Did you know? “The Queen Who Crowns” Kdrama features two different versions: a 19+ with explicit nude scenes and 15+ edition with less provocative romance. But do you think that this is a good broadcasting strategy for the series? And which one is actually better for the story immersion? The one with or without the nude scenes? Let’s explore the options in the discussion below.
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS + DISCUSSIONS AND IMAGES OF NUDE SCENES IN THE KDRAMA. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
“The Queen Who Crowns” Kdrama Offers Two Versions: With and Without Nude Scenes
On January 6, “The Queen Who Crowns” kicked off with a strong start, hitting a 5.9% peak rating in the Seoul metropolitan area during its first episode. This fresh historical-romance Kdrama from tvN and TVING centers on Queen Wongyeong (played by Cha Joo Young) and her husband, King Taejong Lee Bang Won (played by Lee Hyun Wook). Their powerful yet tumultuous union unfolds against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty’s complex politics.
Interestingly, this show is released in two versions to cater to different audiences. TVING offers the 19+ version, featuring explicit nude scenes and intense bedroom moments, while tvN opts for a 15+ version with toned-down elements.
Unlike the usual focus of history and what other series mostly discussed, “The Queen Who Crowns” actually dives deep into the “love-hate” complexity of Queen Wongyeong and King Taejong’s relationship. This series sheds light on both the queen and king’s political aspirations and their personal struggles as husband and wife.
From the beginning, this Kdrama focuses on King Taejong’s scenes and his decision to bring multiple concubines—even the queen’s most cherished court lady— into the palace.
One of the most intense scenes was the bedroom scene between the queen and the king. In the 19+ version, these scenes truly do not hold back from depicting their intimate encounters.
The 15+ version, on the other hand, scales down the nudity and explicit details, placing more focus on dialogue and emotional interplay rather than graphic visuals.
“The Queen Who Crowns” Kdrama: Another Side of Wongyeong & Lee Bang Won’s Romance
Historically, Queen Wongyeong’s influence on Lee Bang Won’s ascent to the throne was incredibly significant, thanks to her powerful Yeoheung Min clan. However, after becoming king, Lee Bang Won decided to execute several of her relatives instead. And he did it because of his deep-rooted fear of political interference from his in-laws.
Despite this dark backdrop, Queen Wongyeong and Lee Bang Won remained married for 40 years. They even raised seven sons and five daughters—more children than any other queen ever had in Joseon history.
Therefore, the show’s creators aim to depict not only the political chess match between the royal couple but also their messy, passionate “love-hate” saga. Director Kim Sang Ho once explained that before they were king and queen, they were simply a married couple with ordinary wants and desires—yet burdened by extraordinary power.
“We all know that Lee Bang Won became king with Wongyeong’s help. But we wanted to imagine and elaborate on the dynamics of their marriage, instead.
From what I understand, Bang Won was the first Joseon king to begin ‘concubine politics,’ and among all the kings of Joseon, he had the second-largest number of concubines. He also fathered many children, including King Sejong.
Before they were king and queen, Wongyeong and Bang Won were husband and wife. Therefore, we expanded on their love-hate relationship as a couple and built the story around a multi-layered relationship.”
Director Kim Sang Ho.
With or No Nude Scenes: Which One Do You Think Is Better for the Story Immersion?
With two versions available, the viewers are left to decide which edition delivers the best viewing experience.
Some argue that the 19+ version offers deeper immersion by giving a raw, unfiltered look at the couple’s turbulent emotions and carnal drives. These explicit nude scenes of “The Queen Who Crowns” Kdrama add gravity to the power struggles and betrayals. It also can make the story feel more authentic, especially given how crucial desire and alliances were in palace politics.
OMG! pic.twitter.com/GYZE51c9mF
— KDrama Observer 2005 (@KDramaObserver) January 8, 2025
Meanwhile, others believe the 15+ version strikes a fairer balance—still showcasing the drama’s core conflicts but leaving more room for nuanced storytelling and imagination. Certain viewers feel that explicit nudity can overshadow critical narrative threads, while a more modest approach can focus on character development and emotional tension.
Toned-down version 🙈🤭 pic.twitter.com/MUHvE2USsl
— KDrama Observer 2005 (@KDramaObserver) January 8, 2025
Ultimately, your preference may hinge on whether you think the intricate subtleties or the bold, passionate depictions enhance your immersion in this historical romance. In the end, both versions effectively capture the political maneuvering and personal intrigue—just in different ways.
A Strategy That Caters to Everyone
Finally, “The Queen Who Crowns” pushes the boundaries of historical Kdrama through a dual-version release, inviting discussions about broadcasting strategies, artistic creativity, and historical authenticity.
By releasing these two versions, tvN and TVING are actually responding to diverse audience tastes. Some fans appreciate having an option that aligns with either a more mature or more restrained viewing experience. On the other hand, this strategy also allows for broader distribution, as certain broadcasting regulations restrict sexual content on public and cable networks.
But what about you? Which versions do you think suit for a better story immersion for “The Queen Who Crowns” Kdrama: the 19+ with nude scenes or the 15+ edition? Please share your thoughts with us.
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Source: Xports News.
