“Empress Ki”, which aired its final episode on the 29th last month, continuously raked in viewership ratings of more than 20%, and its popularity is testament to its success. However, it was not able to break free from its label as a historically distorted story packaged as a “faction sageuk”.  “Empress Ki” owes its mass popularity to Ha Ji Won, who plays the titular character, and Ji Chang Wook (27 years old) who plays the Yuan emperor Ta Hwan. From the vulnerability of a young prince and a man deeply in love to the insanity of a violent emperor, these dramatic character changes and the undulating emotions were excellently portrayed and he has earned praises for his widening range of acting. Having acted in dramas such as “Smile Donghae” and musicals, he has deeply etched his name in the minds of the public through “Empress Ki”.        

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