The crown, once a symbol of power, now sits heavy on the king’s head, a constant reminder of the weight of his decisions. In these episodes, the cracks in his marriage widen faster than the palace gates can close, revealing a king more comfortable wielding a dagger than a scepter. But the queen, though wounded, refuses to be a mere pawn in his game. She plays her own hand, a dangerous game of chess where every move could be her last. Prepare for a royal rumble where loyalty is a fleeting illusion and the only certainty is that the crown, like a venomous serpent, will ultimately choose its own master.
TL;DR
- Power Corrupts: Absolute power can corrupt even the most virtuous individuals, leading to paranoia, distrust, and ultimately self-destruction.
- Loyalty is Fragile: In the cutthroat world of court politics, loyalty is a fickle commodity that can shift with the wind.
- Communication is Crucial: Misunderstandings and a lack of open communication can have devastating consequences, as seen in the deepening rift between the king and queen.
- The Past Haunts Us: Past traumas and unresolved conflicts can have a profound and lasting impact on present relationships and decisions.

As the cracks in our royal couple’s already strained relationship widen, our heroine finds herself under siege—not just as a queen but as a woman trying to navigate the treacherous waters of palace politics. Add a sprinkle of rebellion, a dash of betrayal, and a few allegiances switching faster than you can say “Long live the king,” and we’ve got ourselves a royal mess. Episodes 3 and 4 of The Queen Who Crowns do not disappoint, serving drama hotter than a royal banquet feast.
Picking Up the Pieces: Family Feuds Turn Fatal

We jump right back into the temple showdown, where Seong-kye decides it’s an excellent time to play “Catch the Flying Mace” with his son, Bang-won. Fortunately for the king, his ever-loyal wife, Won-kyung, steps in to save him, injuring herself in the process. Cue a fight between Seong-kye’s men and the king’s guards. Bang-won, ever the drama king, insists the ceremony continue, determined to save face despite the chaos.
Later, we’re treated to a heartwarming (read: soul-crushing) father-son chat where Seong-kye tells Bang-won he should never have been born. Bang-won fires back, blaming his father for molding him into the man he is today. Family therapy, anyone? In a power move that’s equal parts petty and strategic, Bang-won places Seong-kye under house arrest. The message is clear: Watch me rule, Dad.
Loneliness and Love Triangles

Bang-won, emotionally battered, seeks comfort in the arms of his mistress, Hyosun, who tells him she’ll protect him. Protect him from what, though? His ego? Meanwhile, Won-kyung’s heroic temple rescue earns her no brownie points. Instead, Bang-won moves to depose her, citing fake accusations to justify his actions. The queen’s brothers are livid, but Won-kyung remains focused on the bigger picture: Seong-kye’s true intentions.
Won-kyung rightly suspects that Seong-kye’s plan to eliminate Bang-won includes enthroning Bang-won’s older brother, Bang-hwa. Interestingly, Bang-hwa himself is less than enthusiastic about this idea. The guy’s just trying to keep people alive, not add another layer to the palace’s already thick drama.
Palace Politics: Spies, Schemes, and Sword Bans

Chae-ryeong, the queen’s lady-in-waiting, tries to regain Won-kyung’s trust. But let’s face it: In a palace where loyalty is as fleeting as spring blossoms, who can blame the queen for being wary? Meanwhile, Bang-won confronts Won-kyung about her private intelligence network, which he’s outlawed. She counters, pointing out that her intel saved his life. Touché, queen.

In his continued efforts to clip Won-kyung’s wings, Bang-won bans her from sword practice. The man who once sparred with her now insists that “Joseon women don’t wield swords.” Sure, because nothing says “power move” like telling your wife she’s not allowed to defend herself.
The Rebellion That Almost Was

Won-kyung learns of a plot to overthrow the king, orchestrated by Seong-kye’s loyalists. Despite her brothers’ pleas to keep quiet, she informs Bang-won, risking her life in the process. Bang-won, ever skeptical, warns that she’ll pay dearly if the intel is false. When the plot is confirmed, he tasks her with escorting Seong-kye back to the palace. It’s dangerous, but Won-kyung’s up for the challenge. During the mission, Seong-kye’s men attack, but the royal forces prevail. The rebellion collapses, and Bang-hwa’s loyalists are left leaderless.
Love and Loyalty: The Final Straw

After the failed rebellion, Won-kyung’s brothers push for Hyosun’s execution, citing her involvement with the plot. Bang-won blames Won-kyung and her family for forcing his hand. He even declares that no one has given him as much comfort as Hyosun. Ouch. Hurt and humiliated, Won-kyung challenges Bang-won to beg her for Hyosun’s life. Instead, in a shocking twist, he stabs Hyosun himself.
Bang-won’s actions reveal his unstable nature. One moment he’s professing undying love, and the next, he’s wielding a knife. If palace life has taught us anything, it’s that trust is a luxury no one can afford.
Point of View

Let’s pause and unpack this royal rollercoaster. Bang-won’s insecurities drive every decision he makes, often to catastrophic ends. He wants loyalty but alienates those closest to him. Won-kyung, on the other hand, is the epitome of strength and strategy, yet her sacrifices are continually overlooked. It’s a tragic dance where love, ambition, and power collide.
As a counselor, my advice to Bang-won is simple: Seek therapy. Seriously. Your unresolved daddy issues are wreaking havoc on an entire kingdom. As for Won-kyung, you deserve better. A man who’d rather stab his mistress than admit he’s wrong isn’t worth your energy.
Why This Matters
Episodes 3 and 4 highlight the dangerous interplay of personal insecurities and political ambitions. They’re a story about the cost of unchecked power and the sacrifices required of those in leadership. Whether it’s the queen’s unyielding loyalty or the king’s spiraling paranoia, the dynamics at play are as relevant today as they were in Joseon.
Key Takeaways for Modern Leaders
- Trust is earned, not demanded. Bang-won’s constant betrayal of those closest to him undermines his authority.
- Communication is key. Won-kyung’s attempts to bridge gaps are met with hostility, proving that leadership without open dialogue is doomed.
- Power is fleeting. Today’s ally could be tomorrow’s enemy. Bang-won’s rapid shifts in allegiance show how precarious the throne can be.
A Game of Survival
In the palace of The Queen Who Crowns, survival means playing your cards close to your chest. Episodes 3 and 4 lay bare the fragility of trust and the devastating consequences of ambition. With every twist and betrayal in this K-Drama, the stakes grow higher. The question remains: How far are these characters willing to go to secure their place in history? If these episodes are any indication, the answer is: All the way.