The upcoming TVING series Queen Woo (literal title) is facing criticism even before its official release.
Queen Woo is an action-packed historical drama that follows Queen Woo, who, after the sudden death of the king, must appoint a new king within 24 hours while evading the ambitions of five tribal factions.
However, as promotional content has been unveiled, issues regarding historical accuracy have arisen. While some details, like the rare depiction of traditional neck guards from Goguryeo, are praised, the costumes have sparked controversy for their resemblance to Chinese styles. Notably, the character Eul Paso’s attire is entirely Chinese in design.
Historical records show that Goguryeo clothing fastened on the left side and featured unique headgear, but in Queen Woo, Eul Paso is shown with right-fastening clothing and a Chinese-style topknot.
우씨왕후와 중드 대진부 비교 사진. 누가 우씨왕후 스틸컷을 보고 한국 고구려 사극이라고 생각할까? 그냥 중국 진한시대 사극 중 하나라고 생각하겠지. 이건 고증의 문제를 넘어 극의 가장 큰 매력 요소가 될 고구려라는 소재를 그냥 내다 버리는 행위에 가깝다. pic.twitter.com/Zvi3imeyYI
— 검프 GUMP (@historygump) August 5, 2024
The Goguryeo king traditionally wore multicolored robes, yet in the drama, both the king and queen are dressed in yellow outfits resembling those of Chinese emperors. Additionally, accessories and costumes appear more fitting for Chinese dramas set in the Warring States or Han dynasty, further fueling the controversy.
Chinese social media platforms like Douban have reacted strongly, with comments such as, “It’s blatant theft,” “Why do they steal and lose their cultural identity?” and “It’s unbearable to watch.” Some even mocked that the show must be made by Chinese producers. Even Korean netizens are expressing their anger with comments like “What the hell are they doing?” “Chinese are right to be angry at this,” and “What, is it sponsored by Chinese money?”
China has previously made unfounded claims about Korean culture, targeting aspects like IVE’s Jang Wonyoung’s phoenix hairpin, NewJeans’ traditional paper, and BTS’s hanbok, accusing them of cultural appropriation. This time, however, the criticism may have a stronger basis, raising concerns that past disputes could be used to justify these new allegations.
Lead actress Jeon Jong Seo recently overcame accusations of school violence, but now Queen Woo faces a new challenge. Will it be able to transcend the historical inaccuracies and gain recognition for its quality? The drama, starring Jeon Jong Seo, Kim Mu Yeol, Ji Chang Wook, Jung Yu Mi, and Lee Soo Hyuk, premieres on the 29th.
공감해요 고구려인데 웬 상투관? 조우관, 금동관 어디가고ㅠ그게 중국과 뚜렷한 차이점인데..
고구려, 백제, 신라는 중국과 달리 조우관을 썼죠 고구려 사신이면 높은사람일테고 관료들도 아마 이런식일거라 생각되는데 100% 고증은 힘들어도 최대한 비슷하게 했어야ㅠ덕분에 소분홍들 날뛰네여 할말X pic.twitter.com/BcjFBO0GNY
— 젤리킹🐰 (@hanbok_jellyS2) August 5, 2024
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I don’t care, I will still watch this awesome series.