Mr Queen

[Sandra B]

I've been watching some the the K-drama serials which are now easily accessible online.  Certain themes recur in the historical ones, including gender change and gender ambiguity - mainly girls masquerading as boys.  Apart from that, these dramas have - for a westerner - some refreshing themes.  There are corruption, ruthlessness and cruelty, but alongside these a deep current of humanity, morality, personal and social philosophy, intelligence, subtlety, and tenderness.  The acting is often excellent, the range and diversity of characters fascinating, and there is an interest in real character development, so rare in western drama.  The filming, timing and the movement and phrasing of the action is clever, and often poetic.
Mr Queen I found the most entertaining.  A male master chef in modern Seoul transported into the body of woman about to be married to the King of Joseon (the old name for Korea).  The Queen is played by Shin Hye-sun - a brilliant performance by a actor who is beautiful and funny at the same time.  As the plot develops, the male and the female personas within conflict.  If for nothing else, watch it for the beautiful dresses!!

[Sandra B]

You should also watch "Under the Queen's Umbrella" for a sensitive portrayal of  tranvestism in a patriarchal society.