Netflix’s ‘Queenmaker’ features unconventional female-dominated political series

▲ This photo, provided by Netflix, shows a scene from 'Queenmaker.' (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Apr. 15 (Yonhap) -- Netflix’s new Korean-language original series “Queenmaker,” which has been uploaded for international viewing on Friday, follows the story of Hwang Do-hee, a veteran public relations guru, entering the cut-throat world of politics to devise a plan to help a human rights lawyer become the next mayor of Seoul.

This brand-new political series has been led entirely by actresses. The series had every role, including candidates going after the seat of mayor, election strategists, fixers for powerful business conglomerates, and successors of those firms, filled up by actresses, which is very unusual for Korean-made political series. However, this unprecedentedly female-dominated series delivered every scene seamlessly.

In particular, veteran actresses Kim Hee-ae and Moon So-ri, who led the series, undeniably lived up to the high expectations by showing off their exquisite acting skills: Kim had the viewers follow up on the rather prompt twist in the plotline during which Hwang Do-hee, who used to work behind the powerful chaebol families and take care of their messes, suddenly turning to fight for justice. Meanwhile, Moon So-ri had her role -- the headstrong civil rights lawyer Oh Seung-sook also dubbed the Rhinoceros of Justice -- to be more relatable and even charming.

The so-called “wo-mance” that these two acting gurus feature throughout the series, despite having completely opposite personalities as if water met oil, also keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and get immersed in the story.

The cold-headed and meticulous strategist Kim Hee-ae meets and devises a winning plan for the free-spirited and passionate politician Moon So-ri. The two, who seem to share nothing in common when comes to personalities, gradually come to understanding and grow up while fighting a fierce battle against the even more absurd conglomerate Eunsung Group, only with the power of solidarity.

Their camaraderie and teamwork add a different kind of fun that could not be enjoyed in conventional male-dominated political series featuring rough and brawny men with brutal depictions of violence. The series also had viewers not miss the fun of watching politicians going on enthralling strategic battles while engaging in intense psychological warfare.

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Ha eun Lee)

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