In the beginning of Episode 4, there is a flashback to 18 years prior when the king called all his sons to his deathbed. Queen Woo had never visited the palace before. Mil-woo greeted them and guided them to the King, who was surrounded by a crowd of people. The King announced that Go Na-mu would be his next in line. Pa-eui was the most surprised by the King’s choice.
The King made this choice because he believed Go Na-mu was the only one capable of taking back the land from the Han Dynasty. He was also aware that Pa-eui and the Hae Clan were colluding to seize the throne for their own benefit. Following the announcement, an official event took place where Go Nam-u was declared the new ruler. It is not surprising that Pa-eui attempted to bring down Go Na-mu but ultimately failed.
We return to Bal-ki at his palace. He is planning his next step, but Chang-heon advises him to proceed with caution. Despite marrying Queen Woo against her will, he still has a wife from the Jwa family. The Jwa family will retaliate and he also needs to earn their favor. Bal-ki makes a malicious and cunning decision to murder his wife and her servants. His wife was upset with him because he wouldn’t help her father when he was charged with treason.
Bal-ki is confident that he can kill his wife without facing any repercussions as her family lacks the power to prevent him from marrying Queen Woo once he captures her. While they are making love, he fatally strikes his wife on the back with a sword. After that, he asks Chang-heon to go North and convince the cavalry soldiers to join him in the fight.
Meanwhile, Myeong-rim sends out another group of assassins to track down the queen. He is committed to making sure she never returns to the palace and is prepared to do whatever is necessary to achieve that goal. In terms of the place, tension rises as the guards continue to search the maids’ rooms for evidence. The maid sent by Sa-bi tries to gather information from Mi-ryu but fails to do so. Nevertheless, Mi-ryu grows distrustful of Sa-bi upon witnessing her entering Woo-sun’s room. He informs Eul Pa-so and they decide to keep an eye on the shaman. At the same time, Eul Pa-so reaches out to Yeon-bi from the Jolbon Authority. He informs her of the king’s death and asks for her help in protecting the queen.
Queen Woo and her group stop to decide what they should do next. She needs to choose between going back to the palace or seeing another prince. Mo-chi is convinced that now is the ideal time to ask for a higher fee for his services and is delighted when the queen agrees to double his previous payment. Woo-su tries to convince her sister not to pick a different prince, but Queen Woo refuses. The Myeong-rim assassins and White Tiger warriors quickly arrive at their destination.
The White Tiger soldiers carry out the elimination of the Myeong-rim killers but are unable to apprehend the queen. The White Tiger leader, for some unknown reason, is touched by Queen Woo shielding Mo-chi and they choose to retreat. Queen Woo persuades Mu-gol to change their path upon discovering that the White Tiger is pursuing them. Nevertheless, choosing the path ultimately traps them if discovered, as there is no escape route.
During that time, the warriors on horseback come back to their homes following the lengthy battle. They receive a warm welcome and stay up all night partying to celebrate their triumph. These men belong to Go Na-mu and he instructed one of his younger brothers to safeguard the Northern area.
Another turn of events occurs as Yeon-bi enters Myeong-rim’s home and requests that he stop the assassin. Myeong-rim does not accept and she murders him without hesitation. She requests the person after her to cancel the attack, however, a communication is received stating that the killers were unsuccessful once more. Yeon-bi is happy that the queen survived and has the family swear loyalty to her. She insists on finding out who the spy is, but only Myeong-rim is aware of his identity and he has already passed away. She informs Eul Pa-so that the Queen is alive, but Mi-ryu intercepts the partly scorched note discarded by Eul Pa-so.
In the palace, Sa-bi discovered Woo-sun’s actions when she searched her room. She organizes an event to foresee the future of the King and queen. Seeing a prophecy different from the usual one she sees shocks her. Sa-bi recognizes that she made an error and that Woo-sun was never intended to become a queen. Instead, she dies a brutal death. On this occasion, she observes Queen Woo gazing at the crows perched on the throne.
So Queen Woo has come to an end but the recap is still on going here and no doubt, it’s a gory one full of nudity, death, betrayal but i am not complaining as it’s very different from the historical dramas we are used to. It is daring, going against the normal conservative cinema mostly portrayed in Korean cinema. No wonder its mixed reaction. But for me, I am totally enjoying it as it completely showcases the true ancient Asian kingdom of Goryeo. What do you think?