Disclaimer: I do not know the history behind Empress Ki, so my review will be based on the drama only. Story: It was overly long and unnecessary, especially towards the end. There were so many time skips, I was left wondering if anything of importance was happening during the present. The drama started as sageuk and ended as makjang, which I disliked because I am a sageuk fan. Characterization/Acting: Wang Yoo was the only character I felt had any development through out the drama. Wang Yoo showed the fragility of being human. The amount of pain Wang Yoo went through should have broken any human's spirit; but, because of his duty he was willing, at times too often, to set aside his own needs for the betterment of others. Joo Jin Mo did an excellent job as Wang Yoo, he has an ability to portray emotions with his eyes alone. I felt hurt when he was hurt and I also felt happy when he was happy. Emperor Huizhong on the other hand only had one moment of character development, which was closer to the beginning and after that his childish antics felt annoying. It would at times slow the plot of the drama. I am glad I saw Ji Chang Wook in Healer before Empress Ki, otherwise I would not have been a fan of his. Overall he did an excellent job. Ha Ji won always kills her role but the development of Empress Ki felt misplaced at times, especially at critically moments where it was important for the audience to understand the reason behind her actions. Of course, they were likable characters like Bang Shin Woo and Joem Bak Yi that kept the story going. Music: Great music. I am not sure if they were original scores; but, the music fit perfectly with the drama.