I first watched Jewel in the Palace, a historical drama that beautifully weaves together food, medicine, and tradition. It felt elegant and immersive, bringing history to life with grace and depth. Then I discovered Mr. Queen—a completely different take on palace life, blending time travel, comedy, and political drama into one wild ride.

While Jewel in the Palace is serious and rich in history, Mr. Queen is unpredictable and chaotic. Yet, despite their differences, both capture the essence of their respective eras in unique ways. Mr. Queen is especially entertaining because of its premise: a modern male chef, trapped in the body of a Joseon queen, hilariously struggles with the king’s touch while adjusting to life as a woman. On top of that, she keeps astonishing everyone—cooking modern dishes and casually mentioning concepts far beyond the Joseon era’s understanding.

The king, initially dismissed as one of the most foolish rulers, had long neglected the queen. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he shouldn’t be judged at face value. By the end of the season, his character development is both surprising and hilarious, making the journey all the more rewarding.