Selection-The War Between Women(2019): The Throne's Tug of War

Korean Drama "Selection: The War Between Women" Review

Welcome to my blog post where we delve into the intriguing world of the Korean drama 'Selection: The War Between Women' (2019). The drama is also called "Queen: Love and war" and is set in the Joseon Dynasty and depicts a courtly rivalry between women. If you're a foreigner interested in Korean drama, you're in for a treat! In this post, we'll explore the plot, main cast, attractive points, ratings, reviews, behind-the-scenes facts, and more. So get ready to immerse yourself in this captivating drama!


Synopsis (Plot Summary)

“Selection: The War Between Women” centers on the intrigue and conflict within the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty. The story begins with the king and queen being killed in an attack by gunmen as they return home to receive the new queen. Crown Prince Lee Kyung takes it upon himself to find out who killed the queen, while Kang Eun-bo, Joseon's top woman detective, also investigates the case and discovers that the dead queen was her biological sister. Determined to solve her sister's mystery, Kang Eun-bo decides to take part in a ‘Ganteak’, a royal selection process to choose a new queen. As tensions rise, secrets, betrayals, and political intrigue unfold, making for an exciting and suspenseful story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.


Main Cast

The photo below is a poster for "Selection: The War Between Women".

Selection-The-War-Between-Women-poster

Here are the main cast of "Selection: The War Between Women".

  • Lee Kyung (Crown Prince) - Played by Kim Min-gyu
  • Gang Eun-bo (Queen Candidate) - Played by Jin Se-yeon
  • Jo Young-ji (Queen Candidate) - Played by Lee Yul-eum
  • Yi Jae-hwa (Chief Scholar) - Played by Do Sang-woo

Jin Se-yeon is a Korean actress known for her roles in Korean dramas and films. Jin Se-yeon made her acting debut at a young age and has since gained recognition for her versatile acting skills and captivating performances. She has appeared in popular dramas such as "Doctor Stranger," "Bridal Mask," and "Queen: Love and War." Jin Se-yeon has also received awards for her acting, including the SBS Drama Awards and KBS Drama Awards. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry, loved by fans for her talent and beauty.


Attractive Points

Intriguing plot

"Selection: The War Between Women" revolves around the mystery of the queen's murder and the intense competition among the queen candidates, adding suspense and excitement to the storyline.So the drama is being promoted as a Joseon-era version of Survival. The plot is filled with secrets, betrayals, and political intrigue, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.


Unique historical setting

"Selection: The War Between Women" is set in the Joseon Dynasty, offering a fascinating glimpse into the royal family and the political landscape of that time. Although it's a fusion drama and not based on actual history, the system of choosing a queen was one of the important traditions of the Joseon Dynasty. The costumes, sets, and historical details aren't high, but the overall feel of the Joseon era is there.




Engaging mystery elements

The murder mystery surrounding the queen's death and the quest to find the culprit adds a compelling element to the drama. Viewers are kept guessing and speculating as new clues and revelations come to light, making it an intriguing and captivating watch.


Ratings and Reviews

For a drama produced by a relatively small station, TV Chosun, Selection: The War Between Women garnered a lot of viewership. Starting at 2%, the ratings soared to 6% in the final episode, making it TV Chosun's highest-rated drama to date. 

Korean fans describe the show as a historical drama made like a morning soap drama. This is because the story is centered on spectacle and conflict rather than characterization and emotional development. The only difference is that the time period has changed from modern times to the Joseon Dynasty. However, Korean fans aren't saying bad things about "This Killing Time Drama". It has an average rating of 3.4 on Korean rating sites.


"Selection: The War Between Women" is a Korean drama that offers a unique blend of historical setting, a complex plot, strong performances, and intriguing characters. If you're a fan of Korean dramas or interested in traditional Korean culture, this drama is worth checking out.