Originally planned as a 100-episode series, the drama was extended by 24 episodes due to its unexpected popularity.

It was initially believed that Lee Mi-yeon refused to extend her appearance in the drama, but it was later revealed that this was not the case.

The version of Empress Myeongseong played by Lee Mi-yeon was portrayed as a tragic heroine with an angelic image, drawing viewers and achieving ratings of over 30%.

However, from the spring of 2002, when the SBS drama special Successful Story of a Bright Girl aired, ratings began to decline.

Opinions are divided on whether Lee Mi-yeon or Choi Myung-gil gave the better performance: Lee Mi-yeon played a pure and delicate character who awakened to the necessity of political power, while Choi Myung-gil portrayed an intelligent and politically adept heroine.