The series revolves around Gi Seungnyang, a Goryeo-born woman who ascends to power despite the restrictions of the era's class system, and later marries Toghon Temür (Emperor of Mongol Empire) to become an empress of the Yuan dynasty, instead of her first love, Wang Yu. It managed to highlight the deep love the Emperor embedded in Lady Ki and depicts her loves and political ambitions.
AWARDS
| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient |
| 2013 | MBC Drama Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Ha Ji-won |
| 2013 | MBC Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Project Drama | Joo Jin-mo |
| 2013 | MBC Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Project Drama | Ji Chang-wook |
| 2013 | MBC Drama Awards | Writer(s) of the Year | Jang Young-chul, Jung Kyung-soon |
| 2013 | MBC Drama Awards | Best New Actress | Baek Jin-hee |
| 2014 | 50th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actress (TV) | Baek Jin-hee |
| 2014 | 9th Seoul International Drama Awards | Best Series Drama | Empress Ki |
