Whatever magic pill the production team of Empress Ki swallowed recently, it ought to share with other drama teams out there. The drama is narratively firing on all cylinders with equal measures delicious makjang and genuine heavy stakes. The best part for me is actually the reinvention of the relationship between Yuan Emperor Ta Hwan played by Ji Chang Wook … Continue reading →
This week’s Empress Ki will air only 1 episode thanks to the preemption for the Olympics. It’s a bit of a shame because I feel like the drama is really getting to the meat and potatoes of its story. The ascension of Seung Nyang from a warrior maiden into a calculating and determined Empress is every bit as interesting as … Continue reading →
In a shocking turn of events, Empress Ki has actually gotten really good again in the blink of a two episode eye, a feat made all the more startling considering its detour to far-out makjang land in the even earlier two episodes. I suppose when the story posits that the baby of the Goryeo King and his pretty wifey is … Continue reading →
Hhhhmmm, looking good Ha Ji Won! With more than half its run remaining in Empress Ki, it’s only fitting that the titular character Ki Seung Nyang actually gets to working climbing up the court ladder to before the future Yuan Empress. It’s astounding really that the past twenty something episodes have basically been set up. It’s not unimportant and as … Continue reading →
I think the phrase jumping the shark doesn’t apply here to what just happened in Empress Ki. Since this is a sageuk and we need a bigger creature to leap over, let’s just say Empress Ki jumped the Megalodon in today’s episode 23. It was a whole new level of absurdity that I couldn’t stop watching. That episode was fast … Continue reading →
I’ve been enjoying a two-fer on Mon-Tues with the juicy love triangle sageuk Empress Ki and the satisfying contract marriage romance in Prime Minister and I. This Monday both dramas are bringing in some new faces that may shake things up. Or not, maybe it’s just to have a little fun and then swan off. The just released drama stills … Continue reading →
There are a couple of things I’m now certain of when it comes to Empress Ki. It’s still entertaining as all out what with the eye-popping plot developments with nary a boring moment in sight. C’mon guys, there are inexplicable time jumps and babies everywhere! It’s also clear that Seung Nyang is (1) delivering her royal Goryeo baby in the … Continue reading →
Why is everyone either mopey or angry over the recent turn of events in Empress Ki? I’m thoroughly amused and having a blast. This reminds me of when Queen Seondeok went off the rails and had Deok Man love Bidam back. That was just….incredible to behold. Even fictionalizing history cannot come close to that level of mindfrak. Everyone was fine … Continue reading →
Looks like the novelization narrative of Empress Ki is finally aligning a bit with the drama. Episode 22 took a turn for the hilariously makjang, or as makjang as it gets in sageuk land. I’ve always found EK to be rather pulpy though entertaining and sleek enough it’s been an easy watch. Its been a dizzying never-ending volley having this … Continue reading →
Empress Ki is having fun messing with both ships and today’s episode 21 did an about turn to toss in some skinship between Seung Nyang and Ta Hwan. In the course of romance for this drama one can either go with the slow and simmering intensity of Wang Yoo or the fire and electric sparks of Ta Hwan, and its … Continue reading →
Well, that was one short honeymoon period even by sageuk standards. The latest stills from Empress Ki show the OTP of Wang Yoo and Seung Nyang having a farewell hug. Not sure how far and long the farewell is going to be but it’s definitely not giving the lovebirds any breather after their lightning speed proposal, engagement, and then wedding … Continue reading →
I confess to not noticing the age gap in the OTP in Prime Minister and I. It’s not being blind to Lee Bum Soo being much older than Yoona, it just doesn’t stand out in the context of their characters or interactions. I see a closed off man with emotional baggage from a past marriage and a spirited woman falling … Continue reading →
My smiling face this morning was seriously beaming rays of joy after watching two fantastic new episodes of competing Mon-Tues K-dramas Empress Ki and Prime Minister and I (recap coming!), plus I’m finally over the most hellacious cold and jet lag combo ever. It’s like the clouds have parted and I can hear the birds singing. This week’s two episodes … Continue reading →