“Empress Ki,” directed by Han Hee, is a historical drama based on the life of a Korean empress. The drama revolves around Ki Sung Nyang (Ha Ji Won), a woman from Goryeo, who is torn between her country of Korea and the Yuan Empire.

After losing her mother as a young child, Sung Nyang becomes the leader of an infamous group of thieves. Her involvement with the group causes her to meet Wang Yoo (Joo Jin Mo), the dethroned king of Goryeo. As romance blooms and their love grows stronger, the two work to protect the heir to the Yuan throne, Ta Hwan (Ji Chang Wook).

After Wang Yoo and Sung Nyang become separated, Sung Nyang alone must protect Ta Hwan. Despite being the heir to the throne, Ta Hwan is childish and immature. One day Ta Hwan and Sung Nyang are captured.

Then, Ta Hwan is crowned emperor by the menacing Yuan regent (Jeon Guk Hwan) while Sung Nyang is sent to be a palace servant. Here, she learns more about the corrupt government and the secrets hidden within the palace walls. Since Ta Hwan’s love for Sung Nyang grows more with her presence in the palace, he declares her one of his consorts. Sung Nyang immediately becomes a target of both royalty and the palace staff. What began as enslavement turns into a game of survival in a royal power struggle.

Will Sung Nyang survive  and ascend to power or does fate have something else in mind?

“Empress Ki’’ provides audiences with insights about the relationship between the Koreans and Mongolians at this time as well as a solid plot that combines romance and history. Several characters are based on real people who lived during the time of the Yuan Empire. Viewers will be able  to visualize the political suppression of the time. The TV drama is recommended for teens ages 14 and up due to intense battle scenes and adult situations.