Queen of the Ring

Queen of the Ring is a whimsical K-drama that explores the themes of self-worth and true love through a touch of magic. The story centers around Mo Nan Hee, played by Kim Seul Gi, a young woman who has always felt insecure about her appearance. Struggling with her self-esteem, Nan Hee discovers a magical ring passed down from her mother that has the power to make her appear as the ideal woman in the eyes of the person who sees her.

Enter Park Se Gun, portrayed by Ahn Hyo Seop, a handsome and popular student known for his cold demeanor and high standards when it comes to beauty. When he sees Nan Hee wearing the ring, he becomes captivated by her transformed appearance, unaware of the magic behind it. As their relationship develops, Nan Hee must navigate the complexities of maintaining this illusion while grappling with her true identity.

The drama also features Yoon So Hee as Kang Mi Joo, who adds depth to the storyline with her own romantic entanglements and connection to Se Gun. The series delves into the question of what true beauty really means and whether love can be genuine when based on an illusion. Nan Hee's journey of self-discovery and the challenges of maintaining a relationship built on a magical facade are central to the narrative.

Queen of the Ring combines elements of fantasy, romance, and comedy, creating a heartwarming and relatable story that resonates with anyone who has ever doubted their self-worth. The chemistry between Kim Seul Gi and Ahn Hyo Seop is delightful, making this short but sweet drama a must-watch for fans of magical romance.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 반지의 여왕 (Banjiui Yeowang)
🌎 Also Known As: Ring of the Queen
🎭 Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
🏷 Tags: Magic, Self-Esteem, Beauty, Insecurity, Love Triangle
✍ Screenwriters: Kim A Jung, Won Young Sil
🎬 Directors: Kwon Sung Chang
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 6
🗓️ Aired: March 9, 2017 – March 23, 2017
📅 Airing Days: Thursday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 30 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 13+ (Teens 13 or older)

Best Scenes

The moment when Mo Nan Hee (Kim Seul Gi) first discovers the magical ring and transforms into the ideal woman, setting the stage for the drama’s central conflict.
The heartwarming scene where Park Se Gun (Ahn Hyo Seop) begins to see the real Nan Hee, highlighting the importance of inner beauty.
The dramatic revelation when Se Gun learns the truth about the ring’s magic, leading to an emotional confrontation between the characters.
Nan Hee’s heart-to-heart talk with her mother, where she learns the history and significance of the magical ring.
The final scene where Nan Hee and Se Gun find their way back to each other, emphasizing the theme of true love beyond appearances.

Filming Locations

The university campus where many of the key scenes take place, providing a lively and youthful backdrop to the story.
The charming neighborhood streets and cafes in Seoul, where the characters have candid conversations and develop their relationships.
Nan Hee’s family home, which serves as a warm and comforting setting, reflecting her character’s humble and down-to-earth nature.
The scenes at the local park, where Se Gun and Nan Hee share meaningful moments, adding a natural and serene atmosphere to the drama.
The fashion show venue, showcasing the glamorous side of Se Gun’s world and contrasting with Nan Hee’s simpler life.

Visual Design and Costumes

Nan Hee’s transformation outfits are stylish and elegant, reflecting the magical allure of the ring and the idealized version of herself.
Park Se Gun’s wardrobe is trendy and sophisticated, emphasizing his character as a popular and fashion-conscious student.
The drama uses soft, warm lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, particularly in scenes focusing on Nan Hee’s inner world.
The contrast between Nan Hee’s everyday clothes and her transformed look visually underscores the theme of identity and self-perception.
The magical ring itself is a central visual motif, with its design reflecting the traditional yet mystical elements of the story.

Themes and Messages

Queen of the Ring explores the theme of self-esteem, showing how external beauty can impact self-worth and how true beauty comes from within.
The drama addresses the idea of love beyond appearances, questioning whether relationships based on superficial attraction can lead to genuine connections.
It delves into the pressures of societal beauty standards, offering a critique of how these expectations can affect individuals’ self-image and relationships.
The show highlights the importance of self-acceptance and being loved for who you truly are, rather than an idealized version of yourself.
The magical elements of the story serve as a metaphor for the illusions we create to fit in, and the courage it takes to reveal our true selves.

Interesting Facts

Queen of the Ring is part of the Three Color Fantasy series, which also includes The Universe’s Star and Romance Full of Life.
Kim Seul Gi, known for her comedic roles, brings a mix of humor and heartfelt emotion to her portrayal of Mo Nan Hee, earning praise for her performance.
The drama was filmed in just six episodes, making it a short yet impactful series that quickly resonated with viewers.
Ahn Hyo Seop, who plays Park Se Gun, gained significant attention for his role, contributing to his rising popularity as a leading actor.
The story’s use of a magical ring as a plot device is a modern twist on the classic fairytale trope, adding a unique flavor to the romantic comedy genre.

Awards

Queen of the Ring did not receive any major awards following its release. While the drama was well-received for its unique storyline and performances by Kim Seul Gi and Ahn Hyo Seop, it did not secure accolades from prominent award ceremonies. Its charm and appeal lie in its short and sweet narrative, making it a beloved series among fans rather than an award-winning production.

Real-Life Loves on Set

In Queen of the Ring, there were no confirmed real-life romantic relationships that developed between the cast members. While the on-screen chemistry between Kim Seul Gi and Ahn Hyo Seop was well-received by fans, both actors have maintained their personal lives privately and there were no reports of any off-screen romance related to the drama. The love story in the series remained purely fictional.