'The Queen's House' captivated viewers from its very first broadcast with a whirlwind of developments.
On the evening of the 28th, the initial episode of the daily drama 'The Queen's House' (directed by Hong Seok-goo and Hong Eun-mi, written by Kim Min-joo), witnessed an unprecedented incident where the eldest daughter of YL Group, Kang Jae-in (played by Ham Eun-jung), and the only son of strategic planning team director Hwang Gi-chan (played by Park Yoon-jae), Hwang Eun-ho (played by Yeo Si-on), were kidnapped. The first episode achieved a viewership rating of 8.9% (provided by Nielsen Korea, based on nationwide household data), marking a delightful start with a higher rating than its predecessor's first episode.
Yesterday's broadcast opened with a happy married life of Jae-in and Gi-chan. Jae-in kissed her husband goodbye as he left for work, expressing her exceptional affection by saying, “This is the happiest time, facing each other, smiling, and talking.” Gi-chan also stated, “Quickly scan me with your eyes. Remember my face all day long aside from this moment. I’m happy,” showcasing the couple's sweet interaction.
On the other hand, Gi-chan's family exuded an unusual atmosphere. Hwang Gi-man (played by Kang Sung-min)'s wife, Do Yu-kyung (played by Cha Min-ji), changed her clothes to hide what appeared to be bruises, while a homeless person (played by Lee Bo-hee) maintained a cold demeanor towards her daughter-in-law. Furthermore, Gi-man desperately begged not only his wife but also his mother for money.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that Gi-chan, whom everyone thought was a caring husband, was in an affair with Kang Se-ri (played by Lee Ga-ryeong), shocking the viewers. While the two were engaging in their romantic affair, Jae-in was appreciating artworks at the gallery with her mother, Choi Ja-young (played by Lee Sang-sook), her sister-in-law Hong Na-ra (played by Jeon Hye-ji), and coincidentally, Jae-in was explaining a painting that hinted at infidelity, raising curiosity about the future direction of her relationship with Gi-chan and Se-ri.
Additionally, the scene where Jae-in receives a call informing her that Eun-ho has gone missing added tension to the drama. Jae-in attempted to report it to the police, but the kidnapper called her, escalating the situation. Unaware of this, Gi-chan, who was spending secret time with Se-ri, hurried home upon receiving a call from Ja-young. Subsequently, Jae-in and Gi-chan's family became engulfed in anxiety over Eun-ho's safety.
Towards the end of the broadcast, Gi-chan secretly left the house to enjoy a rendezvous with Se-ri amid the confusion. Meanwhile, a mysterious delivery box arrived at Jae-in's home. Upon opening the box, Jae-in was horrified to see Eun-ho's blood-stained toy, which caused her to faint, concluding the episode with a strong hint of the intense narrative to come.
Thus, the gripping developments and dynamic direction from the first episode immediately captured the audience's attention. Performances by Ham Eun-jung, Park Yoon-jae, and Lee Ga-ryeong, along with the outstanding acting of Lee Bo-hee, Lee Sang-sook, and Nam Kyung-eup, further enhanced the immersion. As Eun-ho's disappearance plunged Jae-in's once peaceful life into chaos, viewers were left eagerly anticipating whether Eun-ho would safely return in the next broadcast.
[Photo] KBS 2TV 'The Queen's House' broadcast capture
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