Under the Queen's Umbrella

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the series follows Queen Im Hwa-ryung, played by Kim Hye-soo, a fierce and unconventional royal spouse. When her eldest son, the Crown Prince, suddenly falls ill, she must fight to protect her other problematic children from the political schemes of the royal court. The show blends historical drama with dark comedy as she tries to whip her grand princes into shape.

The King of Joseon, King Lee Ho, is portrayed by actor Choi Won-young. His character struggles with chronic illness and paranoia while trying to balance his affection for Queen Im Hwa-ryung with the demands of the state council. The dynamic between the King and the Queen is central to the emotional core of the series.

The historical drama aired on the South Korean network tvN from October to December 2022. For international audiences, all 16 episodes are available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. The show's high production value and vibrant hanbok costumes made it a massive global hit on the platform.

The primary antagonist is Consort Hwang, played by Kim Hae-sook, a manipulative royal concubine with a ruthless ambition for power. She constantly schemes to have her own son appointed as the Crown Prince, putting her in direct conflict with Queen Im Hwa-ryung. Her cold demeanor and vast political network make her a formidable foe within the inner palace.