Joseon Period Power

Judy again:

You can probably tell that I like Kdramas that are set in the Joseon period. I've commented previously on the wonderful costuming, sets, and very intricate plots. I haven't talked much about the power dynamics in the Joseon era courts. As a reminder the Joseon period lasted longer than any Confucian dynasty in history - 500 years beginning in the 1300's and effectively ending in the early 20th century.

Kim Hae-sook from 'Under the Queen's Umbrella'

Well let me tell you that in Joseon Korea queens and queen dowagers are really powerful. The queen dowager is the widow of the previous king and if both the queen and the queen dowager are alive the elder always has more power than the younger in Joseon society. In half the shows they're downright evil and the other half they're benevolent. Moon Embracing the Sun is a good example of the evil queen dowager. Under the Queen's Umbrella has a nice queen. The evil ones are fascinating. They have a very friendly and welcoming facade but I think would sell their family down the river to gain whatever goal they desire... all with a smile on their face. And it's not particularly unusual for them to be in opposition to the king even though they're blood relatives! Throw in offspring from the various concubines and you can really get things stirred up.

If you would like to become an ultra-powerful woman you should hope to be reincarnated as a queen or queen dowager in Joseon Era Korea.

The other thing I've noticed is how the Kings are portrayed. As I scan my memories for the various depictions I believe they all are presented as good guys who are trying to help Korea. The corrupt officials are invariably the court officials, or the queens and queen dowagers. Mind you the Joseon period had slaves and meted out rather harsh punishments for criminal infractions. But the Kings stay above the fray and seem genuinely concerned about societal inequities.

I wonder if this is a subconscious desire to show the top guy in a positive light?