Under the Queen's Umbrella

Under the Queen's Umbrella is a riveting K-drama that immerses viewers in the intricate world of palace politics and maternal devotion. The story centers on Queen Im Hwa Ryung, portrayed by the formidable Kim Hye Soo, who is determined to protect her sons from the ruthless machinations of the royal court. As the Queen navigates the treacherous waters of power, she must outmaneuver her adversaries, including the powerful Queen Dowager Cho (Kim Hae Sook) and the ambitious consorts vying for influence.

Set against the backdrop of the Joseon dynasty, the drama explores the complexities of royal life, focusing on the challenges faced by the Queen as she raises her sons to be worthy successors in a world filled with betrayal and ambition. The series delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the sacrifices a mother makes to safeguard her children's future.

As Crown Prince (Bae In Hyuk) faces unexpected challenges and Grand Prince Sung Nam (Moon Sang Min) emerges as a key figure in the succession battle, the Queen must use her wit and wisdom to navigate the dangerous court politics. Choi Won Young plays King Lee Ho, whose reign is under constant threat from both within and outside the palace.

With its rich historical setting, compelling characters, and a storyline filled with suspense and emotional depth, Under the Queen's Umbrella is a must-watch for fans of royal dramas and those who appreciate strong, multidimensional female leads. The series not only captivates with its intricate plot but also offers a poignant look at the lengths a mother will go to protect her children and her legacy.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 슈룹 (Shuroop)
🌎 Also Known As: Umbrella, Shuroop
🎭 Genres: Historical, Drama, Family, Politics
🏷 Tags: Royal Family, Court Intrigue, Strong Female Lead, Joseon Dynasty, Power Struggle
✍ Screenwriters: Park Ba Ra
🎬 Directors: Kim Hyung Shik
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: October 15, 2022 – December 4, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 70 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)

Best Scenes

The emotional scene where Queen Im Hwa Ryung (Kim Hye Soo) confronts the King about protecting their children, highlighting her fierce maternal instinct and political acumen.
The intense moment when the Crown Prince falls ill, pushing the Queen to take drastic measures to uncover the truth behind the palace’s secrets.
The dramatic confrontation between the Queen and Queen Dowager Cho (Kim Hae Sook), showcasing the power struggle and court intrigue that drive the narrative.
The poignant scene where Grand Prince Sung Nam steps up to defend his family’s honor, reflecting his growth and the Queen’s influence on her children.
The final scenes where the true conspirators are revealed, delivering a satisfying and dramatic resolution to the series’ central conflicts.

Filming Locations

The drama was filmed in various historical palaces across South Korea, including the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace, which adds authenticity to the portrayal of the royal court.
Outdoor scenes were shot in lush gardens and serene countryside locations, reflecting the natural beauty of Korea and the contrast between the royal palace and the outside world.
The use of traditional hanok houses and historic sites helped immerse viewers in the Joseon era, providing a visually rich and culturally accurate setting.
Several palace interiors were recreated in studios to capture the grandeur and opulence of the royal family’s living quarters, enhancing the drama’s visual appeal.
The filming locations were chosen to highlight the beauty of Korea’s historical architecture, contributing to the immersive experience of the series.

Visual Design and Costumes

The visual design of Under the Queen’s Umbrella is meticulously crafted, with a rich color palette that emphasizes the opulence and formality of royal life.
The costumes are historically accurate, with the Queen’s elaborate hanboks symbolizing her status and the intricate details reflecting the period’s fashion.
The use of lighting and set design enhances the mood of each scene, whether it’s the tension-filled palace corridors or the peaceful royal gardens.
The contrast between the lavish royal attire and the simpler clothes of the court ladies and consorts highlights the hierarchy and power dynamics within the palace.
The drama’s visual design also includes symbolic elements, such as the Queen’s umbrella, which represents her protection over her children and her determination to shield them from palace intrigue.

Themes and Messages

Under the Queen’s Umbrella explores the theme of maternal sacrifice, focusing on the lengths a mother will go to protect her children in a world governed by power and politics.
The drama delves into the complexities of court intrigue, where loyalty, betrayal, and ambition shape the lives of those within the palace.
The series also examines the challenges of leadership, as Queen Im Hwa Ryung must navigate her dual roles as a mother and a ruler, balancing compassion with authority.
The theme of identity is explored through the Queen’s sons, who must find their own paths within the rigid structure of royal expectations and tradition.
The show highlights the importance of resilience and wisdom in the face of adversity, with the Queen embodying these qualities as she protects her family and kingdom.

Interesting Facts

Under the Queen’s Umbrella marked Kim Hye Soo’s return to historical dramas after a long hiatus, and her performance as Queen Im Hwa Ryung was widely acclaimed.
The drama was praised for its strong female characters, with Kim Hye Soo and Kim Hae Sook delivering powerful performances that anchored the series.
The series was noted for its historical accuracy in costume design and set construction, which added depth and realism to the storytelling.
The drama’s focus on the dynamics of royal motherhood and the unique challenges faced by women in power resonated with viewers, contributing to its popularity.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella became a hit both domestically and internationally, thanks to its compelling narrative, high production values, and the star power of its cast.

Awards

59th Baeksang Arts Awards (2023):

Best Actress (TV): Kim Hye Soo was nominated for her role as Queen Im Hwa Ryung.
Best Supporting Actress (TV): Kim Hae Sook was nominated for her role as Queen Dowager Cho.
Best Supporting Actor (TV): Choi Won Young was nominated for his role as King Lee Ho.
Best New Actor (TV): Moon Sang Min was nominated for his role as Grand Prince Sung Nam.
Best Director (TV): Kim Hyung Shik was nominated for his work on the series.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There were no reports of a real-life romance between the cast members of Under the Queen’s Umbrella. The actors, including Kim Hye Soo, Kim Hae Sook, and others, are known for their professionalism, and there hasn’t been any publicized instance of off-screen romance related to the drama. The focus remained on delivering strong performances that resonated with audiences.