Reviews

A detailed analysis of the main characters' interactions, dynamics and their relationships.

Empress Ki is an unforgettable and truly magnificent historical drama with an amazing cast and mesmerising performances especially from HJW and JCW.

First off, JCW was exceptional in this role. This is one of his best performances (another being The Worst of Evil). He plays complex and three-dimensional characters unbelievably well. I didnt expect the emperor to be such a fascinating character and I was immediately drawn to him when he showed up so fearful and innocent on-screen.

The emperor was a flawed hero but so captivating and a pleasure to watch; he poured every emotion out of the character, the same can be said about the beautiful and strong Nyang.

I didnt know the real story or history of Empress Ki so I watched this out of curiosity and interest. The story pulls you in from the first episode and I enjoyed every episode!

What I loved about this drama was that it wasn't a predictable straightforward love story. The ending and outcome were completely different to what I had predicted.

From the opening scene and first episode I was expecting an epic love story between the king (Wang Yoo) and Nyang. I predicted Wang Yoo and Nyang would be the main couple, it was set up like that. It made sense as both were from Goreo and he had saved her once when they were children so they already had a connection from childhood. But, despite thinking that they were supposed to be the main couple, as the drama continued I began to become less enthusiastic and convinced about them than the earlier episodes.

If I am to believe that wang yoo is the main lead, then why am I seeing the emperor in almost every shot after he appeared on screen. He had way more exposure than wang yoo. Every time he came on screen with his charming presence and funny antics he stole the show. Wang Yoo was sent away fighting or out of the main plot most of the time which meant not only was he getting less and less screen time but was also apart from Nyang. He just faded into the background.
In a love triangle as tense as this and where the first relationship wasn't well executed in the first place and then there were too many scenes with her and the emperor together I started to feel an emotional detachment from them and wanted to see more of Tawhan and Nyang. Ultimately I was soon more swayed with the emperor and Nyang pairing because it was based on real life and I generally find these stories more appealing. Then on top the emperor and empress's interactions were so natural and addictive to watch.

I needed to see more of a connection with wang yoo and nyang for me to believe in them, and not for them to be shown through memories or dreams and long distance gazes. Initially, I thought she returned to the emperor only for revenge or would stay with him whilst loving another man. I think perhaps that might have been the original storyline; however in this drama she never went back to Wang Yoo, even after her revenge she didn't return and she never uttered words of love to him. As the drama was reaching it's climax wang yoo was then killed off. He died in the penultimate episode. How can the (supposedly) male lead die with one episode left and the other lead still be remaining, unless it is the emperor she'll be with till the end. I was also expecting her to express her feelings to wang yoo after he died, she cried her eyes out but her tears were only of regret and remorse. She kept saying she'd repay him back (possibly out of guilt) after everything he did for her, but there were no expressions of love or regret she had left him or not returned back to him. I was waiting to hear words with emotion or longing for him - it didn't happen. Then I understood, wang yoo wasn't the one!

The main reasons why the emperor felt like the main lead and Nyang and him felt like the end couple in this drama were:

1. Their many interactions and exchanges were playful and cute in the beginning and then later quite passionate.
2. Her thinking about the emperor (example - after Wang Yoo's proposal) left me perplexed. If she truly loved Wang Yoo then she would have happily accepted his proposal even after thinking over it. She could have hesitated for other reasons (not feeling worthy or good enough perhaps), but her thinking of the emperor at that moment made her acceptance to Wang Yoo's proposal feel like a compromise at the end.
3. Their chemistry on screen was more thrilling to watch and they had much more screen time together.
4. Their story from the beginning till end was well thought out and written compared to Wang Yoo and Nyangs story. As a viewer you could see their journey together, their story felt complete.
5. Their scenes generally had a modern romantic setting and vibe normally against a beautiful background creating a visually alluring mood and presence between them.

As I was getting confused with who the main lead was; in the middle of watching the drama I decided to read the real story of Empress Ki. The emperor was fundamental to the plot of her becoming an empress. I then understood in the drama why there was a shift to the emperor and the focus was on them rather than Wang Yoo and Nyang. I think this is an example where the combination of having a story with characters based on real life and a fictional story (that didn't actually happen) can be distracting and possibly unnecessary because wang yoo didn't exist in that history meaning he is unessential to the plot of Nyang rising to power and becoming empress ki. So, either the story had to follow the fictional love triangle plot or the historical plot.
The drama ultimately followed history, with the man that gave Nyang position and title.

One thing to note, Nyang didnt look at or think of wang yoo in the same way after returning to the palace. She shed tears for him remembering what had happened between them but after her and the emperor were intimate and had their own family the drama showed she had moved on. You could see her reluctantly, yet slowly falling for the emperor, the scenes prior to the hunting episode showed her softening towards him. After Wang yoo and Nyangs exchanges were short and formal and when they formed an alliance it was purely for political reasons. She cared enough to show compassion, but maintained her emotional boundaries.

Even though the emperor loved and was obsessed with Nyang; her decisions alone determined her fate at the end. She chose to go back to the emperor knowing how he felt about her, she chose to get emotionally and physically close to him, she chose to stay with him, she chose to remain loyal to him, she chose Ayu and her new family, she chose to become the empress, she chose to love the emperor (her only confession in the drama) and stayed by his side no matter what and she chose to forgive all his wrongdoings. This proves she was never in conflict with who she should be with or loyal to, Nyang's conflict was with her identity and where she really belonged in the world (her being Goryeon in China).

Identity crisis was a running theme throughout the drama and this was her main struggle in the story. Apart from running back to wang yoo (if she truly loved him), another reason to return to her homeland would have been the palace not accepting her. But, the drama didn't show her as a coward or weak who would abandon those she loved. She was a woman whose love for her family forced her to protect them at whatever cost and to survive the conflicts inside and outside the palace. She was tough, strong, cold, more deadly towards her enemies, yet at the same time loyal, protective, stayed true to her principles, never wavering in any situation. This was how the viewers could sympathise and root for our heroine in the drama, as opposed to her becoming revengeful, heartless or powerhungry.

Except for a few issues or weaknesses; the story/plot was close to perfect. If I were to be really picky then the few issues would be, for example Bayan's appearance and storyline felt repetitive after Tanashiri's death. I found El Temur's death was dragged and didn't need to hear his long speech. Also Maha wasn't well thought out or needed in the story. Nyang returned to the palace for revenge over what happened to her son and friends, but she could still have taken her revenge over what happened to them without the baby plot line. He was killed off anyway before knowing who his parents were, so what was the point of his storyline in the first place. He was only used to create more angst and conflict between the main characters and to keep wang yoo in the love triangle which by this point was getting tedious as it didn't make any difference to the plot; nothing changed between Nyang and wang yoo.

Frankly, there was enough drama going on in the palace to keep the viewers attention. The drama should have kept to the politics, conspiracies, conflicts and backstabbing within the palace and then Nyang overcoming all that turmoil and focused on the relationship between the emperor and her, rebuilding the trust and reconnecting with each other. This would have kept more with the real facts and a better story. Near the end, the drama felt rushed because there were so many problems and events that had to be resolved.

Finally, after all the trials and tribulations; the final episode felt incredibly moving. I felt that this episode answered alot of questions especially concerning Nyang. In this final episode when the emperor is sick but still alive in her arms, she could just have let him die without confessing. The viewers knew he loved her and he showed her how much she meant to him. He just wanted her to know he loved her. She did say earlier she would tell him her true feelings one day or when the time was right and from the smile on his face after hearing her confession, it seemed like he already knew it. I'm guessing in those times, saying the words 'I love you' was a big deal, it wasn't frequently said compared to nowadays and only said when really felt or meant it. Wang Yoo had said the words to Nyang in her dream in the previous episode but she hadn't reciprocated his feelings. In fact, in the final episode there was no mention or thoughts about Wang Yoo, even when Wang Yoo's men and Nyang were talking about Eagle House and Wang Yoo's name came up, Nyang appeared indifferent, there was no reaction upon hearing his name.

Wang Yoo had the advantage of meeting Nyang first (in childhood and then later as adults), he had alot of FIRSTS with her.
So, her love confession to the emperor was particularly poignant and special as this was his FIRST with her and also the viewers FINALLY hear her express her real feelings.
Ultimately, Nyang remained strong and loyal to her principles and to the man she fell in love with and a country she adopted as her own.

The ending was emotional and bittersweet. Ayu's voice in the background with his parents riding away was touching. I just wish I could have seen all three togther.

But, it was a perfect ending to a perfect drama!

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Enticing, captivating, intriguing, interesting suspense drama!!!!

With a well written plot, fast paced story, no messy side plots, mind blowing twists and turns,The Wanted Detective, has truly impressed me and by far the best detective drama I have ever watched!!
The storyline and its execution is excellent💯👍
The acting of the cast is perfect.
Wang Xingyue has truly excelled in this role and is phenomenal in his acting. 👌
I liked the friendship between Xiao Beiming, Zhong Xueman, Huo Dairong, Feng Qingzhou and Zhuge Kongyun.
A special mention of Deng Kai as Zhuge Kongyun and He Luoluo as Tong Shuang, they really excelled in their roles. 👏
The music is good, action scenes were perfect with not being over the top, and everything else is good.
This was the drama that kept me hooked right from the start itself and imho, I didn't find any boring moments, but rather was deeply invested in it.
The plot proceeds at a very steady pace, the investigation is very good and how the group join hands together to solve the center problem of the whole drama,is truly impressive😍
On a final note, A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DRAMA which is teuly thrilling right from the start and takes you on a roller coaster ride of investigation, emotions, friendship, love, hatred,and trust.
Thank you team The wanted detective for this MASTERPIECE. I cant wait to recommend enough this drama., 💯👍👌

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Perfect!

My goodness! The stepmother was awful! Even her voice was disgusting when I heard it. Superb acting from the cast. Though I must say Sung Hoon was a bit behind. He is very good at humour and other scenes though. This drama is a very good adaptation of marry my husband manwha. This is what I wished the drama was. I have not yet read the manwha for this however the characters are written to well. Each episode was engaging and satisfying. It got received punishment for their actions that was fitting. I adored this! Each episode was enough. It did not drag. It was engaging. I like that they didn’t let Jung wook off with the pitiful child and disabled excuse. He simply used it as a crotch to be a wicked person. Like YuRa. They both had all they could ask for. And used it to abuse their siblings. I’m glad that nobody forgave them. Or settled with the forgiving tactic. Sun Jin’s son deserved more punishment for what he did to Yi Joo. Same with her father. Yura should’ve been kicked out by her father. He should’ve found out that she wasn’t his daughter either then then be disowned for what she do to Jiyoo. We should’ve seen it and be satisfied. My goodness! Either way, I am still happy with this masterpiece! 💋

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Madness, Mayhem and Too Many Emotions

Let me start of by saying that I LOVE THIS DRAMA ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Although the plot and the theme of the drama is far beyond overused, however this drama did a wonderful job in every aspect required.

I will try to write my review without much spoilers.

The writer and the director did a wonderful job in how the pacing of the story went, there was not even a scene that was not required, or was not entering. I normally don't have much expectation of the live action as the production team often tend to add their on take, however this drama managed to stay true to the original story (There were minuscule changes, if I am being 100% honest, but don't care 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Whoever did the casting for this drama requires a pay raise, as they did a fabulous job in finding Yu Wan Yin / Wang Cui Hua and Xiahou Dan / Zhang San. The actors did a wonderful job in brining the characters alive and their chemistry was absolutely marvellous. Starting from the main leads to the side characters, every character was well paid. The male lead (Ryan Cheng) did an excellent job of portraying various emotions as well go deeper into the story. His facial expression are great to the point sometimes I find myself smiling as a response to the scene. The FL (Wang Chu Ran) was great choice as well as she portrayed a FL who was trying to survive a storyline that went against her, her mannerisms and action were spot on and held my attention. One other character I would like to mention is Tang Xiao Tian who played Xiahou Bo (The villain/original ML). I hated his character till the very end to the point I had no sadness when he was in the state he was, but that goes to show how much of an incredible actor he is and his efforts towards the drama, so hats off to him. Also the fact that he is trying an antagonistic character for a change out side of his ML role shows his artistic perception and abilities.

The OST of this drama is also peace worthy as it combined comedic elements where needed as well as some OST's did an excellent job in elevating the mood within the drama.

Overall, it is a well presented drama in the recent years of this particular genre.

I would 100% rewatch this drama.

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THAT DRAMA THAT EVERYONE SHOULD MUST WATCH ✨

10000000000000000000000000000000000/10
This was the first drama I reviewed while I was still watching it (and I was only on episode 4) and now I've finished it and WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DRAMA, I BEG YOU TO WATCH IT IF YOU LIKE TO SMILE A LOT. 🫶
It's incredible from beginning to end, there isn't a bad episode, on the contrary, it only gets better with each episode, you smile until your stomach hurts (in my case 🤣) it's that comfort drama and now that I've finished it I'm so devastated, I think I'll have to watch it again in a while.
More than 200 dramas watched and I can say with certainty that this was the best I've ever watched (it sounds like an exaggeration, but it's really very good).

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Absolute cinema

everyone who gave this drama a rating below 8 don't know about a good show,the drama was everything, intriguing and all,had me clutching my pearls on what was to come next,SARAH KIM👏👏the woman you are ,definitely worth the watch and a masterpiece, shin hye sun murdered the role👏🫡🩷🔥🔥🔥💯the actors delivered and served ,envious of anyone who's gonna watch it for the first time coz it's that good ,the way we was left to wonder who exactly was Sarah kim ,I'd jus take it as a nameless woman with many names who had a Dream and knew what she wanted and no matter how many times she fell she got up until she achieved what she wanted and she made it into the big shark side of the ocean✌️👌💃

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it is not worth of your precious time

This is probably the worst drama series I have ever seen – although I couldn’t even bring myself to watch the last episodes. The female lead is written so poorly that no one could possibly relate to her. She wallows in self‑pity all the time and does nothing to improve her situation. If she isn’t crying, she’s either raging hysterically or so drunk that she embarrasses herself completely night after night. Does anyone even know what she actually does for a living? She spends most days lying in bed, crying over her miserable love life. It’s entirely her own fault that her life is so unhappy. And her parents, with their manipulative behavior, certainly don’t help improve the situation. None of the other characters in the series are pleasant either, nor are they people one would ever want to get to know. I don’t understand why a series about such unpleasant people was ever made.

The series also gives a strange impression of Korean people. Friends and relatives are at times treated very violently and harshly. This includes both emotional and outright physical violence. Alcohol use also seems to be a national problem, if one were to assume that the series reflects real Korean life.

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I can't get it out of my head.

Although I really enjoyed this movie, I wasn't going to write about it, because I thought I didn't have anything interesting to say, but almost a full 24 hours after watching it, I keep replaying it in my head, the more I think about it, the more I like it, the more the pain lingers so I have to put my thoughts about it in writing whether they're interesting or not.

To My Beloved Thief changed my mind about Moon Sangmin, to me he was Just tall handsome guy who just stood there with the same confused expression no matter the situation his carachter is put in, the swimmer in Mermaid prince,the prince in under the Queen's Umbrella, younger guy dating older lady in Cinderella at 2 AM, all the same boring handsome dude ( he was good in Duty after school though, just as or maybe more disgusting than Taeman was in he webtoon). All that to say that I was looking foward to what he would do in Pavane and although he does have that confused handsome guy face in this one, it works so perfectly, Gyeongrok is a sad kid who has had a really tough life, the unflattering way dresses and that gloomy air around him, Moon Sangmin made me care for this guy so badly.

I love that Kim Mijeong kept her look throughout the movie, yes she was quirky, mousy and bashful, that eventually did get better, but finically, no makeup, simple clothing and hairstyle it was just her and she didn't need to change that. The way GyeongRok would light up when he saw her was like stepping into a whole new world, these two usually gloomy people would brighten up, smile, sing and dance, and make us root for their love.

Although the movie is a bit slow at times, it makes sense given the personalities of our two main leads, its a slow burn romance with a devastating ending but it is very much worth watching at least once.

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i watched it multiple years later, here’s my opinion

There are very few korean shows I’ve watched right after they’ve been released and there’s always a small chance that I’ll watch it it if the show blows up. I’ve been disappointed before with those kinds of shows, so I stayed away from “The glory”.
So here’s my totally honest opinion on the show now when it isn’t the topic of most convos.
I actually really liked it, I can understand why it was so popular back then. The storyline was well-built and the actors and actresses did such a good job with their characters. And it was quite rewarding to watch, everyone got their own karma and those who suffered could breathe again after feeling like they were drowning and no one cared.
It was one strong revenge drama, although the ending was not left all the way open but they didn’t conclude the series too punctually either, it was an interesting take definitely.

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