
Kim Hye-soo
Queen Im Hwa-ryeong


TV SERIES
A spirited queen tries to rein in her rowdy sons in order to make one of them the next king of Joseon, while her competitors vie to snatch the throne.

Queen Im Hwa-ryeong

Queen Dowager

King Lee Ho

Prince Shimso

Hwang Won-hyeong

Prince Uiseong

Grand Prince Seongnam / Prince Lee Kang

First Junior Consort Hwang

Third Senior Consort Tae

First Junior Consort Ko

Master Toji

Deposed Queen Yoon
Kim Hyung-sik (Director) • Park Ba-ra (Writer)
2021Series
2022Series
2017Series
2019Series
2019Series
2015Series
2019Series
2011Series
2019Series
2019Series
2025Series
2024Series
01Unlike the crown prince, who thrives in his studies, Im Hwa-ryeong’s other sons arrive late to class – stoking the queen dowager’s disapproval.
02Hwa-ryeong urges her sons to join the race to become the cohort of the crown prince. She gets a volunteer, but soon learns of his scandalous secret.
03At the selection exam, the king challenges the candidates by posing an unexpected question. The queen dowager closes in on Grand Prince Gye-seong.
04The three finalists debate over a topic that’s plaguing the nation. Grand Prince Seong-nam risks his life to meet a doctor who could heal his brother.
05When the news of the crown prince's ill-health spreads through the palace, members of the royal council pressure the king appoint a new successor.
06Hwang Won-hyeong spearheads an official investigation of the disturbing rumors. The crown princess comes to Hwa-ryeong in distress.
07Seong-nam seeks to take responsibility for the tragedy, hoping to shake his guilt. The royal physician makes a surprising confession before the king.
08When other princes and concubines lie, cheat and scheme to get ahead in the competition, Hwa-ryeong finds a way to slow them down.
09The queen dowager shifts her support to another prince, which makes her former allies nervous. Prince Sim-so returns home to a hostile welcome.
10Gye-seong tries to stop a criminal from entering the palace. Two princes investigate a suspicious blind man. Seong-nam’s royal roots are questioned.
11The queen dowager urges a prince to withdraw from the race. Hwa-ryeong puts an end to the foul play by giving the young scholars a chance to come clean.
12As the new crown prince assumes his royal duties, Hwa-ryeong and the queen dowager now shift their attention to appointing a new crown princess.
13The crown princess visits Hwa-ryeong with an inquiry. Grand Prince Mu-an takes on a new responsibility. A missing page in a medical record is found.
14Hwa-ryeong investigates two similar deaths and takes action to put the humiliating rumors about the newlywed crown prince to rest.
15Physician Kwon forms an alliance to protect himself. The queen dowager tries to obtain critical evidence. The crown princess’ health causes a stir.
16The king faces a dilemma concerning a long-held secret, as revealing it could undo his life's work. The queen gently offers him words of wisdom.