The Last Empress (TV series)

The Last Empress () is a South Korean television series starring Jang Na-ra, Choi Jin-hyuk, Shin Sung-rok, Lee Elijah, and Shin Eun-kyung. It aired on SBS Wednesdays and Thursdays at the 22:00 KST time slot from November 21, 2018 to February 21, 2019 for 52 episodes.
Originally slated for 48 episodes, "The Last Empress" was extended to 52 episodes due to its popularity. It received high viewership ratings and positive reviews for its fast-paced and unpredictable plot. On its 24th episode on December 27, 2018, "The Last Empress" garnered nationwide ratings of 17.9%, making it the highest rating weekday mini-series for Korean terrestrial television in 2018. It surpassed the record previously held by the drama "Return."
Synopsis.
"The Last Empress" is set in a hypothetical constitutional monarchy in 2018 and follows the life of a musical actress who marries the Emperor of the Korean Empire. She searches for true love and happiness as she contends with palace life, eventually getting entangled in the murder of the emperor's grandmother, leading to the demise of the imperial family.
Production.
The first script reading for the drama was held on September 6, 2018 at the SBS Ilsan Production Center with the attendance of cast and crew.
Kim Jung-tae was originally cast for the role of Ma Pil-joo. He decided to resign after being diagnosed with liver cancer and was replaced by Yoon Joo-man.
On November 19, 2018, Choi Jin-hyuk suffered an injury while filming an action scene that required 30 stitches on his forehead.
While filming on December 18, 2018, Shin Sung-rok fractured his toe and underwent surgery the following day. He resumed filming activities the day after his surgery.
Due to scheduling conflict, Choi Jin-hyuk was not able to participate filming the 4-episode extension. He completed filming until episode 48 as originally planned.
On February 25, 2019, the production released an epilogue featuring Jang Na-ra and Shin Sung-rok on Naver TV and SBS NOW YouTube channel.
Working condition controversy.
On October 25, 2018, SBS signed individual contracts with the staff of "The Last Empress" to ensure better working conditions. However, according to the Hope Alliance Labor Union (HALU), the network and the production company SM Life Design Group (SMLDG) violated the contracts when they continued to extend work schedules without consent from workers.
The HALU also alleged that, "From November 21 to 30, the staff [of "The Last Empress"] had to undergo ten consecutive days of intense filming schedules that lasted for many hours without a single day of rest."
On December 17, 2018, HALU filed a bill of indictment with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) against SBS and SMLDG.
Viewership.
In the table below, represent the lowest ratings and represent the highest ratings.