New historical drama "Empress Ki" kicks off with an impressive start.

According to Nielsen Korea, MBC's "Empress Ki" ranked first in the 10PM timeslot of Monday-Tuesday dramas, and even raked in a notable double digit rating with 11.1%. It beat the 9.3% rating of SBS's "Suspicious Housekeeper" by 1.8%, while KBS's "Future's Choice" remain to garner dismal ratings with 6.5%.

At the same time, it gained higher rating than the 9.6% final episode rating of its predecessor "Goddess of Fire Jeongi", which is also a historical drama.

According to representatives of the drama, the story of Ki Seung Nyang, who is portrayed by actress Ha Ji Won, is fictional, and the minor alteration of some parts of history were done in order to fit the plotline of the drama.

Many viewers enjoyed the premier episode, noting how they were able to fit many elements such as drama, comedy, action and romance. It also drew attention for skipping a childhood back story, and the drama immediately focused on the current lives of the main characters.

"Empress Ki" is about a Goryeo woman who becomes an empress, as well as the story of love, dynasties and politics. It stars Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook and Joo Jin Moo.

The drama will have fifty episodes, and it airs every Mondays and Tuesdays at 10PM KST.