Let me start my review with the first thought I had after the last episode was finished: What a disappointing ending. 51 episodes of fights, intrigues,betrayal, death and grief - for this? I don’t need necessarily an happy ending but I hoped for justice for Seung nyang and Ta hwan after all they (and the viewers) had been trough.

Don’t get me wrong. I like the drama. To describe my feelings about it I need a German word: Hassliebe. It means you feel love and hate at the same time.

„Empress Ki“ is an impressive and epic drama. I was addicted from episode 1 on. There was always something that kept me on the line, especially if Seung nyang really will fall for this childish Ta hwan and what will happen to Maha when his identity will be revealed. But there were also times I couldn’t stand the drama anymore and I just wanted it to end. Every intrigue and every fight was followed by another - accompanied by battles, killings and penalties. It was to much violence for me. For the last part of drama I just skipped this kind of scences.

The cast was really great, but the most amazing job (for me) did Ji Chang wook to portrayal the unstable character of Ta hwan between fear, insecurity and delusions. Unlike in other historical dramas this crown prince/emperor is such a weak person who tries to be a real ruler but never overcomes his feeling of inferiority. A special place in my heart has the character Tal Tal. He seems to be the only good person in this show who tries to do the right thing without to care about money, power or vengeance.

My conclusion to “Empress Ki”: a powerful story, sometimes a little bit repetitive, big emotions, great actors and a good but not memorable OST.