These woman were figures of authority excelling in politics who established control over their Kingdom and the royal court. They became so famous that their destiny is still told today in books, movies and K-Dramas. So, let’s take a look at 4 Powerful K-Drama Queens who actually existed. Do you know any of them? Have you watched these dramas?
Queen Woo
Period: Goguryeo (2nd/3rd century)
Drama: Queen Woo (2024) available on Prime Video
Played by: Jeon Jong Seo
Who was she? She was married to King Gogukcheon, played by Ji Chang Wook in the drama. When he died, she used her authority and influence to enthrone her husband’s brother Yeon Woo, the future King Sansang. She then entered into a levirate marriage* to become Queen again, meaning that she obligated the new King to marry her. Thanks to this custom, she’s the first woman in History to become Queen twice.
*A levirate marriage is a custom that obligates the brother of a deceased man to marry his widow.
Queen Seondeok
Period: Silla (7th century)
Drama: Queen Seondeok (2009) available on Viki
Played by: Lee Yo Won
Who is she? Queen Seondeok is Silla’s first reigning Queen. She’s one of the daughters of King Jinpyeong. As he had no male heir, the King started to consider his son-in-law as his potential successor. Upon learning that, Seondeok pleaded with her father to let her compete for the throne. She succeeded and was crowned Queen, despite the reluctance of many. During her reign, she strengthened her kingdom through political and cultural reforms and promoted Buddhism and scientific advancements.
Empress Ki
Period: Goryeo (14th century)
Drama: Empress Ki (2013-2014) available on Netflix
Played by: Ha Ji Won
Who is she? Gi was born in a noble family of Goryeo. As a teenager, she was sent by the King of Goryeo to the Yuan Emperor Toghon Temür (played by Ji Chang Wook in the drama) to serve as a concubine. Skilled in arts and extremely beautiful, she rapidly became his favorite. Later on, he made her his second wife and Empress. Over time, she became one of Yuan’s most powerful women and political figures, controlling the country’s economy and politics, and ruling over the imperial court.
Wongyeong
Period: Joseon (15th century)
Drama: Wongyeong: The Queen who Crowns (2025) available on Viki
Played by: Cha Joo Young
Who is she? Wongyeong played an important role during the turbulent reign of her husband King Taejong, the son of King Taejo, founder of Joseon. Thanks to her intelligence and her clan’s military power, she enthroned Lee Bang Won despite his father’s disapproval, consolidated his position as King, reinforced his authority and grip over the royal court and gave birth to King Sejong the Great, one of Korea’s most famous monarchs.
Once Upon a Drama 