tvN and TVING's original drama The Queen Who Crowns (Wongyeong) has soared to new heights, breaking a peak rating of 6.7% during its sixth episode and securing the top spot in its time slot across all channels.
The gripping storyline and unique release strategy have captivated viewers, with the January 21 broadcast recording a nationwide average of 5.2% and a peak of 6.7%. Among tvN’s core 20-49 demographic, the drama achieved a nationwide rating of 1.7% and peaked at 1.9%, outperforming all channels, including public broadcasters, in the same time slot.
The latest episode featured a dramatic moment as Yi Bang-won (Lee Hyun-wook) persuaded his father, Yi Seong-gye (Lee Sung-min), to move the capital to Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). Amid escalating tensions, Bang-won took an unprecedented step at the urging of Wongyeong (Cha Joo-young), who advised him to personally convince his father, even at great risk. Her bold plan paid off when Bang-won’s heartfelt plea moved his father, paving the way for the historic relocation of the capital.
The drama’s success is bolstered by its dual-track broadcasting strategy. On TVING, episodes are presented uncut with a mature 19+ rating, including steamy scenes between Wongyeong and Bang-won, while tvN airs a 15+ version with edits. This approach has drawn attention, sparking both controversy and acclaim, as TVING’s subscription numbers skyrocketed, achieving the platform’s highest weekly sign-up rate.
The Queen Who Crowns (Wongyeong) isn’t just thriving in the ratings—it’s also setting up gripping conflicts for the future. Newly appointed concubine Chaeryeong (Lee Yi-dam) faces rising insecurity with the arrival of another concubine, Gwon Seon (Yeon Si-woo). Meanwhile, political alliances are threatened as key advisor Yi Suk-beon (Park Yong-woo) appears to conspire against Bang-won and Wonkyeong, raising the stakes for what’s to come.
Directed by Kim Sang-ho and written by Lee Young-mi, The Queen Who Crowns (Wongyeong) airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m. on tvN. Additionally, TVING releases two episodes every Monday at 2 p.m., with a prequel series, Wongyeong: Dano’s Destiny, also available for streaming. Fans can expect even more drama as the story unfolds.