Under the Queen's Umbrella
“Historical drama that aired on tvN, Netflix (2022)”
▲ Drama Poster (source: Netflix)
#Under the Queen's Umbrella
Under the Queen’s Umbrella (Shuruop) is a historical drama that aired on tvN in 2022, depicting power struggles and maternal love within the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty. The title Shuruop is a pure Korean word meaning "umbrella," symbolizing the queen’s efforts to protect the crown prince and other royal princes. Kim Hye-soo stars as Queen Im Hwa-ryeong, who fights to safeguard her children amid fierce competition for the throne.
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#Story About
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The drama follows Queen Im Hwa-ryeong (played by Kim Hye-soo), the wife of King Lee Ho (played by Choi Won-young) and the central figure of the royal family. Her eldest son, the Crown Prince (played by Yoo Seon-ho), suddenly falls ill, causing uncertainty in the royal succession. As the search for a new heir intensifies, royal concubines seek to advance their own sons, and government officials attempt to manipulate the situation for political gain. Facing mounting threats, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong takes matters into her own hands. She personally educates her sons, who have neglected their studies and martial training, and engages in strategic battles against the scheming concubines and court officials to secure her children's future.
The drama is inspired by real historical events in the Joseon Dynasty, where power struggles over the royal succession were common. If the crown prince was weak or sickly, the throne often passed to a concubine’s son, as seen in the cases of King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo. Additionally, political conflicts surrounding the selection of heirs were frequent in Joseon history. Historical figures such as Queen Munjeong fiercely fought to place their sons on the throne. Queen Im Hwa-ryeong’s character in the drama reflects these historical influences, portraying both the resilience of a mother and the strength of a queen.
#Drama Location
The series was filmed at real palace locations, primarily Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung, and Deoksugung. Changdeokgung Palace was used to depict the private living quarters of the queen and princes, with key scenes shot at Nakseonjae and Injeongjeon Hall. Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the backdrop for political discussions between the king and his ministers, featuring locations such as Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Deoksugung Palace was used for scenes depicting outdoor royal ceremonies and formal events. The use of actual royal palaces helped to create an authentic historical atmosphere.
Rather than being a simple romance set in the royal court, Under the Queen’s Umbrella combines court politics, power struggles, and the deep maternal instincts of a queen. It maintains traditional historical drama elements while incorporating modern storytelling techniques and a fast-paced narrative for greater immersion. Kim Hye-soo’s commanding performance brings to life the intense survival battle within the palace. This drama is highly recommended for those who enjoy palace intrigue, strong female leads, and historical dramas with a unique perspective.