철인왕후
"Was I fooled by your deceitful eyes and lies?"
Mr. Queen - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Food and Cooking
Food symbolizes power, innovation, and connection. As a chef, it is Bong-hwan's primary tool for communication and influence. It represents his modern identity clashing with and ultimately charming the traditional Joseon court.
Throughout the series, Bong-hwan uses his modern culinary skills to win favor, solve problems, and express himself. From creating Joseon-style fast food to introducing new cooking techniques, food becomes his way of navigating and disrupting the palace hierarchy. Memorable scenes often take place in the royal kitchen, where his creations bring joy and forge unlikely friendships, most notably with the Royal Chef.
The Lake
The lake symbolizes a gateway between worlds, death, and rebirth. It is the portal through which Bong-hwan's soul enters So-yong's body and his initial obsession for returning to his time.
The series begins with So-yong trying to drown herself in the lake and Bong-hwan falling into a pool. Bong-hwan's early episodes are driven by his desperate attempts to refill the drained lake so he can dive in and return to the 21st century. The lake is a site of both despair and hope, and a place where King Cheoljong later saves the Queen, marking a pivotal turning point in their relationship.
The Queen's Dictionary
The 'Queen's Dictionary' symbolizes the merging of two identities and the unspoken communication between souls. It is a tangible record of Bong-hwan's modern slang and perspective within So-yong's world.
To communicate with his court ladies, Bong-hwan creates a dictionary to explain his modern vocabulary. This book becomes a symbol of his unique presence in Joseon. In the final episode, after Bong-hwan's soul has departed, King Cheoljong touches the dictionary and feels a sense of loss, acknowledging that a part of the person he fell in love with is missing, highlighting the impact Bong-hwan had on him.
Philosophical Questions
What constitutes the 'self' and identity?
The series constantly explores whether identity is tied to the body, consciousness, memory, or a combination of all three. Jang Bong-hwan insists he is a man, yet he begins to experience Queen So-yong's memories and emotions. The romance with King Cheoljong further complicates this: is it a man loving a man, a man loving a woman, or a king falling for a unique soul regardless of its vessel? The show avoids a simple answer, suggesting that identity is fluid and that love can transcend conventional boundaries of gender and selfhood.
Can one person truly change the course of history?
"Mr. Queen" directly engages with the 'what if' of history. Bong-hwan's modern knowledge and unconventional actions directly alter political events, saving King Cheoljong from assassination and helping him become the strong ruler he was meant to be, thereby changing his negative portrayal in the history books. However, the ending is bittersweet, implying that while he could influence individual fates and reputations, the broader strokes of history (like Cheoljong's early death) might remain unchanged, raising questions about the limits of individual agency against the tide of destiny.
Is empathy born from shared experience?
As a privileged, self-centered man in the 21st century, Jang Bong-hwan lacks empathy. By being forced to live as a woman in a highly patriarchal society, he experiences firsthand the limitations and dangers she faces. This forced perspective shift is the catalyst for his character growth. The series argues that true understanding and empathy cannot be intellectualized; they must be lived. Bong-hwan's journey suggests that walking in another's shoes, quite literally, is the only way to truly comprehend their struggles and develop genuine compassion.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Mr. Queen" revolves around the themes of identity, empathy, and the ability to enact change from unexpected places. The series uses the body-swap premise not just for comedic effect but to explore the idea that one's true self is not defined by gender, title, or societal expectations. Jang Bong-hwan, a cynical modern man, is forced to live as a woman in a repressive historical era, leading to a profound journey of self-discovery and empathy. He learns to see beyond his own prejudices and understand the struggles of others, particularly women and the oppressed common folk of Joseon. Ultimately, the series suggests that true strength and leadership come from authenticity and the courage to challenge the status quo, proving that a single, unconventional individual can alter the course of history for the better by staying true to their core values, even when trapped in the most unlikely of circumstances.