“Mr. Queen” Review: A Time-Travel Tale That’s Comedy Gold

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What happens when a modern-day, cocky chef wakes up in the body of a Joseon-era queen? Pure hilarity gold. That’s the wild ride “Mr. Queen” takes us on an absolute rollercoaster of laughter, chaos, and unexpected depth.

The show blends historical and royal themes with a modern twist, making it a unique treat that’s hard to resist.

Chef Jang Bong-Hwan (played by Choi Jin-Hyuk) is living the dream in modern Seoul, slicing and dicing his way through life.

But a kitchen mishap lands him in a royal pickle. He wakes up in the body of Queen Kim So-Yong (played by Shin Hye-Sun), and let’s just say, he’s not exactly thrilled about the wardrobe change, and of course, losing his “you know what”.

Yeah, it’s an unexpected body-swap story set in the Joseon era.

Ain’t that a crazy twist?

Imagine trying to navigate palace politics, royal etiquette, and oh, did I mention, marriage to King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun)? It’s like throwing a frat boy into a Shakespearean play—pure chaos and comedy.

What’s the plot like?

The plot unfolds with Queen Kim So-yong trying to figure out how to return to the present day while juggling the drama of court life.

Watch “Mr. Queen” Trailer

King Cheoljong isn’t your typical royal pushover. Nope, this guy’s playing 4D chess in a league of his own, stacking up secrets like a squirrel with acorns. Watching him and the lead go at it is like seeing a chess match with firecrackers instead of pieces—it’s a riot, totally unpredictable and wildly explosive.

Mr. Queen” is where gut-busting comedy meets nail-biting drama.

You’ll crack up over Bong-Hwan trying to school these ancient cooks on modern grub—let’s just say, they’re not exactly fans of his avant-garde fusion. It’s like tossing Gordon Ramsay back into the past and telling him to chill—it’s hysterical!

But hey, it’s not all chuckles and popcorn.

This drama digs into the meaty stuff too—identity crises, power clashes, and that age-old tussle between the new school cool and old school rules. One minute you’re deep in thought, the next you’re trying not to snort your drink out your nose.

The comedy? It’s the soul of this show.

From Bong-Hwan’s wild ride trying to figure out his queenly duties to his side-splitting inner thoughts, boredom is off the menu here.

And “Mr. Queen” isn’t just playing for laughs—it packs a punch with heavy hitters like identity, power plays, and bucking tradition for a shot at personal freedom.

You’ll be rolling with laughter one second and hit with a brain teaser the next.

Shin Hye-sun? Absolute powerhouse.

She nails it, from her comedic timing to the bewildered looks and over-the-top antics. She’s so convincing you’d think a tough-as-nails chef could actually run the royal court.

Her Queen Kim So-yong? Totally root-worthy, no matter how outlandish the antics.

Kim Jung-hyun brings his A-game too, serving charm and cunning by the bucket. Together, they’re a duo you can’t help but love—funny, clever, and totally compelling.

The chemistry between Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun? It’s off the charts.

Shin Hye-sun totally nails it playing a dude stuck in a queen’s body—it’s downright epic. She’s got the whole confused, frustrated, and finally getting-the-hang-of-it thing down to an art.

Shin Hye-sun totally nails it playing a dude stuck in a queen’s body—it’s downright epic. She’s got the whole confused, frustrated, and finally getting-the-hang-of-it thing down to an art. It’s like watching someone trying to operate a smartphone with medieval gloves on—awkward but hilarious.

Kim Jung-hyun’s King Cheoljong? Dude’s a scene-stealer—smooth, sly, and soft-hearted when you least expect it. Put them together, and it’s like fireworks—totally mesmerizing, and you’re there cheering them on, even though the whole situation’s wackier than a soap opera.

The rest of the gang? Just as killer.

Na In-woo as the queen’s cousin turns the drama dial up a notch with some serious family tension, while Bae Jong-ok as the grand queen dowager is scary good—like your tough grandma who can run board meetings and bake cookies without breaking a sweat.

Every character is a piece of the puzzle, making this palace drama as rich and colorful as a royal tapestry.

And talk about a feast for the eyes—“Mr. Queen” is all-out gorgeous.

From the eye-popping costumes to the jaw-dropping sets, this show rolls out the Joseon era in high def. Every shot’s packed with details that make the past pop like a history book on HD.

And those modern quips? Bong-hwan’s side comments and today’s lingo thrown into the mix keep it all kinds of fresh and fun. It’s like your cool history teacher decided to make class a blast.

Hey, and if you’re not up on your Korean history—no sweat!

You don’t need to be a scholar to get into “Mr. Queen.” Sure, it’s got all the trimmings of ancient royalty and stiff etiquette, but the laughs and plot twists are universal. Picture “Downton Abbey” crashing into “Freaky Friday.”

A little knowledge might get you extra giggles, but the solid storytelling and everyday feels carry the show. So kick back, maybe hit up Google if you’re curious, but mostly just enjoy the wild ride.

Trust me, you’ll be too busy cracking up to fuss over the historical details.

Plus, while this show digs deep into Korean lore, it’s crafted to click with anyone, anywhere. It’s world history with a twist of lime—tangy, refreshing, and universally delicious.

The humor in “Mr. Queen” breaks down walls faster than a wrecking ball at a demolition site, and the big themes—love, identity, power struggles—they’re the kind of stuff everyone gets.

The humor in “Mr. Queen” breaks down walls faster than a wrecking ball at a demolition site, and the big themes—love, identity, power struggles—they’re the kind of stuff everyone gets.

It’s like taking Korean History 101, only it’s wrapped up in a comedy burrito that everyone’s invited to chow down on.

Sure, the show isn’t without its hiccups.

A few plot twists might sprint by faster than you’d like, and some side characters are so undercooked they could use another round in the scriptwriting oven. But really, that’s just nitpicking in what’s otherwise a full-course meal of a series.

“Mr. Queen” is an emotional rollercoaster—strapping you in for laughs, deep thoughts, and the occasional tearjerker moment.

What really makes it stand out is its ninja-level skill at mixing light-hearted laughs with the heavy stuff. It’s like your favorite salad dressing—perfectly balanced.

In my book, “Mr. Queen” is a standout gem. It’s fresh, fun, and heartfelt. This mash-up of historical drama and modern-day comedy is the breath of fresh air your K-drama playlist has been craving.

Looking for something that’ll tickle your funny bone and maybe stroke your chin in thought, too? This series is binge-worthy, trust me.

Since it first hit screens on tvN in December 2020, “Mr. Queen” has been scooping up fans and accolades like a star quarterback at a pep rally. It’s loved for its sharp wit, top-notch acting, and the clever way it stitches together chuckles with chewy drama bits.

It’s quickly become a fan fave for a laundry list of reasons, not least because it throws a modern chef into a Joseon queen’s body. Watch the sparks fly as our cheeky chef tries to navigate old-school royal etiquette with a side of sass. It’s comedy gold.

So why not dive in? Give “Mr. Queen” a whirl and get ready for a royal buffet of giggles and intrigue.

And hey, don’t be shy—drop your thoughts in the comments. I’m all ears to hear what you think!

Pop some popcorn and stream “Mr. Queen” to your heart’s delight on Netflix now.

“Mr. Queen” OST: Here I Am (sung by Jo Hyuh Ah)