“Is This Really How ‘Queen Woo’ Ends? — Exploring the Discomfort of the Finale”

On the 12th, TVING debuted Part 2 (episodes 5–8) of the historical drama “Queen Woo.” In the first part, Queen Woo Hee (Jeon Jong-seo), pursued by the third prince Go Bal-gi (Lee Soo-hyuk), made her way back to the palace alongside the fourth prince, Go Yeon-woo (Kang Young-seok).

Part 2 advanced the chase-action elements, addressing some of the shortcomings from Part 1. The action sequences, particularly in episodes 5–7, significantly enhanced the show’s engagement. The plot intertwining Goguryeo’s history with Queen Woo’s polyandry and intense power struggles for the throne infused this popular historical drama with an abundance of intrigue, surely satisfying fans.

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Jeon Jong-seo led a remarkable cast, featuring Ji Chang-wook, Kim Moo-yeol, and more, with each actor effectively bringing their character to life. Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of Queen Woo Hee, determined to survive, infused the drama with tension and allure.

In episode 8, Queen Woo Hee prepared to confront the rebel Go Bal-gi and the former Crown Prince Go Pae (Song Jae-rim), reinforcing the presence of a strong female lead. Nevertheless, “Queen Woo” concluded with Queen Woo Hee stepping forth to confront the rebels, leaving many viewers who anticipated a grand battle feeling frustrated. Online discussions echoed sentiments like “Is this really the end?” “It concluded on a frustrating note,” and “Will there be a Part 3?” Others expressed outright disappointment, stating, “What is this?” “It feels unfinished,” “It’s so disappointing,” and “I’m angry after watching the ending.”

The ending invites two potential interpretations:

One theory suggests that it was designed to pave the way for future episodes. Director Jung Se-kyo expressed interest in a second season during a press conference, igniting additional speculation. Moreover, actor Lee Soo-hyuk mentioned he had heard about a second season during the press event, further hinting at the feasibility of a Part 3. If this is true, episode 8 may not signify a definitive conclusion. However, an official announcement has yet to be made.

Alternatively, it’s possible that Queen Woo’s vision before the final battle hinted at her eventual triumph. Just prior to battle, Queen Woo Hee was bestowed with a sword and envisioned taking down her adversaries, with soldiers appearing to show signs of victory. This could suggest that the rebels were ultimately defeated. However, even if this was purely symbolic or imaginary, the conclusion still feels inadequate.

“Queen Woo” stirred controversy in Part 1 due to its nudity, and the ending of Part 2 has left viewers with mixed emotions. Despite its breathtaking visuals and powerful performances, the drama’s finale fell short of expectations, resulting in both high hopes and profound disappointment.

Source: Daum

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