''Empress Ki'' () is a South Korean historical drama television series starring

Ha Ji-won Jeon Hae-rim (; born 28 June 1978), better known by her stage name Ha Ji-won () is a South Korean actress. She is best known for the historical dramas '' Damo'' (2003), '' Hwang Jini'' (2006), and '' Empress Ki'' (2013), as well as the melodra ...

as the titular Empress Ki. It aired on MBC from October 28, 2013, to April 29, 2014, on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 51 episodes. A domestic and overseas hit, the series received the Golden Bird Prize for Serial Drama at the 9th

Seoul International Drama Awards Seoul International Drama Awards (), simply known as SDA, is an annual award ceremony based in Seoul, South Korea which honors excellence in television drama productions worldwide. Winners Grand prize (''Daesang'') Program Winners are given ...

. Ha Ji-won also won the Grand Prize at the

MBC Drama Awards The MBC Drama Awards () is an awards ceremony presented by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) for outstanding achievements in Korean dramas aired on its network. It is held annually in December. Unlike its counterparts in KBS and SBS, MB ...

for her performance.

Title

The early

working title A working title, which may be abbreviated and styled in trade publications after a putative title as (wt), also called a production title or a tentative title, is the temporary title of a product or project used during its development, usually ...

was ''Hwatu'' (; lit. "Battle of Flowers") but the title was changed to prevent confusion with the similarly named

playing cards A playing card is a piece of specially prepared card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blend, or thin plastic that is marked with distinguishing motifs. Often the front (face) and back of each card has a f ...

Synopsis

The series revolves around Ki Seungnyang, a

Goryeo Goryeo (; ) was a Korean kingdom founded in 918, during a time of national division called the Later Three Kingdoms period, that unified and ruled the Korean Peninsula until 1392. Goryeo achieved what has been called a "true national unificat ...

-born woman who ascends to power despite the restrictions of the era's class system, and later marries

Toghon Temür Toghon Temür ( mn, Тогоонтөмөр; Mongolian script: ; ; 25 May 1320 – 23 May 1370), also known by his temple name as the Emperor Huizong of Yuan () bestowed by the Northern Yuan dynasty and by his posthumous ...

(emperor of the

Yuan dynasty The Yuan dynasty (), officially the Great Yuan (; xng, , , literally "Great Yuan State"), was a Mongol-led imperial dynasty of China and a successor state to the Mongol Empire after its division. It was established by Kublai, the fif ...

) to become a Yuan empress, instead of her first love, Wang Yu. It managed to highlight the deep love the Emperor embedded in Lady Ki and depicts her loves and political ambitions.

Cast

Main

as Ki Seung-nyang / Ki Nyang, the future Empress Ki **

Jung Ji-so Hyun Seung-min (; born September 17, 1999), known professionally as Jung Ji-so () is a South Korean actress. Hyun made her acting debut as a child actress in the 2012 television drama ''May Queen''. She is best known internationally for her rol ...

as young Ki Seung-nyang :A woman who was born in

and becomes the Empress Consort of

. She is initially the fiancée of Wang Yoo, but later becomes the wife of Ta Hwan thus making her Yuan's Empress Consort. * Joo Jin-mo as Wang Yoo, King Choonghye **

Ahn Do-gyu Ahn Do-gyu (born September 28, 2000) is a South Korean actor. Filmography Television series Web series Films Theater Awards and nominations References External links * * * 2000 births Living people South Korean male fil ...

as young Wang Yoo :The King of Goryeo who is Ki Seung-nyang's first love and fiance. He later died in

. *

Ji Chang-wook Ji Chang-wook (born 5 July 1987) is a South Korean actor and singer. He rose to fame for playing the lead role of Dong-hae in daily drama series ''Smile Again'' (2010–2011), and had notable lead roles in television series such as '' Warrior B ...

/ Ta Hwan :The last Emperor of

and Seung-nyang's true love and later husband. *

Baek Jin-hee Baek Jin-hee (born February 8, 1990) is a South Korean actress. She began to be known for her role in '' High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged'' (2011–2012) and rose to prominence for her role in '' Empress Ki'' (2013). Career Baek Jin-hee b ...

as Tanashiri, daughter of Yeon-Chul :A Noblewoman who was the first wife and Empress Consort of Ta Hwan but when her crimes are revealed, is deposed from her throne and is executed in front of her people. Tanashiri serves as the main antagonist of the first chapter who plotted to kill Seung-nyang’s friends and poison anyone who dare to take her throne.

Supporting

People in Yuan Dynasty

=Imperial household

= *

Kim Seo-hyung Kim Seo-hyung (born October 28, 1973) is a South Korean actress. She is best known for her portrayal as the evil mistress Shin Ae-ri in the SBS revenge drama '' Temptation of Wife'' (2008) and as Coach Kim in the JTBC television series ''Sky Ca ...

the Empress Dowager ''The Empress Dowager'' is a 1975 Hong Kong historical film directed by Li Han-hsiang and produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio, starring Lisa Lu as Empress Dowager Cixi. Plot Although the Empress Dowager Tzu-hsi of the Ching Dynasty had pr ...

; Ta Hwan's aunt. However, due to her greed, she attempted to kill Ta Hwan but failed and committed suicide as she is unwilling to accept defeat. *

Lim Ju-eun Lim Ju-eun (born January 7, 1988) is a South Korean actress. Career Lim Ju-eun is best known her roles in the horror thriller ''Soul'' (also known as ''Hon''), the campus musical drama '' What's Up'', and the quirky rom-com '' Wild Romance''. I ...

Bayan Khutugh Bayan Khutugh (1324–1365), also Bayan Qudu (; Pai-yen Hu-tu), was an empress consort of the Yuan dynasty as the second wife of Toghon Temür (Emperor Huizong). Her father was Bolod Temür. According to the ''History of Yuan'', Bayan Qudu was kno ...

, niece of Baek-Ahn :The evil second wife and Empress Consort of Ta Hwan after Tanashiri's death. She was also deposed from her position due to her cunningness. *Jeon Se-hyun as Lady Oh; Ta Hwan's Mongolian concubine. She is the daughter of Governor Ohgwang of Yunnan. *

Park Ha-na Park Ha-na (born July 25, 1985) is a South Korean actress. Park made her entertainment debut in 2003 as a member of the idol group FUNNY. Since then, she has turned to acting and was in the lead role in ''Apgujeong Midnight Sun'' (2014). Career ...

as Lady Bu; Ta Hwan's Mongolian concubine. She is daughter of Governor Busaqui/Boo Sa-ki of Lingbei.

=Nobleman and Ministers

= *Jeon Gook-hwan as Yeon-Chul; Empress Tanashiri's merciless father and Yuan Dynasty's regent. *Kim Jung-hyun as Dang Ki-se; Yeon-Chul's ruthless eldest son and Empress Tanashiri's oldest brother. * Cha Do-jin as Tap Ja-hae; Yeon-Chul's greedy second son and Empress Tanashiri's 2nd older brother. *

Kim Young-ho Kim Young-ho (born April 9, 1971 in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea) is a South Korean foil fencer. At the 2000 Olympics The 2000 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXVII Olympiad and also known as Sydney 2000 (Dharug ...

as Baek-Ahn :Empress Bayan Khutugh's uncle who succeeded Yeon-Chul's position as Yuan Dynasty's regent. He was later killed by Tal Tal for being greedy and evil like El Temür. *

Jin Yi-han Jin Yi-han () (born Kim Hyun-Joong on October 10, 1978) is a South Korean actor. He began his acting career in 2002 in musical theatre, notably in '' Footloose''. Jin soon branched out into television, and among his leading roles were in critica ...

as Tal Tal :Empress Bayan Khutugh's cousin and Baek-Ahn's nephew. Following his uncle died, Tal Tal become the new Yuan Dynasty's regent. *Cha Kwang-soo as Go Yong-bo *Lee Gye-young as Boo Sa-ki *Jang Soon-gook as Seol Do-kan *Park Tong-il as Haeng Sung-joo

=Servants and maids

= *

Lee Won-jong Lee Won-jong (born January 1, 1966) is a South Korean actor. Filmography Film Television series Variety shows Theater *''Blind'' (2010) *''The Masked Hut Murder Case'' (2022) - Nobuhiko Awards *2002 SBS Drama Awards: Best Supporting Act ...

as Dok-man; Goryeo-born who become the Yuan eunuch in Aekjung Palace. *

Shin Seung-hwan Shin Seung-hwan is a South Korean actor. Filmography Film Television series Web series Television show Web shows References External links * * * Shin Seung-hwanat Daum Shin Seung-hwanat Naver Naver (Hangul: 네이버) is ...

as Kkwe-Bo *

Choi Moo-sung Choi Myung-soo (born January 12, 1968), better known by his stage name Choi Moo-sung, is a South Korean actor. Filmography Film Television series Awards and nominations References External links * {{DEFAULTSORT:Choi, Moo-su ...

as Park Bul-hwa; Goryeo-born who become the Yuan eunuch. *Jung-Yoon as Kook-soo *

Lee Eung-kyung Lee Eung-kyung (born February 3, 1966) is a South Korean actress. She began her acting career in 1987, and has since appeared in films and television drama In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or sem ...

as Court Lady Noh *

Seo Yi-sook Seo Yi-sook (; born 6 December 1966) is a South Korean theatre, television and movie actress. As supporting actress, Seo is known for her supporting role in drama ''Empress Ki'' (2013–2014), '' The Rebel'' (2017), ''Hotel del Luna'' (2019), '' ...

as Court Lady Seo; Empress Tanashiri's right-hand servant. The one who reveals Prince Maha's birth mother. * Yoon A-jung as Yeon-Hwa / Court Lady Yeon - The evil servant who tortures Seung-nyang. After conniving with Tanashiri and Lady Seo to steal the baby from the maid by poisoning them, she was granted a Court Lady position. *Lee Ji-hyun as Hong-Dan *Kim Myung-gook as Jang Soon-yong

People in Goryeo Dynasty

=Royal household

= *Kwon Tae-won as Wang Man, King Choongsook *

Ryu Hyun-kyung Ryu Hyun-kyung (born March 10, 1983) is a South Korean actress. She made her acting debut in 1996 at age 12 as the younger counterpart of the protagonist in the SBS TV series ''Oxtail Soup''. In 2010, Ryu drew attention with her supporting rol ...

as Princess Kyunghwa; Yuan-born who become King Choongsok's wife. *

Lee Jae-yong Lee Jae-yong (; born 23 June 1968), known professionally in the West as Jay Y. Lee, is a South Korean business magnate and the chairman of Samsung Electronics. He is the only son of Hong Ra-hee and Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung until his de ...

as Wang Go, Prince Yeonan, King Simyang; a Royal Family member and the head of Chirwon Faction. * Choi Jung-won as Wang Gi, Grand Prince Gangneung, later King Gongmin

=People around Wang Yoo

= *

Lee Moon-sik Lee Moon-sik (born November 13, 1967) is a South Korean actor. Lee Moon-sik debuted in Jang Jin films of the late 1990s after an illustrious career in Daehak-ro (considered the "Korean Broadway"), where he learned great comic timing, ad-lib pr ...

as Bang Shin-woo; Goryeo's eunuch. *

Kwon Oh-joong Kwon Oh-joong (born November 24, 1971) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for starring in ''Gourmet'' (2008), as well as the television series '' The Secret Lovers'' (2005), '' Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe-young'' (2010), and ''Miss Ajumma'' ( ...

as Choi Moo-song; a man who died in Yuan Dynasty together with Wang Yoo. *Yoon Yong-hyun as Jeom Park-yi; Goryeo Kings' assistant and servant. * Yoo In-young as Yeon Bi-soo / Batoru; a woman who has crush on Wang Yoo but later died after protect him. *Seo In-woo as Soo-Ri; Batoru's aide. *Song Kyung-chul as Mak-Saeng / Jeok-Ho; a village chief in Goryeo Dynasty who become the Yuan Emperor's eunuch.

Other

*Kim Myung-soo as Ki Ja-oh, King Yeongahn, Ki Seung-nyang's father and a royal commander. * Kim Jin-seong as Prince Maha; Wang Yoo and Seung-nyang's son who is adopted by Tanashiri. **Seol Wo-hyung as young Prince Maha *

Jung Woong-in Jung Woong-in (; born January 20, 1971) is a South Korean actor. Filmography Film * ''Drive'' (TBA) as Na Jin-soo * '' Seoul Vibe'' (Netflix Film/ 2022) as Chief Prosecutor * ''Child for Children'' (2022) as Seung-won * '' The Prison ...

as Yeom Byung-soo *Kim Hyung-bum as Jo-Cham *

Jo Jae-yoon Jo Jae-yoon (born September 15, 1974) is a South Korean actor. He made his acting debut in 2003 and has since starred as a supporting actor in numerous films and television series, including '' The Man from Nowhere'' (2010), ''The Chaser'' (2012 ...

as Golta; the main antagonist in the series and a Yuan's eunuch. *Kim Jin-woo as Ayushiridara ( Biligtü Khan); Ta Hwan and Seung-nyang's son. **Lee Shi-woo as young Ayushiridara * Jo Woo-jin as Wang Go's soldier

Special appearances

*Kim Ye-ryung as Lady Lee; Seung-nyang's mother. *Lee Jung-sung as Kim Soon-jo *

Oh Kwang-rok Oh Kwang-rok (born August 28, 1962) is a South Korean actor. Filmography Film Television series Theater References External links Oh Kwang-rokat SidusHQ iHQ Inc., doing business as SidusHQ () is one of the leading talen ...

as Heuk-Soo *Kim Moo-young as Na-Moo *

Han Hye-rin Han Hye-rin (born November 6, 1988) is a South Korean actress. She played the leading role in the television drama In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or semi-fiction) intended to be more serious tha ...

as Park Ohjin; Ta Hwan's Korean concubine. She was a court lady in the Yuan Palace before she became a concubine. Her life as a concubine became tragic. *

Shim Yi-young Shim Yi-young (born Kim Jin-ah on January 31, 1980) is a South Korean actress. Career Shim Yi-young made her acting debut in Kim Ki-duk's ''Real Fiction'' in 2000, and has since appeared in films such as '' Bongja'', ''Paju'', and ''Love, In Bet ...

as a fortune teller (Episode 28) *

Park Hae-mi Park Hae-Mi (born January 28, 1964) is a South Korean actress. She is best known as a musical theatre actress, starring in stage productions of '' Mamma Mia!'', '' 42nd Street'', and ''Really Really Like You''. Park rose to mainstream popularit ...

as a shaman (Episodes 34–35) *Seo Bum-shik as Won-Jin *Jung Byung-ho as Joo Gook-chung *Jung Soo-in as a

Courtesan Courtesan, in modern usage, is a euphemism for a "kept" mistress or prostitute, particularly one with wealthy, powerful, or influential clients. The term historically referred to a courtier, a person who attended the court of a monarch or othe ...

*Seo Ji-yeon as an Inspector Court Lady *Son Kwang-up as the Killer Mak-Son *Yoon Young-mok as a Coward Captain *Jung Jae-min as Yirinjilban *Choi-Hyun as Ballachupmokah *Kim Hyo-won as Emperor Myungjong of Yuan; the former emperor of Yuan (appears in Yeon-Chul's reminiscences of bloodstains)

Original soundtrack

OST Part 1

OST Part 2

OST Part 3

OST Part 4

OST Part 5

OST Part 6

OST Part 7

Reception

The series attained high ratings during its run, ranking first in its timeslot with a peak viewership rating of 33.9 percent. According to a report by Taiwan's drama channel ETTV, the series was ranked as the best foreign program for 2014 with 5.35% viewership rating, becoming the second Korean drama after ''

Jewel in the Palace ''Dae Jang Geum'' (; literally "The Great Jang-geum"), also known as ''Jewel in the Palace'', is a 2003 South Korean historical drama television series directed by Lee Byung-hoon. It first aired on MBC from September 15, 2003 to March 23, 20 ...

'' (2003) to do so. It also received positive reviews for its strong acting skills, gripping background and elaborate scenes. Despite its popularity, the series was criticized for its inclusion of fictional elements regarding the characters and storyline. Much concern was raised over the series' depiction of the titular Empress Ki, who was portrayed as a brave warrior in the series. Historians were worried that the audience would overlook the fact that the real-life Empress Ki was responsible for attacking her native land.

Ratings

In this table, represent the lowest ratings and represent the highest ratings. It aired on

GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...

from October 20, 2014, to April 14, 2015, on Mondays to Thursdays at 10:00 PM PST for 100 episodes. Each episode runs 1 hour including commercial breaks. It was pre-empted on December 31, 2014, to give way to the ''Countdown to 2015 GMA New Year Special'' and on April 2 to 3, 2015 to give way on the ''Holy Week'' programming. The entire series was dubbed in Filipino. It was the highest rated Korean drama in the Philippines for 2015. It was re-aired on

GMA News TV GMA News TV (GNTV; visually rendered in its logo in all capital letters as GMA NEWS TV) is a 24-hour Philippine-based international pay television channel owned by Citynet Network Marketing and Productions Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of G ...

from July 12, 2016, to January 19, 2017.

Awards and nominations

References

External links

''Empress Ki'' official MBC website

at MBC Global Media
''Empress Ki''
at

Victory Contents Victory Contents () is a Korean drama production company based in Seoul. History ''source:'' *April 4, 2003 - Music Encyclopedia was established. *October 2003 - The company's name was changed to Victory Production Co. (later Victory Produc ...

* * {{Works by Victory Contents South Korean historical television series Historical romance television series 2013 South Korean television series debuts 2014 South Korean television series endings MBC TV television dramas Television series set in Goryeo Television shows written by Jang Young-chul Television series set in the 14th century Television series set in the Yuan dynasty Television series by Victory Contents