User reviews

As a habit, I'd do research after watching sageuk to check the veracity of the figures who were placed in the narrative. This time, I'd like to check whether there was in fact a love triangle in the Kdrama series Empress Ki.

I will start with things that aren't true.

Nothing was known about Ki's life in Goryo (present day Korea) so basically the first seven episodes were all fiction. What was known was that Ki was sent to Yuan from Goryo as a tribute woman. It is also untrue that she was in love with some Goryo king. This also means that Prince Maha is just fiction. When she was sent to China, she was just a tenager. She worked as a palace maid. It was probably during those tea parties where she served tea when Emperor Huizong (Toghon Tehmur) noticed her. In the Yuan upperclass, Goryo women were in vogue and keeping them as concubines was a trend. Perhaps Ki was an exceptional beauty (in the standard of this era) that the emperor kept her as his concubine.

Before Ki became an empress, the emperor had two primary empresses first. The first one was Tanashiri, daughter of a powerful figure in the dynasty. In the series, Tanashiri was very jealous of Ki. It was also recorded that the empress gave birth to a son, but died later. In other words, she wasn't infertile as the series suggested. Palace intrigues dethroned Tanashiri and caused her death by poison. In the series though, tanashiri was hanged. After the death of Tanashiri, Ki would have been an empress as a favoured concubine by the emperor. But Huizong was forced to marry a Mongol noble woman, Bayan Khutug. Lady Ki was only named secondary empress or Imperial Noble Consort (in the series) when she gave birth to her son, Ayushiridara. In the series, Empress Bayan also got entangled with palace intrigues which caused her death. Historical records did not confirm it. Although she was dethroned as well, she remained as an empress. But since she was sent away from the palace, the management of the inner court was given to Concubine Ki. So basically, she was an empress by duty, not by name.

The series portrayed Emperor Huizong as hedonistic. Though he soaked himself in wine and women, it was not confirmed whether he was a total idiot like what the series suggested. I really hated it that they depicted him as a weak and incompetent leader when he was a descendant of Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan. There might have been truth in the idea that he ruled poorly but it was clear that he also had a very progressive reign. I also hated that he died in the series before they could flee from the rebels who established the Ming dynasty. According to records, he died in Mongolia where they fled and established the Northern Yuan Dynasty with Empress Ki and Ayushiridara as successor.

It is very clear to me that 90% of the narrative was a historical revision. I could not blame the writers for employing too much of their dramatic license. If a love triangle was not present, it would have been a boring story. In fact, the story was more interesting with so many subplots when Tanshiri's brother got interested with Ki as well. For this historical distortion, I could not blame the Koreans as well for giving negative feedback on the series. Empress Ki was portrayed as a Goryo woman who cared for her nation and people. She also brought Korean culture to China. I believe Koreans take much effort in checking their history and they were told otherwise, that Empress Ki was a traitor for being an empress of Yuan dynasty which bullied Goryo. But the series has a deeper meaning than what Koreans believe. They considered her as a traitor without even bothering to question how their country abandoned its citizens who were sold and enslaved in Yuan. As a tribute woman, Ki has no nation to protect her, so she stepped up to protect herself. It must have been a filial duty as an empress to uphold her husband and son who was a crown prince. As she puts it, "a nation that failed to protect its people and those people sent to another nation serves no purpose." In her perspective, Goryo failed to protect her and thousands of tribute women which her country sent to Yuan dynasty. It's like the Philippines in the time of pandemic. It failed to protect its people that sometimes you would ask whether your country really has a purpose for its people. Hehehe.

What brought me to a yearning desire to finish the series in three days was the dramatic tension that the show-runners placed in each episode. It's like a book that forces you to experience a page-turning excitement because the characters are very complex and the plot is carefully woven that it pushes you to thirst for what the next episode brings to the table. I would give this series a 9 out of 10.

I am a recent convert to Korean television - won over by Mr Sunshine and Crash Landing on You, both of which I thought were simply wonderful.

So I came to this with high hopes, bolstered by the score on IMDb. Initially I was disappointed, finding Ha Ji-Won's disguise as a tough male bandit stretching credibility too far. But the series really starts to improve when she is discovered to be a woman and is forcibly taken to the imperial palace.

From that point on Ha Ji-Won is compelling. Her transformation through the crucible of intrigue and tragedy into a woman of power is utterly believable and drives the story forwards. The pace never lets up with plots and counter-plots whirling around as a lowly tribute woman fights for revenge, survival and those that she loves.

So, while I cannot place this alongside Mr Sunshine and Crash Landing on You, I did enjoy it a great deal.

Excellent drama. Each episode keeps you wanting more. All the actors are amazing in their roles. Great casting. I'm in the US and have to wait for the next episode which is difficult when your left at the point when something major is going to happen. Usually takes two weeks. I've gone back re-watching episodes to keep it fresh in my mind. Keep up the great work. I recommend this drama to all my friends. The drama is a roller coaster of feelings in the pit of your stomach. The way woman were treated but Nyang demands respect and usually wins but the times she loses it reminds you that women were property with no rights. Their families could not protected. Married women were taken from their husbands to be concubines. Suspenseful.

Actress Ha Ji Won is amazing as a super tough, smart, and beautiful woman who fights her way from slavery to the pinnacle of power in China. One by one, she demolishes powerful enemies using strategy rather than brute force, until there is no opponent left alive. Both the King of Korea, and the Emperor of China fall madly in love with her, and compete to protect her and advance her cause. Ha Ji Won delivers a tour de force performance. I can't think of another role in cinema featuring such a powerful female character. Loosely based on a true story, this is k-drama at its best.

I did not sleep in 4 nights, it is an obsessive, beautiful, cruel drama. It deserves much praise and especially HA JI WON. You need to see it.

I am an Iranian. This was one of the finest K-Drama Historical TV shows. It actually leveled up my expectation from other series too. I'm looking forward to watch more good series. Thanks for all efforts.

P.S: In my opinion, The Ending of this series could have been made much better. but, It's still fantastic.

After seeing only a few episodes I was hooked and thrilled that this drama had 51 episodes, so don't be discouraged by the large number of them. I could hardly stop watching to take breaks, what with the fascinating storyline and the terrific acting of the leading players, Ji-Won Ha, Jin-Mo Ju, and Chang-Wook Ji. Apparently, this has a true basis in Korean history that connects it to the Mongolian Dynasty, the Yuan, of the 13th-14th centuries. it's not important that I give plot information since several others have already done that, but I must say that the love triangle was gripping and suspenseful. Ji-Won Ha portrayed an extraordinary woman of strength and intelligence while serving the rather feckless emperor, a difficult role handled beautifully by Chang-work Ji. But my attention was completely riveted when the King of Koryo (Korea) depicted by Jin-Mo Ju came on the scene. Wow, what a face, and that resonant voice, altogether his character bringing a dignity and commanding presence to the screen..There is a certain amount of brutality as is expected in that era, but everything seemed well designed for a sense of authenticity. I'm now rewatching the entire series again and finding it as enriching as the first time.

Ji Chang Wook is definitely the star. He goes from a total loser in the beginning and then to a strong lead and then to crazy fellow later. Amazing! You would truly feel his pain and love.

All the actors/characters here do so well! From the female lead, to the generals, villains to the eunuchs and lead maids in waiting, all so good!

Plus the plot is so captivating. Right to the very end.

👏👏👏👏👏👏

The first couple of episodes started out at (I would say) around 6.5/10 and 7.5/10. Because the show had to set a premise for what's going on, that's to be expected. Then, I guess the writers decided to strap-on rocket boosters to their scripts from episode 3 onwards, because the drama and acting literally takes off.

Some things to expect when watching this show. (You can even make a drinking game out of it):

1.> Virtually, EVERYONE cries in EVERY episode. In some situations its a bit over-done, but there are a good few episodes where you'd find yourself crying as well.

2.> They have two or three main background music that's played through the entire series. It would've been nice if the mixed it up a bit or added variations, but I'm just nit-picking here. But you might start to notice it as you watch on.

3.> There is no true good guys or bad guys in this show- even when it comes to the main characters. It's all mainly tragedy based on life circumstances. Even when the bad guys do eventually get their comeuppance, you'd still find yourself shedding a tear for them.

4.> The mind-games, cunning, fore-thought and stratagem in this show is INSANE

5.> All the characters really do mature as the series goes on, and you see it. Its a fascinating thing to watch, and when they do flashbacks, its amazing how far it shows said character has progressed

6.> The loyalty. The loyalty of some of these characters is something to behold- where they would stick together through thick and thin- and are willing to offer their lives at the drop of a hat. This goes both ways, for both the good guys and the bad guys.

7.> Those damned cliff-hangers. Let's just say I am so glad I didn't watch this, while this series was live, because it would drive me nuts waiting for the next episode. Then again, it took a substantial amount of self-control on my part, in pacing myself watching this. Because if you're not careful, you could end up watching 4-6 hours worth very easily.

8.> The eyes/eye contact. Half of the dialog is in the eye-contact, where there's no talking. It goes to show that it is possible to create a meaningful scene with very little-to-no dialogue, and deliver just as much impact.

Female lead is my favourite action actress. She did well too in this drama. But i find male lead even more amazing. He acts vividly the role of a coward boy king. This is especially true when one compare with Healer, in which he is a brave, smart and manly hero. He can act equally well. His acting skill is superb in different and contrasting roles.

The story of Empress Ki itself drags too long, and makes it not economical to watch. Anyway i manage to finish it in a high speed, promising myself not to see long drama again.

A very well - written script , a greatly acted drama and amazing scores. I did not watch many Korean series but this is the best I have seen to date . Thanks for all hearted work. Warmest regards from Turkey. Love you Korea .✨🇰🇷🍀💐

I wonder why Mr. Sunshine is rated higher but this is the BEST K-DRAMA EVER! Nevermind the episodes because you'll even want for more. You'll never get bored. Every episode is thrilling. This series made Ha Ji Won and Ji Chang Wook on top. This series will make you feel all the emotions - sad, angry and laugh. Must watch.

This is the best Korean drama I have seen..

Everything from start to finish was great.. I learnt so much from watching this series I was absolutely fascinated.

The cast did a a superb job everyone played their parts well.

This is a definitely series to watch.

Just realized I rated without reviewing! Unbelievable!

This is the best show of all times. What else. There could have been less evil laughs. And a little more respect for TalTal in the end. That's it. The rest was pitch perfect. I left a LOT of sleep hours there. No regrets. None at all.

Ah. About the controversy, endless battle that has been raging on the web: she was definitely in love with... the Emperor. There is this scene: she is alone in her room, watching the hairpin her master proposed with and... who pops in her mind? The emperor. I think that settles it. Also, why would she say saranghae (of all things, the most meaningful, powerful words in KD world) to a dying man who was no longer useful to her? He was weak, flawed, but he loved her like no one else. And she ended loving him back, she knew and TalTal found out even before she did, having her read "How to know one's heart" and "How to control one's heart" for she needed to shove aside that love to achieve her goal.

This one will stay with me forver. Masterpiece of the master pieces.

The beautiful actors of the series were successful but unnecessarily extended and it made me feel that I watched the magnificent century, which was inspired by the scenario and the music while the series was being made, and this must be a magnificent success of the century.

An epic Korean drama based on a real person, although I am sure her life was a struggle it was no where near what the fictional empress had to endure. The plot involves a lowly girl from Korea rising to become an empress of the Chinese Yuan empire. It is really good to see such a strong female lead and the revenge she takes upon the people who have hurt her or her family shows a woman can be as ruthless as any man. Running through most of the 51 episodes is a question of who she actually loves, is it the King of Korea or the Emperor of Yuan. The series leaves it open to interpretation and many people continue to debate giving their reasons by what they have viewed and what it means to them. I desperately want it to be one but sadly I believe it may be the other. I have given the series 9 stars as though it becomes a little plodding in the middle and there are a few too many flashbacks it is still well worth the time.

I can't wait to see (watch )

Every end of episode im so curious the nxt episode No time to sleep If i try to sleep iwas thinking the drama And then I cannot sleep Im getting getting zombie more eye bug is coming hahaha.

A very boring series, the cinematography and lighting are bad, the acting is the worst ever, the scenario is nice but less than expected, Wang's character is smart but he is not good at expressing himself with his rigid facial features, the decor is wonderful and beautiful, I think it is the most beautiful thing in the series, I think it is suitable for children, especially the stupid and predictable plot twist, the events are so fast that you cannot even predict what will happen because it will happen immediately, I recommend watching the first 8 episodes only, I do not rely on the rest. A very boring series, the cinematography and lighting are bad, the acting is the worst ever, the scenario is nice but less than expected, Wang's character is smart but he is not good at expressing himself with his rigid facial features, the decor is wonderful and beautiful, I think it is the most beautiful thing in the series, I think it is suitable for children, especially the stupid and predictable plot twist, the events are so fast that you cannot even predict what will happen because it will happen immediately, I recommend watching the first 8 episodes only, I do not rely on the rest.

Ji Chang-wook's acting skills stand out. He is a perfect actor. It's a sad love story.