The Treacherous

In recent years, Korean cinema has produced quite a number of historical dramas. Although not as highly regarded as Chinese historical dramas, many films have left a deep impression on viewers, both in film and television. Quite a few of them have been rated 18+ due to numerous explicit scenes, with the most notable example being the film The Treacherous, released in 2015. However, thanks to meticulous production and a cast of young, beautiful, and fairly well-known actors, the film has been highly praised not only for its content but also for its meaningful message, which is rare for a film filled with explicit scenes.

The plot of The Treacherous revolves around Yeonsangun, a brutal and ambitious king. Instead of implementing reforms to improve the lives of the people, he indulged in debauchery within the court, disregarding the affairs of the state. He continuously engaged in wild parties and recruited new concubines, forgetting his responsibilities to govern and care for his people. Prince Yeonsan (played by Kim Kang Woo) became increasingly mad, enjoying killing people as he believed they were all responsible for his mother’s death. He appointed his long-time friend Im Soong-Jae (played by Ju Ji-Hoon) and his father to high-ranking positions.

Later, they were ordered to select beautiful women from all over the country for Prince Yeonsan’s pleasure. Women were brought in solely for their beauty, regardless of their marital status or social class, which caused widespread anger. Among them was Dan-Hee (played by Lim Ji-Yeon), a beautiful woman from the lowest class—a butcher. She saved Im Soong-Jae from danger and then begged him to take her to the palace. Im Soong-Jae refused due to his own personal reasons. However, Dan-Hee eventually found her way into the palace. Im Soong-Jae became conflicted, while the Prince became consumed with lust after seeing Dan-Hee’s beauty.

This not only created chaos among the officials in the court but also led to complex secret battles, not just within the royal palace but also in the harem, where the concubines were still competing for the Emperor’s favor. All of this led to issues that became nearly impossible to resolve. Will there be a coup against the regime where desire reigns, and where the corruption, from the officials to the king himself, has reached its peak?