Under the Queen's Umbrella

This is about a feisty but kindhearted queen, Im Hwa-ryeong (Kim Hye-soo), who would fight tooth and nail for her children. The mother of the Crown Prince and four grand princes, she has to protect her children from the Queen Dowager (Kim Hae-sook), court officials and other characters who are conspiring to depose her, the Crown Prince and her husband King Yi Ho (Choi Won-young) from power.

Aside from political intrigues, other parts I found interesting were the Queen's relationship with her children as well as their growing pains. The romance between swoon-worthy Grand Prince Seongnam (Moon Sang-min) and Yoon Cheong-ha (Oh Ye-ju) is charming.

It feels very fresh for me since we get to see a period drama from a different perspective. Here, we follow the mother rather than the typical young romance.

The story revolves around the inner court. We see multiple concubines rival for power through their sons. Mostly, we follow the life of the queen who aims to save her sons from the cunningness of the inner court. It's a really good story with a pacing that I enjoy. I don't find any moments boring at all.

The characters are great as well. It's only been 4 episodes but they are very well fleshed out. They have a nuance of modernity in them.

The music, costumes, and cinematography are really beautiful as well.

An unconventional queen is faced with challenges on all side as she struggles to protect her sons who are all bought into play as factions within the palace try to gain power. The queen is played outstandingly by Kim Hye-soo who is captivating on the screen as she defends her family from many enemies mainly influenced by the queen mother played with convincing aplomb by Kim Hae-sook. I would have probably rated it an eight as it does get bogged down a little at the end but the extra point is for the two protagonists. If you enjoy court intrigue and like strong female characters this is worth a watch.

I can't wait until this show gets the views and celebrity that it deserves!! It was exceptional!! Definetly in my top 3 kdrama! The first episode doesn't give it justice but after that it's amazing! The pace is really good and the acting is fantastic! Such a great storyline and based on the few few episodes you don't expect it to toss and turn the way it does! Kept me excited! It's the first kdrama I have watched where I had to wait each week to watch each episode! I started getting really excited for the weekend to come. I strongly recommend this kdrama!! There isn't 1 episode that is filler. Hope you enjoy.

Korean Drama " Under the Queen's Umbrella " is a roller coaster.

The drama has multiple leyers, with the family drama, the palace politics and the comedy being the very core of it.

The battle between the strong female leads was intense to follow and it refreshing to see the Queen and not the King being the center of the political battles for once.

Also, the family drama was bittersweet, with tragedy but also some warm and lovable moments.

The comedy aspect, moreover, was spot on, without exaggerations to produce laughter. Rather, the funny moments came naturally and were well handled.

Last, but not least, the performances were enjoyable, but the leading lady was a dynamite.

So, overall, nine out of ten.