Tension Builds in ‘The Queen Who Crowns’ as Crown Princess Selection Sparks Clash Between Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook

In the upcoming episode of The Queen Who Crowns, Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook’s characters will again clash over the highly contentious issue of selecting the Crown Princess. This confrontation follows their earlier clash over the royal concubine.

The drama, airing on tvN and streaming on TVing, sees the tension between Won Gyeong (played by Cha Joo Young) and Lee Bang Won (played by Lee Hyun Wook) reach new heights as the Crown Princess selection process begins. The next episode will air on Monday.

In a recent episode, Lee Sook Beon (played by Park Yong Woo), who deeply disdains the Min family, insists on selecting a Crown Princess who will align with his faction’s interests. His influence makes the royal family push for his daughter to be considered a candidate openly. Quickly recognizing their motives, Won Gyeong vehemently opposes any nominees backed by the royal family and instead calls for fair and unbiased competition among all contenders.

Recently released stills from the upcoming episode highlight the escalating tension between Won Gyeong and Lee Bang Won. The newly revealed preview intensifies the drama even further. As the Crown Princess selection kicks off, Lee Bang Won boldly declares, “I am Joseon now,” Won Gyeong fiercely responds, “You’re being a coward,” refusing to back down from her stance. This exchange foreshadows a dramatic confrontation between the two.

The preview also teases a heart-wrenching scene in which Won Gyeong’s father, Min Je (played by Park Ji Il), desperately pleads, “Please spare these people,” while someone faces a fatal fate. The emotional tension culminates in a gut-wrenching cry from Won Gyeong: “How could you do this to me?”—a moment that promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Won Gyeong’s tears seem to signal a tragic turn of events, possibly hinting at her family’s downfall. The production team has teased that the Crown Princess selection will once again thrust Won Gyeong and Lee Bang-won into an emotional maelstrom. They praised Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook for their explosive, immersive performances, noting that the cast and crew were fully immersed in the intense atmosphere of the scenes. Fans are urged not to miss this pivotal moment in the drama’s historical saga.

Episode 9 is set to air on tvN this Monday, and episodes 9 and 10 will be available for early streaming on Tving.