Tving’s upcoming drama “Queen Woo,” set in the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C. – A.D. 668), has been embroiled in a controversy related to the issue of historical accuracy.
Slated for release on Aug. 29, the drama tells the story of a queen of Goguryeo who fights to secure the throne after her husband passes away unexpectedly.
However, the teaser videos and promotional stills have ignited debates online, with many saying the costumes and hairstyles of the characters appear to be heavily influenced by Chinese styles rather than accurately representing the Goguryeo period.
The main point of contention was the styling of key characters, including Eulpaso (Kim Mu-yeol), the highest-ranking official of Goguryeo; Go bal-gi (Lee Soo-hyuk), the vicious third prince and heir to the throne; and Go Nam-mu (Ji Chang-wook), the king.
Internet users claimed the middle-part hairstyle of the characters with topknots, hats and costumes are reminiscent of Chinese historical dramas set during the Warring States period or Qin Dynasty.
Criticism has been particularly sharp regarding the portrayal of Eulpaso, a well-known historical figure who served as the prime minister of Goguryeo 토토 in the second century. One online commenter pointed out that Eulpaso’s appearance closely resembles a character from the Chinese drama “The Qin Empire,” set during the late Warring States period.
Another said, “For a drama set in Goguryeo, we should have seen ‘jougwan’ (a headdress or topknot crowned with a pair of feathers) and gilt-bronze crowns. That’s what sets it apart from China. Even if 100 percent accuracy is difficult, they should have tried their best to get it as close as possible.”
The distinctive jougwan is featured in various Goguryeo artifacts including tombs and murals. This style of headdress was also prevalent among the people of the other Three Kingdoms of Korea states, Silla and Baekje. Gilt-bronze crowns served as a key distinguishing element of Goguryeo attire, setting it apart from Chinese clothing of the time.
Additionally, there has been criticism over the fact that Eulpaso’s clothing was fastened on the right side, which is Chinese style, whereas Goguryeo people traditionally fastened their clothing on the left side.
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