The Crowned Clown – Full Review
Welcome to The Crowned Clown – Full Review. A young look alike steps in to play the role of King during a dangerous and tumultous time in Joseon history. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.
The Crowned Clown
♥ Aired: January 7, 2019 – March 4, 2019
♥# of Episodes: 16
♥Where to Watch: Viki
♥Genre: Historical Drama
♥Starring: Yeo Jin Goo and Lee Se Young
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The Story
Welcome to my The Crowned Clown – Unspoiled Review. Inspired by the classic “The Prince and the Pauper”, The Crowned Clown tells the story of a young man who grew up with a group of travelling performers during the Joseon period. The country itself is in turmoil due to the mental instability of the King. When those closest to the King find out that the young clown looks exactly like the royal, they decide to install the clown as King to protect the real King from assassination. Now they must fool everyone in the palace into believing that this uneducated clown is the true King, especially the Queen. But this becomes increasingly harder as the clown King and the Queen begin to develop feelings for each other.
The Leads
Yeo Jin Goo as Ha Sun/ King Yi Heon
Ha Sun is an orphan who is adopted by a troop of travelling clowns. His favorite role is that of the King, who, unknown to him, actually looks just like him. With the King in danger of assassination and mentally unstable due to stress and opium use, his closest advisors decide to bring the clown in to serve as the King’s double. But as events unfold, Ha Sun proves to be a skilled and understanding leader while Yi Heon becomes more of a political burden. Eventually Yi Heon is killed and Ha Sun becomes the “real” King. Ha Sun falls deeply in love with the Queen and agrees to protect her and the people he rules at all costs. But if his secret is discovered, there are those who will use it as a means of stealing the throne for themselves.
Yeo jin Goo plays both of these roles so well, and there is a clear distinction between the characters. There were times I had to remind myself that it was the same actor because the roles were so convincing. Ha Sun is a humble and kind man who knows what it’s like to live in poverty and instability. Rather than making him bitter, his life experience gives him a heart for the people he serves. While he arrives at the palace completely unprepared for life as a Royal, he is a quick learner, and his acting skills serve him well in a pinch.
Lee Se Young as Queen Yoo So Woon
In the beginning, Yoo So Woon was fond of King Yi Heon, but as he became more emotionally unstable she became distrustful of him and avoided him when she could. But when Ha Sun comes to the palace, the Queen immediately notices a difference in him. Slowly she is able to put her distrust aside, as Ha Sun shows her a warm affection and respect. Yoo So Woon’s feelings for Ha Sun begin to develop before she has any idea of his true identity, but eventually she discovers the truth about who Ha Sun is and that King Yi Heon is dead. At first, she is hurt by Ha Sun’s betrayal and also worried about her moral responsibility to the man that she married. But in the end, her feelings for Ha Sun outweigh her sense of guilt. She leaves the palace to perform a memorial ceremony for the dead King and then returns to stand by Ha Sun’s side.
Queen So Woon is regal, graceful, and morally upright. To many who don’t know her well, she seems cold and unbending, but she is kind and devoted to those she loves. Lee Se Young plays the aloof ice queen to perfection, which makes the few smiles and playful interactions she has with Ha Sun all the more significant. I wouldn’t necessarily say that this was a stand out performance by Lee Se Young, but that’s kind of the point. She played the role she was given and I think she carried it off “like a queen”!
Supporting Characters
Kim Sang Kyung as Lee Gyu
Lee Gyu is the Royal Secretary and the King’s closest ally. He was a father figure to King Yi Heon and was the one responsible for bringing Ha Sun to the castle to keep King Yi Heon safe. Once a part of a rebel faction of scholars and warriors who hoped to usher in an era of peace and equality in Joseon, Lee Gyu chose Ha Sun over King Yi Heon because Ha Sun shared his desire for a new and better country. Lee Gyu also shares a long history with the Courtesan Woon Shim.
Jang Gwang as Eunoch Jo
Eunoch Jo is the King’s personal aide. It’s unclear what his relationship with King Yi Heon is, but he becomes very close to Ha Sun. While Lee Hyu is the teacher and advisor, Eunoch Jo is the confidant and encourager. He is one of my favorite characters in this drama. He protected Ha Sun when he was in danger, helped him woo the queen, and stayed by his side when he studied through the night.
Yoon Jong Seok as Jang Moo Young
Officer Jang is the King’s personal body guard. His only dream in life is to serve the King well and die a heroic death. For Officer Jang, friendship with the King is a luxury he doesn’t deserve and he draws a careful line between his duty and his feelings. But even his stalwart stoism is no match for Ha Sun’s warmth.
Things I Liked
♥ Clown Performances
It’s always fun to have a unique gimmick thrown into the middle of a drama, and I thought the few scenes of the travelling clowns perfroming were interesting. It was a great way to give us background into how Ha Sun was living before going to the palace, and also how the people outside the palace felt about the royal family and the politics of the time. At the same time, they were careful not to overuse the scenes so that the audience would get bored of it.
♥ King’s Progression
Yeo Jin Goo was easily the stand out performance in this drama, and I loved the way we got to watch Ha Sun’s transformation from clown into King. They were careful not to just flip the switch and make him instantly the perfect ruler. The change happens in little steps, as he stands more and more on his own, until the point when the Royal Secretary is gone and he is ready to do what needs to be done.
♥ No Love Triangle
With so much political intrigue and secrecy, it was nice that they skipped the whole love triangle trope. Yes, there was a concubine, but neither of the King’s really seemed interested in her. That left the love story to move along smoothly with just our leads to worry about. For this particular story, I think the choice worked well.
Things I Didn’t Like
Why Did You Kill Him??
Okay, I know that when you watch historical dramas, you should expect at least one death of a character you really like. But these 2 were really painful for me. First, Lee Gyu sacrificing himself to protect Ha Sun. Killing him off was bad enough, but to twist the knife with a scene where he finally cofesses his love for Woon Shim and asks her to go away with him was just cruel. It has taken them years to finally reach that point and it was heartbreaking to have it wrenched away. And then, when the end is in sight and it seems like we are heading into a happily ever after, poor Officer Jang gets his wish, way too soon. Sure, he was a target the moment he said that was his dream, but to lull us into that sense of false security was not fair.
Boomerang Minister Shin
Minister Shin has more lives than a cat in this one! Just when we think he is gone, he boomerangs right back again. With plenty of other villains waiting in the wings, I kept thinking we were really done with him this time, but he was relentless. Of course, it just made his death scene that much more satisfying but I was beginning to think he was never going to go away. When they showed him in prison in that wooden collar, I was wishing for a Kingdom crossover with a zombie in the same board. Revenge for Ha Sun did come. It just took a really long time.
Dal Rae’s Traumas
Dal Rae’s character suffered through so much trauma during the course of this drama. She starts out as such a bright and happy child, that it’s all the more heartbreaking to see the transformation. The sexual attack was sickening, but it didn’t even stop there. She is tricked by Yi Heon in to thinking he was Ha Sun, and then when she finally finds Ha Sun, he refuses to go away with her. How can you not feel for everything that she has endured in her short life so far.
The Ending
I love the happy ending of “The Crowned Clown”. Minister Shin finally pays for all he’s done, and Ha Sun is the one who gets to do it. The Queen Dowager and Prince Jin Pyung get a “taste of their own medicine”. The Dowager dies by poison and the Prince bleeds to death from a sword injury. Sadly, we have the deaths of Lee Gyu and Officer Jang. The Queen Dowagers forces are shut down by the palace guards and support from a nearby army, so order is restored with Ha Sun firmly in control. And then in a twist I didn’t see coming, Ha Sun makes the decision to give the throne back to the true royal family, and he finds a young Prince who he considers worthy. He dethrones So Woon and sends her out ahead to wait for him. But when he leaves the palace to meet her he is waylaid on the way. Officer Jang is killed and Ha Sun is seriously injured and can’t meet So Woon at the agreed upon location. So for 2 years So Woon believes he is dead, but a part of her still waits for him. She wanders out to the tree outside of town where they were supposed to meet, and there he is. He apologizes for taking so long and they walk away into the sunset together. Wonderfully filmed and a beautiful way to end this fantastic drama.
Should I Watch
I love Yeo Jin Goo in this double role. The story is interesting and not overly predictable. If you don’t like the darker historical dramas that focus on palace politics and intrigue, then you should probably skip this one. But if you like historicals with interesting plots and great acting, this is a must see. The storyline is evenly paced and offers some unique twists. I give The Crowned Clown an 10 out of 10 ramen.
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Thank you so much for your review. I just finished the series and totally agree with it. The cast, writing, and story lines were captivating. I also love Yeo Jin Goo in this double role. Officer Jang also stood out and I was so sad when he died.
The last episode when the king and Chief Jang laughed and then … oh my gosh! Seriously! Why did they have to do that?! I didn’t get what happened to the king after that. Why did it take 2 years for him to recover? Who saved him? I’m glad he found his way to the queen. Still, 2 years!!!
I can’t get enough of this series or Yeo Jin Goo. He continues to impress me with his amazing acting. I love a good history and this one is definitely that. Poor Officer Jang! I kind of wish the drama had ended with them leaving the palace and skipped the whole death and 2 year jump. But I was happy that they could leave royal life behind. Thanks for your great comments.
I Love The Crowned Clown, magical scenery, superb acting and an insight into ancient cultures and politics. I love Yeo Jin Goo in this double role. Outstanding acting and then I googled him to find Yeo Jin Goo started as a child actor and has now become a leading Korean actor. I now want to watch all the films Yeo Jin Goo has performed in.
Oh Tracey!! Me too. I really love Yeo Jin Goo! I still have lots of his older stuff to catch up. I thought he was great in Beyond Evil and Hotel del Luna. I think The Royal Gambler is probably next on my list of his dramas. Of course, I will report in to share with you all when I finally get there!
I am starting to be obsessed with Korean TV and especially Joseon period dramas. As an American they are so new to me and it’s exciting. My husband was stationed in Korea while serving in the US Army. That made me interested in all things Korean. I started by watching The King’s Affection and The Incredible Attorney Woo. The Crowned Clown was a great story! I am saddened by the deaths at the end and wanted to see a little more of the King and Queen’s lives at the end. I look forward to finding more K-dramas to watch.
Hi Nicole! Welcome down the rabbit hole that is kdrama. Many of us here took the plunge and never resurfaced. There are so many things I would love to share with a new fan. But I will try to dial back my enthusiasm so I don’t scare you right out of the gate! This drama remains a favorite historical of mine. Although, yes, historicals will try to rip out your heart on occasion, by killing a beloved character. Word to the wise, never fall in love with the body guard or mentor. They are prime targets for a heartbreaking death scene. Based on what you have already watched, I would recommend “100 Days My Prince” and “Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung”. For something a bit more light hearted and fun “My Sassy Girl” is a good one. And if you aren’t opposed to zombie dramas, the “Kingdom” series is an amazing combination of history and thriller. I don’t start shows until they have finished airing, but I am also hearing great things about the current drama “Under the Queen’s Umbrella”. Good luck on your journey, and I would love to hear what else you are watching!
I can’t recomend “Under The Queen’s Umbrella” enough ❤️
I agree whole-heartedly. “Under the Queen’s Umbrella” is a good one!
Yes , I totally agree.
Well worth watching : historically informative , reflective , thought provoking …. Excellent acting , high standards of production values….
Altogether remarkable. Xxx
I have a question about Ha Sun’s reappearance along with So Woon.
Could it be that she didn’t kill herself when she left the house and said goodbye to her helper, and then their souls were reunited?
This ending does leave room for interpretation, and this theory is certainly possible. Whether in life or death, the one thing that is clear is that they are together and happy!!
trying to find out about Ha Suns’s sister what happened to her, did the brother and sister reunite
I think the writers left this element of the story open for interpretation. But I know in my mind, the first place Ha Sun would go after meeting the former Queen would be to find Gap Soo and Dal Rae.
I believe the ending is lightly explained by his statement that ‘he only just woke up.’ Meaning he was waiting for her in the afterlife to arrive as the last shot is quite divine. It also explains why the Queen said she wouldn’t touch him as she had dreamed this so many times for him to disappear.
Also if he had been alive a letter or some form of communication would’ve been sent ahead but never was. I believe she may have died from a broken heart. I love the fact it is up for interpretation.
Maria, thanks for this beautiful explanation. I kind of love the openness of this ending, and your interpretation fits well with the style and mood of the drama as a whole!