Empress Ki is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix and Kocowa, and in the US on Rakuten Viki and OnDemandKorea, and it earns its set pieces rather than just delivering them. Across 1 season, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. No filler scenes, no spinning wheels between the action. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Empress Ki keeps coming up in conversation. The choreography in Empress Ki serves the story instead of interrupting it. A woman born in Korea navigates her way through love, war, politics and national loyalties to become a powerful empress in China's Yuan dynasty. Ha Ji-won and Ju Jin-mo lead a cast that earns every set piece rather than just filling it. It first aired in 2013–2014. What separates Empress Ki from disposable action entertainment is character work that survives the explosions. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

The genre has a long history of front-loading its best moments — Empress Ki is not one of those. Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is the obvious comparison, but Empress Ki earns its own place alongside it. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. Ha Ji-won brings a physicality to the role that elevates every set piece. Action that earns its sequences rather than just delivering them.

Empress Ki wrapped up in 2014, created by Han Hee — and 1 season is available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro's free voice app makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just say the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.