tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama The Queen Who Crowns Episode 12 aired on the 11th, delivering an emotional and intense conclusion. Lee Bang-won (played by Lee Hyun-wook) stepped down from the throne, marking a major turning point in the story. Experience the excitement of the “The Queen Who Crowns” episode 12 finale through this in-depth recap blog.
The episode showed the tragic death of Prince Seongnyeong due to smallpox. As grief took over, Lee Bang-won became furious upon learning that Prince Yangnyeong had spent the time practicing archery instead of being by his brother’s side. Overcome with anger, he confronted him, questioning his actions in a heartbreaking moment.
Ministers quickly voiced their concerns, calling for Prince Yangnyeong’s removal due to his reckless behavior. In the end, Lee Bang-won made the tough decision to depose him. With the help of Won-gyeong (Cha Ju-yeong), Prince Chungnyeong (Park Sang-hoon) was chosen as the new crown prince. He later ascended the throne, taking on the name King Sejong, played by Lee Jun-young.
A Reflection on Power and Sacrifice
Lee Bang-won, looking back on his life, shared his thoughts with Won-gyeong. He suggested they visit Gaegyeong together, reminiscing about their youth. He wondered if he would have still pursued the throne if given a second chance. In a moment of deep reflection, he admitted that his kingship had been a heavy burden.
Won-gyeong offered him comfort, acknowledging his hardships. Lee Bang-won expressed gratitude, saying he could not have come this far without her. He even admitted that if a woman could rule, she would have been a better leader than him.
Won-gyeong then revealed something she had kept to herself for years. She confessed that when Lee Bang-won first took the throne, he had asked her if she wanted to sit on it. At the time, she couldn’t answer. Over the years, she realized that what she longed for wasn’t power itself, but the ability to change the world. The person on the throne didn’t matter—what mattered was making a difference.
A Final Goodbye
As the episode came to a close, Won-gyeong, suffering from a cold, handed Lee Bang-won a letter she had written years ago. The letter was from Hoeamsa Temple, written in the year of Byeong-in.
Lee Bang-won immediately recalled that year—when he had killed Pansu and Won-gyeong had left the palace. Sensing this might be her last chance to speak freely, she confessed her deepest thoughts.
In her letter, she wondered how life might have been if they had never become king and queen. She reflected on her younger self, who believed that saving the world was the only meaningful path. Now, after experiencing life beyond power, she realized that true happiness was much simpler. She wrote that if she had spent her life by Lee Bang-won’s side, that alone would have been enough.
Later, he turned to Won-gyeong and suggested, “Let’s go to Gaegyeong together.” Reflecting on their past, he admitted, “I miss you. We were young all the time in Gaegyeong.” His words carried a sense of longing for the simpler days they once shared.
Won-gyeong, always the steady presence by his side, comforted him, saying, “You worked hard as a king.” In response, Yi Bang-won acknowledged her influence, saying, “I came this far because of you. If a woman could become king, you would have been a much better king than me.”
Won-gyeong’s Reflection on Power
Won-gyeong’s response was filled with deep realization. She admitted, “Did I want to sit on the throne? Yes, I wanted to sit. However, I gradually came to my senses.” Her journey was never about controlling power itself but about shaping the world around her. “Whoever sat on that throne, what did it matter?” she questioned, revealing her evolved perspective.
Just as they planned to leave for Gaegyeong, Won-gyeong fell ill the next morning. Watching her weaken, Lee Bang-won was overcome with grief. “Didn’t I make you like this?” he asked, blaming himself. But Won-gyeong reassured him, saying, “Birth and death are the work of heaven. I am glad that I can feel Your Majesty’s hand.” Her words carried a sense of peace as if she had made peace with her fate.
A Story That Ends, But Leaves a Lasting Impact
Their journey together ended with Won-gyeong watching Sejong, now king, perform a mask dance. The moment was filled with emotion, a silent acknowledgment of everything they had lived through. The drama closed on a poignant note, leaving viewers reflecting on the sacrifices, ambitions, and deep connections between the characters.
The Queen Who Crowns Episode 12 (finale) wrapped up the story with a mix of sorrow, reflection, and closure. It highlighted the sacrifices made for power and the personal regrets that come with leadership. With Lee Bang-won stepping down and King Sejong taking the throne, a new chapter began, but the weight of history remained.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
