Sohwa, the Most Loyal Character

You probably had the same thoughts as me. When I watched the first few episodes of QSD, I gave little thought to the character Sohwa. She just seem so comical and insignificant. Yet everything changes immediately when her Highness places the responsibility on Sohwa to be the parent of his daughter.

Loyalty is a recurring theme in QSD. It is the quality that dignifies the most subordinate character in the drama. Yet Sohwa stands out amongst the most loyal characters. That is because she has the greatest transformation as a result of her loyalty to her ruler and Deokman. While other characters had in them the capacity to perform what is required of them to remain loyal to their masters, Sohwa changed from being a weak and dimwitted character to someone who is exceptionally brave.

Characters Influenced by Sohwa

Chilsuk - One of the characters most affected by Sohwa. Because of her, he was willing to deceit his master. As well, she has brought in his life something other than loyalty to Milsik, it is love and compassion.

Deokman - It is because of Sohwa that Deokman is so resilient and strong minded. There was one point where Sohwa says that Deokman has to be so strong because she is so weak. I think that is far from the truth. Deokman is only the way she is because of the positive influence of her mother.

Favourite Scene

My favourite Scene of Sohwa is also her saddest scene, when she disguised as Deokman and Chilsuk stabs her. This is the most bittersweet scene between Chilsuk and herself and this is also why she is the heroine of the show.

QSD Characters - Embrace Them All

Whether you hate it or love it, Queen Seon Deok is one of the few historical productions that can easily boast for its versatile performers and comprehensive characters. The scriptwriters of QSD are masters of their art, and with just a few lines and minimal screen time, they can add humanity to the smallest of support roles. I find myself sympathizing with almost all the characters (except for Yeomjong. He's the true villain and deserve a more brutal end) and wishing no harm to any of them.

I will start blogging thorough character analysis of my most favourite performers, but for now I've added some banners that I made below. More will be added to this post at a later time. For now enjoy!

By the way, who is your favourite character?

Matrealinity Runs Deep in QSD

If loyalty is a recurring theme in Queen Seon Deok, then matrealinity is its counterpart. I think it's safe to say that almost all of the important characters are mother figures in the series. Sohwa is a mother to Deokman, Princess Cheonmyung is a mother to Chunchu, and so forth. Furthermore, the ruler as a mother figure to her nation is one of the main concepts of QSD. Interestingly enough, Mishil is metaphorically portrayed as a stepmother to Shilla, while Deokman is represented as the nurturing legitimate mother to the kingdom.

For myself, some of the most memorable scenes in QSD are moments between a mother and a child. Here are some of the highlights:

Memorable Scenes Between a Mother and a Child

Deokman and Sohwa meets after many years of separation

Deokman and Sohwa reunites in episode 31

I don't know about you, but the relationship between Deokman and Sohwa is one of the most heartwarming (and aching) mother and child relationships for me. I was waiting forever for them to reunite and when they finally did, I was bawling my eyes out with them. Goodness, so much love. The director has done the scene beautifully and the emotions were definitely there from Seo Young Hee and Lee Yo Won. They are so pitiful even in their happiness =*(

Bidam escorting Mishil

Scene from episode 50, where Mishil almost embraces Bidam

Alright, Mishil definitely has her issues, but she loves Bidam. This scene is quite sad and I can feel Mishil's angst as she feels tenderness for Bidam but holds it back. Other than Sadaha, I think Bidam is the only person that Mishil truly cares for.