The Last Empress (South Korean TV Series)
The Last Empress (Korean: 황후의 품격; RR: Hwanghooui Poomkyeok) is a South Korean television drama series that aired on SBS from November 21, 2018, to February 21, 2019. The series is set in an alternate-history version of modern-day South Korea, which is governed by a constitutional monarchy.
The narrative centers on Oh Ssu-Ni (Jang Na-Ra), a musical actress who enters the imperial family through marriage to Emperor Lee Hyuk (Shin Sung-Rok). As she navigates the complexities and dangers of palace life, she encounters Na Wang-Sik (Choi Jin-Hyuk), a bodyguard seeking vengeance for his mother's death. Together, they work to expose the corruption within the imperial family following the death of the Emperor's grandmother.
Production
The series was directed by Joo Dong-Min and written by Kim Sun-Ok. The first script reading was held on September 6, 2018, at the SBS Ilsan Production Center in Tanhyun, South Korea. Originally planned for 48 episodes, the series was extended to 52 episodes during its run.
The broadcast schedule experienced several adjustments. Episodes 33 and 34 were delayed by one day to January 17, 2019, with a recap episode airing on January 16. Additionally, episodes 43 and 44 were rescheduled to February 7, 2019, due to the Lunar New Year holiday.
Cast
- Jang Na-Ra as Oh Ssu-Ni
- Choi Jin-Hyuk as Na Wang-Sik
- Shin Sung-Rok as Lee Hyuk
- Lee Elijah as Min Yoo-Ra
- Shin Eun-Kyung as Empress Dowager Kang
