The Queen Who Crowns – K-drama Episode 2 Recap & Review

Episode 2

Episode 2 of The Queen Who Crowns opens with Chae-ryeong being prepared against her will to serve the King. Throughout the ordeal, she repeatedly asks for the Queen’s intervention. However, she is soon relocated to her own chambers, away from the Queen’s residence. Through a flashback, we learn that Chae-ryeong was once a slave child abandoned by her mother, whom Won-gyeong took in and raised. Despite her changed status, Won-gyeong ensures that Chae-ryeong is treated fairly in her new quarters. While acknowledging that Chae-ryeong is not at fault, Won-gyeong firmly refuses to reinstate her as part of her household.

Later, the Queen orders that Prince Bin begin his studies. When she discovers his lack of interest, she punishes him physically, which angers Yeong-sil. In retaliation, Yeong-sil confronts the Queen, brazenly referencing her own relationship with the King and humiliating Won-gyeong. The confrontation escalates, culminating in the Queen slapping Yeong-sil.

Meanwhile, Won-gyeong’s brothers report the King’s growing hostility toward them. Advising caution, the Queen suggests they relinquish their positions to avoid further conflict.

Elsewhere, Yeong-sil attempts to manipulate Chae-ryeong into forming an alliance. However, Chae-ryeong takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a servant and barging into the Queen’s chambers to plead for her old role as a maid. Won-gyeong, cold and unyielding, refuses her request and sends her away. Realizing her precarious position in the palace, Chae-ryeong bribes the King’s court lady to arrange a visit from the King. Meanwhile, Yeong-sil uses her bruised cheek to further manipulate the King and sow discord.

As the palace intrigue unfolds, the King receives an invitation from his father, Tae-jo, to attend an event at a Buddhist temple, where a ceremonial metal bell is to be offered. Suspicion arises, as the royal family officially follows Neo-Confucianism, making the invitation unconventional. Unable to refuse his father, the King decides to attend. Simultaneously, the Queen receives intelligence suggesting that the bell might be part of a larger scheme.

In a separate development, Chae-ryeong successfully lures the King to her chambers. In exchange for revealing details about the Queen’s private discussions with her brothers, she secures his promise to visit her twice a month.

As the King and Queen arrive at the temple, the Queen’s spy uncovers the sinister truth about the metal bell. The episode ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, with Tae-jo retrieving a spiked iron ball, poised to strike at the King.

The Episode Review

In this episode, the rising tensions between Yeong-sil and the Queen are at the forefront, while the King’s shifting affections become a tool for manipulation and politics. Despite these changes, Won-gyeong’s instinct to protect the King is evident, particularly in the episode’s climactic moments.

Chae-ryeong’s character undergoes significant development as she grapples with the realities of palace life. Her growing awareness of rank, power, and survival pushes her to seek the King’s favor. Her new status, while elevating her position, also exposes her to heightened dangers.

With this, The Queen Who Crowns continues to intrigue viewers with its layered portrayal of gendered power politics and palace scheming, although the lack of substance beyond inner palace politics becomes quite apparent at times.