Kim Hye Soo’s ‘Under the Queen’s Umbrella’ Sparks Controversy Over Historical Distortion

"Under the Queen's Umbrella" which stars Kim Hye Soo is the latest drama series facing controversy. It came after the K-drama aired its second episode, raising suspicion for historical distortion.

'Under the Queen's Umbrella' Episode 2 Under Fire for Historical Inaccuracies

According to various reports, simplified Chinese instead of traditional Chinese characters was spotted in "Under the Queen's Umbrella" episode 2, which aired on October 16.

The said scene featured royal consort Hwang, played by Ok Ja Yeon encouraged her son, Prince Uiseong, portrayed by SF9's Chani, to participate in the examination cohort selection; however, a Chinese phrase "Mul Gwi Won Ju" was seen, raising historical inaccuracies in the drama.

In addition, a scene where Queen Im Hwa Ryung, played by Kim Hye Soo, visited the King's chambers tablet with "Taehwajeon" was spotted with the audience pointing out that it is a name of a hall in China's Forbidden City and a significant place the emperor during the Qing Dynasty meets his officials.

Apart from the Chinese phrases, viewers also noticed how Prince Uiseong, informally refers to Queen Im Hwa Ryung as "your mother" when he spoke to Grand Prince Seongnam, played by Moon Sang Min.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Did Kim Hye Soo Overshadow Co-Stars' Performance in 'Under The Queen's Umbrella'?

Despite viewers criticizing "Under the Queen's Umbrella" for historical distortion, episode 2 garnered an average nationwide rating of 9.062 percent which is its second-highest rating yet.

The fourth episode recorded an all-time high after scoring 9.5 percent, making it the most-watched series in its time slot across all channels.

Why 'Under the Queen's Umbrella' is Worth the Watch?

tvN's "Under the Queen's Umbrella" is a 16-part episode series that officially debuted on October 15.

After kicking off with a solid rating, the historical K-drama gained hype for its captivating plot and a star-studded cast featuring Kim Hye Soo, veteran actress Kim Hae Sook, and more.

Kim Hye Soo transformed into the fearless Queen Im Hwa Ryung, who continues to face the challenges of protecting her son while keeping up her responsibilities as the King;'s wife.

In the weekend drama, Kim Hae Sook plays Queen Dowager Cho, the King's mother who wants Queen Im Hwa Ryung and her sons to be replaced. With her role, viewers will get to see tense confrontations between the two queens.

Meanwhile, the great King Lee Ho is portrayed by the versatile star Choi Won Young.

As for the queen's sons, the grand princes are played by Moon Sang Min, Yoon Sang Hyun, Yoo Seon Ho, and Park Ha Joon while Bae In Hyuk plays Crown Prince.

Following the successful premiere, viewers lauded Kim Hye Soo's outstanding performance, showing elegance and grace as she plays the Queen.

Besides the cast, every episode delivers surprising twists and turns keeping the audience at the edge of their seats.

READ MORE: Kim Hye Soo Proves She IS Queen That Even the Director Did THIS in Front of Her

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Written by Geca Wills