First thing I want to say is, I know that everyone has different tastes but I don't understand why this drama is getting so much hate. The story and themes talked about in this drama aren't the most original but it does not mean that it is a bad drama. The Last Empress is a Korean drama that takes place in an alternate universe in which Korea still has a ruling imperial family. The drama is a story about the power struggles in the palace, the rollercoaster ride of a romance of the Emperor and his new Empress Oh Sunny who was a commoner, and the events leading up to the downfall of the imperial family. The cast in this drama played their characters very well especially Shin Sung Rok (who played the detestable Emperor), Lee Elliya (who played Min Yu Ra the manipulative mistress and secretary of the Emperor) and Oh Ah Rin (the amazing child actress that played the adorable sassy Princess Ah Ri). Also the music used fit the drama well. I would recommend this drama.