Summary
overs of the Empire follows two teenagers from different social strata who are thrown together. Arisa Jo, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is the most eligible bachelorette in all of Gyeongsung (the capital city). With her Western dresses, movie star hairstyle, and assertive attitude, she embodies bold “Modern” values. Jun Seomoon is her opposite, a young man from the countryside deeply rooted in tradition. When Arisa’s father tasks Jun with escorting her to the big city, their personalities clash and sparks fly. Their unlikely connection opens these teenagers’ eyes to new perspectives amidst the rapidly changing world they find themselves in. On the surface a sweet and funny “will they, won’t they” romance, this story garners depth from its depiction of Korea at a crossroads: a city occupied by Japan, molded by Western influences, and facing a modernity that stirs inner conflicts within its citizens. Rendered in gorgeous full color, this period piece portrays a fascinating city in a tumultuous time, with two winsome characters at its heart.