Who would have guessed that my first post in so many months would be review, and a movie review, no less? But I just had to get my thoughts down because this series?? Had me in a chokehold. Since I know I have the tendency to yap, and haven’t formulated a structure whatsoever as to how this review will go, I will just say things as I’m led.
Bear with me...
Quick disclaimer, there might be spoilers, so if you haven’t seen the series yet, or you’re not done, this is your last chance to turn back, and wait till you’re done (except, of course, you’re into spoilers, to which I have nothing nice to say to you, respectfully, lol)
Moving on...
Perfect Crown (2026)
This 12-episode mini series is a contemporary drama that deliciously mixes historical themes in a modern-day setting. I’ve seen quite a few series like these, but they always found a way to incorporate some form of time travel. This was the first I’ve seen that incorporated both themes into a plot we’ve never witnessed in K-drama history.
Straight onto the plot. I do not have words to describe how full I was. For one, I love that the scriptwriters decided to break from the conventional. Instead of the usual overly meek, annoyingly cutesy, goody two-shoes female lead who’s such a helpless victim at every turn, there was the strong, vain, haughty, bossy, self-obsessed female lead.
I don’t know for others, but it certainly added a lot of spice to the series, because this meant I wouldn’t have to roll my eyes every three seconds at a spineless female lead who can’t stand for herself. The same with the male lead. Instead of just nursing resentment in your heart cause you’re jealous that a man is making advances at your woman, you go straight to him and give him a stern warning. These are the things we like to see!
The plot was strong. Started strong and stayed strong till the end. I love that it visited themes of love, dysfunctional families, sacrifice, betrayal, power, greed, and every other compelling theme you would find in a cinematic masterpiece. I love that I stayed hooked from start to finish because they made each episode worth waiting for.
Impatiently moving to the cast, permit me to take a deep breath before I start. Because what was that?? Perfect Crown? More like Perfect Cast. Whoever did the casting would never lack any good thing in life because they delivered actors who embodied their roles like they were born for it. 10/10 across boards, I didn’t find a single character lacking or unable to interpret their roles. Kudos to them, for real.
I don’t want to make this long, so I’ll move straight to ships, and notable characters. Starting strong with my favourite character. Yi Yun. The Crown Prince. I love that little boy with all my heart, guys. Such a perfect actor, who puts the A in Adorable. His role embodiment would make you want to give your life for him, I promise. I loved everything he stood for so much. The way his face would light up while calling “Supu-nim” (Uncleee) oh, my heart. Hands down, my best actor.
Then, onto my very unproblematic chaebol couple. Taeju and Dayeong lifted my spirit, guys. I love me a man who idolizes his wife above all things, and the way they stood by each other, and mitigated each other’s excesses, was adorable to see. Imagine taking paternity leave cause your wife is pregnant. What a cutesy! I love that they didn’t villainize them.
Hmmm, start rolling your eyes cause this one will get you all agitated, but who cares? My perfect, perfect prime minister. I don’t know if anyone shares this sentiment with me but I’m almost always rooting for the second male leads. The guys who don’t get the girl. The ones whose love may never be reciprocated.
I wanted my man to win just as much as I wanted the male lead to win. I hate that he had a communication issue, and all the villain arc he sojourned into could have easily been avoided if he had only done the right thing from the onset. But it’s fine, guys. We can only have one winner, and while I’m sad that my darling boy is currently cooling his head in prison, he can at least use that time to think of me. (Inserts evil laugh)
My lovely Huiju (IU). You absolutely perfect actress. Everything you touch turns to gold, for real. IU has such easy chemistry with everyone. I love that she could pull off hot without being aggravating, and pull off cute, without being annoying. She was and has always been a breath of fresh air in the K-drama industry. Super glad to watch another production of hers where she wows the audience with impeccable acting.
My lovely Grand Prince. I’m just so glad you didn’t die in this movie. I love the chemistry he had with his woman and how easily his long frame could perform cuteness when he wanted. Seamlessly, too. I hope he gets other roles where he gets to showcase how natural acting can be. What a lovely man.
Honourable mentions are the Aides of our leads. Special people in my heart, for real. Their love was unnecessary, in my opinion, but I didn’t cherish it any less. By the way, in another life, Secretary Do. In another life, you exquisitely ethereal being. Your fashion sense is sublime, and so are you.
Also, the Queen Mother. You were wronged so much, and a pawn in your father’s evil schemes and machinations. You sacrificed more than was let on, and you really deserved a happy ending. I’m glad you got that in your own way.
I think I’m beginning to write a love letter, of sorts, and while I'm aware that this isn't a thorough review, I’ll be rambling forever if I continue. If you’ve read without skipping till this point, you’re a special person, and I appreciate you. Thank you for staying till the end of my long, albeit entertaining yap session.
Thank you “Perfect Crown” for pulling me from my two-year-long K-drama slump. I’ve not found anything so beautiful since Mr. Queen, and I’m glad I got to experience once more how it feels watching a pristine drama, in every sense of the word. Till another time, my people. For now, it’s a happy 9/10 from me.
Jhymi🖤
Images from IMDB and device screenshots.