Empress Ki Had It All—Until It Didn’t
I really loved Empress Ki,at least for the first, say, 37 episodes. It starts off as a bold, compelling historical drama with so much going for it: sharp political commentary, deep questions about nationalism, identity, citizenship, and the role of an outsider in a dominant system. It explored class, immigration, the economy and did so with emotional depth and nuance. And don’t even get me started on that love triangle. Hands down one of the most devastating I’ve seen in K-drama.The cast? Impeccable. Ji Chang Wook’s portrayal of the flawed, infuriating, and vulnerable emperor was both maddening and strangely endearing. Ha Ji Won as Nyang delivered a powerhouse performance—absolutely a tour de force. But honestly? The true scene-stealers were the villains. Tana Shili and Yong Chul have career defining performances and I’m glad she got a Baeksang . She was electric.
Wang Yu, the perfect, noble king/crown prince—was such a steadying force. He mirrored the inner worlds of all the characters, grounding the story with dignity and purpose. And let’s not forget the beautifully layered supporting cast: TalTal , Baek An, and so many others wove a rich tapestry of drama, loyalty, betrayal, and survival.
So with all this… why do I give it a 5/10?
Because somewhere along the way, the drama lost the plot. Literally. It veered very hard into makjang territory and logic, continuity, and character arcs were sacrificed at the altar of shock value. Characters were killed not for narrative weight, but just because. Twists were inserted just to keep things “exciting,” but they undermined everything we had come to know and feel. I was so unbalanced in the end that
People who were once richly developed started acting completely out of character. Values were thrown out the window. We were being asked to forget everything we knew and just accept wild, chaotic plot turns. I blame poor writing for this. The time jumps were awkward at best, completely jarring at worst. They didn’t feel like bold storytelling choices—they felt like a panic move, a desperate effort to avoid filler by throwing in absurdity.
And then there was the final episodes .After so many deaths, gut-wrenching scenes, and tragic arcs, stories were failing to land the emotional punch they were aiming for. It felt hollow, even farcical at times. Characters suffered so needlessly it felt less like tragedy and more like punishment. You’d think the main cast had committed war crimes in a past life for the amount of misery they endured.
It’s frustrating because Empress Ki had everything it needed to be a 10/10 drama. And for much of it, it really was. But the descent into chaos in the final act left me more heartbroken than satisfied.
That said, if you’re in it for a sweeping, dramatic, edge-of-your-seat ride with unforgettable performances, this is definitely worth your time. Just don’t expect narrative cohesion by the end. It’s a flawed epic—but still an epic nonetheless.
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Don't let the high ratings fool you!!
I would have never given a chance to this drama if it wasn't for the many high reviews but don't let them fool you.The first episode was a trap and a very good one.
There are so many small details that didn't make sense but I was still with a high score in mind to give this drama. That was until I watched the last episodes.
The last 10 episodes made me so angry to the point I screamed from frustration. It's 51 hours of my life that went to the trash, but there were really good times that I spent with this drama, I cried, got angry, fell in and out of love with the characters and got a lot of anxiety for those last episodes, yes it was that bad!
What makes me more upset it the fact they had the tools to make an amazing drama but still decided to add more story and at the end ruin it.They turned every good character to a bad one and it wasn't necessary at all.
If they had stop this drama at 40 episodes it would have been a masterpiece but for any kind of reason they decided to add more episodes, more characters, more deaths and for what?
The cast was very well chosen and one of the main reasons I didn't quit it.
The soundtrack was absolutely amazing and beautiful.
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Exhausting
I can’t really call this mini series entertainment. It will not leave you Joyful or at Peace. But it is an excellent character study and if one watches in Wisdom, then One can learn a lot from this series. First of all I have to say that the performances by all the characters were exemplary….there are no weak points except I would have rather seen someone like Ahn Nae Sung play Timur. But the standouts to me were Ji Chang Wook as Emperor Toghorn (Ta Hwan ) and Lee Moon Shik as Bang Shin Woo (The Goryean Emperor’s sidekick). Ji was beyond awesome. He conveys his character in such a way that you can always see elements of your own self at work. The insecurities, the rush to make judgements without adequate investigation….anger because we are fearful we will lose an integral part of ourselves. I am not one to cry, even in extreme challenges….but I cried in sadness at the last scene of the movie. So much time we waste in life in negativity.Lee Moon Shik as Bang, was like a light in the darkness. His ability to express great Joy and sadness, was really touching…and his character will remain in my heart as a guide. A guide to always try to express great caring for all life.
It was exhausting to watch this series…..there are very few “happy times”. No one wins….everyone loses something. But I am better for watching it. I will rethink these scenarios many times…..trying to find my own Victory’s of enlightenment.
I give a secondary heads up to Kim Jin Mo’s characterization of Tal Tal. You watch with such great compassion the choices he has to make and wonder what we would have done in the same situation. His portrayal is often gut-wrenching and visceral. Will we be Honorable, no matter the cost?
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I'm not usually one for political dramas but this one's okay, its not purely political, yes its all the royals and their drama but there are so many other storylines that like..wow, to the writers for coming up with one 'eck of a story!!
I was on the edge of my seat trying to decipher what was coming next and how certain parts were going to play out.
Every part of the cast did a superb job, the goodies and baddies i praised for their acting, they were so good i pined for them and the villains i hated to the core (due to their great acting). I felt for the villains and the good guys, i hated parts of the story for turning out so but i understand, i understand why it had to happen..!
I was tempted to mark it down a bit but this drama has given me so many feelings, anger, tears, tears of joy and anger, jealousy, confusion, betrayal, hope, loyalty, romance, family and even comedic moments..!
It was amazing to be able to live with the characters from their young ages and watch them develop and blossom to the adults they became in the drama. and watch in anticipation as to how these villains could possibly last from start to finish... and whether they were sent off in a good enough fashion!
Yes there are time jumps, as expected of a 51 episode drama but in no way did i think it was dragged in the wrong places or jumped too quickly!
The OST is downloading as i scramble across the keys to write this review, the songs are so fitting to the drama!
I'm not sure if i have the heart to rewatch this, it was amazing the first time but its soooo intense i dont know if i can cope rewatching it! Even if i love Ha Ji Won and her acting is amazing, she managed to pull off every part of role from what seemed like ease and to perfection <3
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Overall impression: it’s enjoyable, but only if you can accept the plot holes (bc there are a lot). Don’t question every single thing in this drama bc some of them don’t make sense.
The positives:
- Music. I absolutely love the instrumental BGMs, especially the boss music every time an epic fight goes down, and Tahwan’s sad piano soundtrack.
- There is never a dull episode. Every episode is packed with action, and a lot of things happen in a short time. It has 51 episodes but i had fun watching most of it.
- The second half of the story is great. Starting from around ep 25, the story picks up pace and becomes really exciting. The best part is ep 36 onwards, mark my words!!!
- Acting gets better in the second half of the drama (since ep25) because of the plot progression. Seungnyang and Tahwan’s characters blossomed in the latter episodes, in contrast to the first half.
- Political intrigue fun. Betrayals everywhere. As i said, never a dull moment. It keeps you on your toes throughout watching.
- Taltal. He’s a great, consistent character and he’s the best. I LOVE HIM
The negatives:
- It’s cliche as hell. All the cliches in the book is on this drama. I especially hate the catfight between Seungnyang and the other women in the palace.
- The plot holes. There are too many of them. This drama shouldn’t be taken too seriously because of how badly written some parts are.
- It’s obvious that they’re dragging out the villains’ lives so long. It takes too fucking long to kill off some villains, and the reasons they keep surviving/getting off the hook are just ridiculous.
- It’s tiring to watch. There are too much shit going down on this drama, and it never ends. We never get a rest. Up until the very last episode this drama will still wear you out because there are always obstacles wherever you look.
- It takes EXTREMELY LONG to reach the best part. Not gonna lie, first half of this drama is bad (ep1-25). It’s cliche, tiring, annoying, and will piss you off majorly.
TL;DR it’s a fun drama to watch, if you enjoy the type of historical drama with a lot of political intrigue and betrayals. Don’t take it too seriously bc otherwise you’ll just be annoyed at the plot holes.
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The story at first seemed like a normal love triangle but the development of characters was really nice. I know, this is a fictional plot of Empress Ki's lifestory and I don't think its written that worse. The cleverness of the writers about Ha Ji Won's character is just fantastic and the political plot of the drama is not too bad, by putting in the betrayal/non-betrayal portion a lot.
Acting and Cast, as everyone applauds loudly to, was amazing and I actually had to give Ji Chang Wook's character and acting a bow when I finished the whole series (Last Episode, blew me off. It was so over the edge emotional and touching, that I was crying the whole midnight!). Actually, I also appreciated the acting by Baek Jin Hee. Though, I loved to hate Jung Woong In's character ( his acting in "I Hear Your Voice" has still not washed down on me yet ).
I loved the Original Soundtrack too, and I was just in the mood for some Historical themed genre (second reason why I gave this drama a "never turn back" go!).
Re-watch Value is 3 for me because all the plot's been revealed and the curtains have been lifted off the suspense now and maybe because re-watching 51 episodes again will wipe out my Internet bytes, but I do watch some clips that I miss from the drama and believe me, such clips are many!! Also, if I stumble upon it years and years later, probably when I'll forget the plot almost completely and I'll have unlimited Internet bytes, I'd definitely watch it again.
Overall, it was a good drama and I'm missing it as much as I'm happy I watched it and not just let it be there sitting on my Plan To Watch List. Enjoy! :)
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First when I saw 51 episodes I thought It will be boring drama.
Despite that I watched it because of HA JI WON, I am her big Fan.
She did a great job as always in this drama. No one is best suited for this Role than her.
Now let's move to the story.
What I loved in this Drama is the unpredictable story and kept me excited all the way.
They have delivered the story in the best way
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You may say that 51 episodes are too long, do not be deceived, each episodes you can trust that each has its own unique presentation to the total results of the drama! The music is as majestic as the drama, so fitting!
Give it a try, and you will be satisfied at the end and you want more and more of JCW's acting!
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I never watched such a long drama before, AND it was my first historical one.
And I really loved it.
It was very accurate - from the costumes to the very strategic and clever plot - all done very well.
For me, it is important that plot and characters do behave/develope realistically/logical, and this drama delivered.
It even got me hooked on historical dramas and the real history of Joseon/Goryeo and now I am well
informed about the history of Korea :)
The king of Goryeo here was written and played so well, that he is one of my favourite characters I have ever seen in Asian Dramas.
So, if you like clever stories and lack of comeday doesn't bother you, then try this. It is awesome.
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Story: it didn't feel like 51 episodes because the story can be divided into 3 parts i.e.before SN enters palace, in the palace then out then went back again. Both HJW and JCW' s character grew along the way. It has enough humor, touching moments , realistic power struggles ,comradeship and romance! I think this is one of those few saeguks that has so much romance and skinship. For me besides the struggle of empress ki , the other important story was the love that the emperor has for empress ki. Never once he deserts her despite many obstacles . Some people hate the ending but for me ,it was the best way to end- more realistic ,more impactful! Life is not always like a fairy tale .
Casting/acting: one of the best cast I have come across besides SFD - everyone's acting was great. Besides the three main leads, the veteran actor El Temur , evil Tanashiri, Empress dowager, Tangqishi ,all were outstanding. JJM did not have much to do with his character but his acting touched me. HJW was beyond spectacular - from the innocent feisty Sungnyang to the cold seeking vengeance consort then the loving mother and wife left me longing for more . However JCW was a revelation for me in this drama. I have only watched him in healer prior to this but acting as this poignant yet devoted to love emperor made me fall in love with him! Watching him cries just make me wanna jump into the screen and hug him LOL.
Music was good but as great as SFD
Rewatched value: definitely a yes for me!
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I simply loved the young innocent King. So loyal and loving, just unconditionally. Wang yu I didnt care much about and the empress Ki, although ambitious is quite heartless and cruel at times.
Well the drama is all about greed for power and how it corrupts people. Like the saying goes, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts completely" sad but true.
My final thoughts: watch it if you are a saguk fan, but personally I loved Queen Seon Duk, princess man, Jumong etc much more.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great drama 9/10. Cast was brilliant. There were some plot holes but overall Good story.For the viewers who hate Ta Hwan and say that Nyang only loved Wang Yu. Would like to give my opinion on the love triangle.
From the start I was interested in Nyang & Ta Hwan’s love story. Nyang & Wang Yu’s love story can be obvious and too easy. Wang Yu is a very strong character and with his personality Nyang falling love with him and that love story is just ordinary.
I think from ep 24 when Nyang said “This is the last tear I will shed for you” is when, she put a side her love for Wang Yoo for good. But even after that every time when she saw Wang Yoo she cried. But I don’t think that’s because she still loves him. It’s just because of thinking the circumstance that led for that. And she maybe feel guilty to taken the path that she taken. She even cried for Tal Tal. That doesn’t mean she love him. So, I think Wang Yu or Tal Tal is more important people in her life, and she didn’t want to lose them.
But Nyang & Ta Hwan’s love story is a special one. It’s about devoted love. A love that change Nyang’s hatred into love. But it took it’s time, I think it started properly in ep 33 when Nyang said “I’m starting to feel afraid”, that’s when she stared to falling in love with Ta Hwan.
Even I favour Nyang with Ta Hwan. Never hated Wang Yu, honestly that character cannot be hated by anyone. Really Wang Yu didn’t have any flaws. His character was over powered. The only flaw or mistake he did from my perspective is that when he broke the trust between Nyang when he sold stuff to Yuan’s enemies. But even that is justifiable, he did it for his county.
I was too, annoyed about Ta Hwan’s character till the ep 21, till he saved Nyang and hide her in the bath tub. While Wang Yu character is over powered, Ta Hwan is written as too weak. I believe that Nyang & Ta Hwan falling in love in first place was stopped by 2 things. 1st because of the character weakness. What will happen if Ta Hwan’s personality was in ep 33, was in start from the drama. They will definitely fall in love, because they spend more time (screen time) together. 2nd is that even if Nyang developed some feelings for Ta Hwan in the beginning, when her father got killed by Ta Hwan’s lies. She stared hate him and planned to take revenge on him.
It’s like they are just fated to end up together, to see how it gonna happen was the interesting part. Love the drama, but wished there were more romantic scenes between Nyang & Ta Hwan. True chemistry between characters are very rare to see in dramas. So, when we have a couple like that I wished I could see more. Like the chemistry between Hae Soo & Wang So in Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
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