The only shining star in this week's early ratings was "Empress Ki," which earned an impressive 17.8 percent of the viewers.

Aside from the excellent acting and writing in this historical drama, the stunning locations in Hengdian, China, and the brilliant court costumes make it a pleasure to watch.

And with the first 10 installments of the 50-episode drama neatly out of the way, all the characters have been set in position like a loaded chessboard, ready to check and checkmate each other's desires. T

he Emperor, played by Ji Chang Wook, is caught between the machinations of El Temur, who terrifies him, and the Empress Dowager, who will do anything to stop El Temur.

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