One of Empress Ki’s best qualities is how quickly the story has moved so far. Right after the opening sequence, in which Wang Yoo observes from a distance as Seung Nyang becomes formally married to Ta Hwan as the new Empress, we go into the childhood section and then get the adult counterparts.
There will be no hesitation in the usual plot of best friends from childhood marrying one another. Ki Nyang and young Wang Yoo probably don’t remember each other or even know one other. They only meet for a short time as youngsters, he as Crown Prince and her as a slave girl destined for the Yuan Dynasty along with many other miserable ladies.
It’s not a love triangle if one of the people involved isn’t at least a worthy rival to the other two. Since the level of competition is almost certainly going to rise, it’s important that both ends of the stick are equally solid. It’s not simple to choose between, for instance, a hardworking, diligent police commander and an idealistic, passionate rebel group leader or a spoiled, conceited playboy and a shy gentleman.
1. Queen Seon Duk (2009)
The narrative takes place in the expanding Silla realm of southeast Korea, which was ruled by the now-deceased King Jinheung. Mishil, a noblewoman with powers on par with that of a monarch, aspires to the position of queen. By persuading the populace that she is the Heaven’s Maiden, she has seized some of the Royal Family’s authority.
She utilizes her power to win over the courtiers and elevate herself to the position of queen despite the paucity of her ancestry. The birth of twin daughters to the bride of King Jinpyeong, King Jinheung’s grandson, presents one such possibility.
King Jinpyeong had to give up one of his twin girls to appease Mishil, who had predicted hundreds of years in advance that the number of male successors to the Sacred Bone would decrease if a king produced twins.
This is a biography of Queen Seon Deok, the first Korean female queen who ruled the Silla Kingdom. Although the show is somewhat inspired by the life of Queen Seon Deok, it doesn’t pretend to be precise in time, so history fans and Silla specialists are advised to look elsewhere.
According to the Eochul Ssangsaeng Seonggol Nam Jin, if a king produces twin females, there will be no legitimate male successor to the throne. But it was also predicted that Mishil’s twin would out to be the greater of the two.
Mishil and her supporting lords want to depose the existing queen and install Mishil as monarch by exposing the twins. Jinpyeong fears this will happen, so he reluctantly sends his youngest child away along with a clumsy royal girl, Sohwa. The greatest hwarang in Silla, Munno, aids the maid in evading capture. Hwarangs are the Silla counterpart of knights.
2. Nirvana in Fire (2015)
General Lin Xie of the Liang dynasty brought his only son, 19-year-old Lin Shu, with him to fight in the conflict between the feudal Northern Wei and Southern Liang kingdoms in the fourth century.
After successfully driving away the hostile Wei soldiers, Lin Xie was falsely accused of assassination by a political competitor, leading to the wrongful deaths of 70,000 Chiyan army members. After a near-death experience, Lin Shu utilizes Langya Hall to organize the Jiangzuo Alliance and eventually becomes Mei Changsu, the unchallenged leader of the pugilistic world.
To help his friend, the marginalized Prince Xiao Jingyan, in his campaign for the throne, he arrives in Liang 12 years later under the guise of Su Zhe and tries to right the wrongs that had been done to the Chiyan Army.
Little Fei Liu, played by Wu Lei, was well portrayed by the actor. He is a great martial artist and fierce defender of Mei Changsu. The way he acts like a little kid when he becomes frustrated because Meng Zhi is stronger than him is entertaining to watch.
Yes, despite his great abilities, he is the only youngster that needs pampering and may throw tantrums. I love seeing the pride and affection in Mei Changsu’s eyes as he looks at Fei Liu.
Nihuang Princess, on the contrary part, is here to help. She has bravery, intelligence, and nobility in equal measure. Even if she and Mei Changsu aren’t your favorite OTP, you’ll feel her anguish if you ignore their plight. When she suspected Mei Changsu’s actual identity and sought to identify Lin Shu’s mole but failed, it crushed my heart. Her understanding of what went wrong and her sense of loss are devastating.
3. The Princess Wei Young (2016)
General Chiyun and Li Min Feng scheme to have the King of Northern Liang killed for treason so that they might assume his throne. Princess Xin Er was the only one who escaped the palace unharmed. The fraudulent daughter of the Prime Minister of Great Wei, Li Wei Young, comes to the rescue of the princess.
However, Li Wei Young has been targeted for murder by the Prime Minister’s first wife. To get revenge on the Prime Minister and his family for the deaths of her people, Princess Xin Er pretended to be the Prime Minister’s daughter, Li Wei. There’s no denying that Princess Wei Young plays a powerful female protagonist.
Her brilliance and wit usually come to the rescue. She is empathetic, sympathetic, and loyal. It is likable how she has remained true to her principles through thick and thin. She would never allow someone else’s misfortune to be her fault. She always finds a way to help everyone involved and keeps her word.
No one would be surprised if either Wei Young or Tuoba Jun were poisoned. There was, fortunately, just a single remedy for this problem. Pretending to believe he had previously taken an antidote, the prince handed Wei Young the only one there was.
As King, the prince discreetly endures the poison’s effects for years. He finally departs from planet Earth on Wei Young’s shoulder, where a paradise of flowers awaits him. Wei Young is elevated to the position of Queen Mother, and her infant son ascends to the throne.
If the Prince had taken the antidote, then Wei Young would have died. If Wei Young had been poisoned, it’s possible that their kid wouldn’t be as healthy as he is now.
As for protecting her young king from bad ideas, she trusts Wei Young more than Tuoba Jun because of her wit and intelligence. Furthermore, Wei Young is the main character in this drama. There can be no plot without a protagonist.
4. Healer (2014)
This Korean action-thriller has increasingly intense and realistic action sequences for the men and a healthy helping of romance for the women. Park Min Young, who plays the lead, makes the most of her scenes, while Ji Chang Wook, who plays the hero, is believable. Two supporting performers, Yu Ji Tae, and Kim Mi Kyung, add a lot to the film’s believability.
Seo Jung Hoo has earned the nickname “Healer” among his night shift employees. If his customers pay him enough, he will hire a hacker who is capable of committing murder. Tabloid hack Chae Young Shin and senior reporter Kim Moon Ho were among the people he spoke with on his most recent operation. As he learns more about the reporters’ and his own backgrounds, he starts to fear for their safety.
The characters had great chemistry, and there were no tired plot devices like love triangles. The events of one narrative take place in the present day, while those of the other are revealed via flashbacks to earlier times. There is never a dull moment in all 20 episodes because of the excellent storytelling. Perfection.
In the background, you can hear “Everlasting Love” by Michael Learns to Rock, and it will give you a knot in your throat as you see Healer fight for the woman he loves. Not only the beautiful Korean song that plays when Chae Young Shin begins to cry, but all of the music does a great job of evoking an emotional response from the audience.
Healer joins Chae Young Shin’s tabloid news crew as associate reporter Park Bong Soo in order to maintain an eye on his “package.” Unlike the confident and effective muscle of the Healer, the socially awkward and often frightened Park Bong Soo is a stark contrast. His double identity is unparalleled in the genre, rivaling even Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Kent.
5. The Empress of China (2014)
The Empress of China, starring Fan Binging, is a lavish Chinese television production. The historical circumstances that triggered this epic drama also turn the empress’ life into two distinct love tales, complete with several fights and numerous foes. Almost everyone in the play is an antagonist, with the exception of the emperors and their entourage.
There is a pretty basic outline that the presentation sticks to. The protagonist faces a number of enemies out for his or her destruction. Each time, she is mysteriously rescued. Finally, the villains meet their end. A Taoist also predicted the rise to power of the Tang dynasty’s first female Emperor.
In the end, she realizes that remaining silent and suffering the insults is better than speaking the truth and disrupting the calm in the kingdom. She persists in seeking the King’s affection despite being repeatedly misled by those closest to her. She also faces scrutiny from state authorities and a jealous harem.
The time it takes for our protagonist to become Emperor is interminable. Perhaps that’s why barber shops provide so many distinct styles of cuts. About 96 episodes make up the whole version. Authorities in China interrupted the broadcast halfway through because of disturbances at home. When the remaining episodes were altered to cover the actors’ midsections, production resumed.
Based on what I do know about the subject matter, I believe it to be a work of fiction that happens to be loosely based on real people and events from history. In view of human nature’s inherent cruelty, the show’s protagonist’s purity of heart and lack of malice rings false.
The show’s antagonist is based on a reputable historical figure. The show’s premise centers on an improbable love story between its protagonist and the lowest-ranking concubine. There are too many strange coincidences of time and place in some of the tales to accept them seriously.
6. Faith (2012)
In or around the year 1352, a group of Woodalchi warriors returned to Goryeo with the newly crowned King Gongmin and his Yuan spouse, Queen Noguk, who had spent most of her life as a captive in Yuan China. Attackers broke into the inn where the royal family was staying and murdered Queen Noguk.
To avoid offending Yuan and sparking a war, Gongmin’s adviser Jo Il Shin convinced him to ask Hwata, the Heavenly Doctor, to cure the queen via the mythical Heavenly Gate. Choi Young, as Woodalchi’s leader, voluntarily embarks on a journey to paradise, only to find himself transported to the year 2012.
Upon hearing that she was the only one who could heal the queen, Dr. Yoo Eun Soo, a modern-day plastic surgeon, made a pledge to Choi Young that he would return her to Goryeo.
Eun Soo is pushed, yet she still operates on Queen Noguk. Choi Young wanted to take the queen back to the gate when she regained consciousness, but Advisor Jo intervened, saying that Gongmin had ordered the queen to stay because of Eun Soo’s great healing powers, which would be detrimental to Goryeo if she were to leave his side.
Since Choi Young was a soldier serving the King, he had to stop Eun Soo, and the future portal was shutting behind them as they watched. Choi Young is distraught, but Eun Soo grabs the knife and goes toward him.
Choi Young is so troubled by the realization that he betrayed his promise that he gives Eun Soo permission to stab him in the stomach. Incredulous at his behavior, Eun Soo sets her own feelings aside to focus on saving Choi Young since she is a doctor and physicians don’t murder.
7. The Red Sleeve (2021)
Based on the same-named book, the film dramatizes the sad love affair of Yi San and Seong Deok-im (a palace maid). Their royal responsibilities as kings and queens of their respective kingdoms were also portrayed in the drama. “The Rede Sleeve” is very rich in terms of sets.
San was raised under enormous strain to live up to demands as the Grand Heir to the throne of the Joseon kingdom while seeing discordant family connections. His intense fascination with a royal maid surprised everyone because he was only known to be interested in work and Chinese philosophical texts and classics.
The Talking Cupboard has translated a long piece, originally written in Korean, concerning the origins of Show. On the other side, Deok-im wished she could maintain the carefree lifestyle she had while working as a royal maid.
Queen Dowager repeatedly affirms in both the novel and the drama that Deok-im’s agreement would confine her forever within the palace walls, especially in light of her brother’s exile and deaths that followed, which she had no opportunity to even attend.
Deok-im made the decision to become San’s concubine despite her wish to remain free. The final two episodes show how Deok-im’s attitude changed as she learned to live with the loss of her aspirations and identity as one of the king’s women while being his most cherished. Her deeds spoke louder than her words, but San unfortunately needed the latter.
It’s a tragic love story set against the political climate that shaped Yi San. The actors and directors excelled, creating a drama that will stick with viewers long after it ends. The characters’ development was brilliantly represented and written consistently. It’s not only about the romance between the monarch and his lady; it’s also about their individual journeys.
8. The King’s Woman (2017)
The whole production is a visual feast, but Zhang Bin Bin as the Qin King is particularly stunning. Like he was destined to do so, he looks absolutely magnificent in full military gear or in his unique clothing. The King’s Woman, a Chinese historical play, is recommended for anyone interested in a hopelessly doomed romantic tale.
If you can handle a manipulative, violent male protagonist, this may be the movie for you. The sitcom rides on the chemistry between its two stars, played by Dilraba Dilmurat and Vin Zhang. In a nutshell, the king of one country in a conflict develops romantic feelings for the grandchild of an opposing general and does all in his power to continue having her by his side. Ying Zheng, or Qin Shi Huang, is really Vin Zhang.
Even though he and Dilraba Dilmurat had some beautiful times together, his character is so evil and vicious that suspect a passion, opposed to love, motivated his feelings for her. Gongsun Li of Dilraba Dilmurat, who is in love with her student brother, sacrifices her freedom to save his life and receives the cure in exchange. She may get the cure if she marries Ying Zheng.
Finally, she and her brother the disciple agree to walk into the palace, nevertheless not before staying the night together. Ying Zheng is upset when she got pregnant. He accepts the infant into her care and pretends it is his.
After knowing him for ten years, Gongsun Li eventually fell in love with Ying Zheng after getting to know his uncommon, less mercurial side. Gongsun Li’s realization that Ying Zheng is a self-serving schemer causes the couple’s decade of hard work to crumble. Misunderstandings and distrust on both sides led to her ex-lover plotting an assault on Ying Zheng.
9. The Long Ballad (2021)
The Long Ballad doesn’t waste time explaining trivial details and instead gives us what we need to see to follow along. Plus, it’s fantastic in my opinion. I don’t feel like it is wasting time , it would be really enjoyable to watch.
Crown Princess Li Chang Ge is the youngest child of Li Jian Cheng, the Tang Dynasty’s current Crown Prince. Though her uncle, General Li Shi Min, schooled her in military tactics, her mother urged her to take in as much of the city as possible.
As political tensions build involving Li Jian Cheng and Li Shi Min, the former transfers her daughter away from the latter. Li Chang Ge discovers the murder of her family at the hands of Li Shi Min when she returns home undercover.
She then vowed vengeance on Li Shi Min and his men before evading capture. She forms a close bond with Ashile Sun, a new companion who aids her on her journey. Li Chang Ge comes to see that the security of the Tang Dynasty is more important than her vengeance plot as the story progresses.
The former king’s daughter; her father was Li Jian Cheng. After witnessing the murder of her father, she escapes to plot her vengeance on Li Shi Min. She’s a bright young lady who can fight and use military strategy effectively.
Lady Yong An, the Princess. Li Chang Ge’s cousin and closest friend, and Li Shi Min’s daughter. Together with Li Chang Ge and Wei Shu Yu, she was raised. She has always had feelings for Wei Shu Yu, who saved her life. She is shy and mild-mannered, and she enjoys needlework. She holds Li Chang Ge in the highest regard and often runs to her for safety. She gains confidence and independence after her breakup with Li Chang Ge.
10. My Bratty Princess (2005)
As Situ Jing reported to the emperor, rebel leader Wen Zhang’s goals diverged from those of Qi Guo Hou. According to Situ Jing, Qi Guo Hou dissolved his army. Wen Zhang may rebel against Qi Guo Hou if he learns that Situ Jing suggested the majesty capture his men. His Majesty has pardoned Qi Guo Hou, and as a token of his gratitude, he has authorized Wen Tao to abduct the prince’s son.
During his stay in Bai Yun Fei, the King of Yunnan pays a visit. King Yunna ordered Bai Yun Fei to present himself before the Majesty, thus, he did. Bai Yun Fei has sworn he would betray his father if they go to war with the majesty.
When Bai Yun Fei seized An Ning, King Yunnan struck him. Bai Yun Fei was kind enough to take the fall for An Ning. The impending fight with the Emperor is good news for young Wen Tao and Qi Guo Hou. The jade presented to His Majesty by Qi Guo Hou’s son was delivered by a guard.
King Yunnan has promised that after Zhu Yun is defeated, An Ning may marry Bai Yun Fei. Situ Jing begged King Yunnan to let them enter into negotiations. Situ Jing will get thirty minutes of the King of Yunnan’s time. Before leaving, the Queen gave Situ Jing a bear hug.
There was a striking resemblance between Situ Jing’s mother and the emperor. Yunnan’s monarch reflected on his romantic history. Situ Jing opened up to King Yunnan about her life story. The bracelet that formerly belonged to Situ Jing’s grandfather reportedly came into the possession of Situ Jing’s mother courtesy of King Yunnan.
She was said to have lost her mother’s jewelry collection when the king of Yunnan absconded with it. Yunnan’s emperor feigned relation to Situ Jing by saying he was his uncle. Situ Jing’s tears and a hug soothed King Yunnan.
