrogance, he gained enemies. Working in a kitchen is a joint group activity where everyone works together, but he felt as though he was better than everyone, so his ‘rival’ sous-chef Bu Seung Min, with the help of a higher up, Han Pyo- Jin, colluded to get them fired and arrested to damage his career. Although he was trying to prove that he was innocent, the police did not listen. Being humble makes people more willing to help you.
- If you don’t care for something someone else will.
This is evident with Kim So-Yong, the queen. Her husband, King Cheolijong, had absolute hatred towards her because she is part of the Andong Kim Clan, so he used to neglect her and instead gave his affection to his concubine, Jo Hwa-Jin. This eventually became public knowledge when the King chose to care for his concubine over his own wife in front of everyone. So, So-Yong’s cousin, Kim Byeong-In starts to step in to care for the Queen. Making the King now feel threatened that his wife might be taken from him.
This drama teaches many lessons about life, relationships, etc. But I share the most important ones. I hope you guys can find the time to watch this drama on Netflix as it is a really good show.