Released on May 21, 2015 The Treacherous (Korean title: ) is a South Korean historical drama directed by Min Kyoo-dong . It is based on the true historical events of the infamous King Yeonsan-gun
of the Joseon Dynasty, known for his tyranny and carnal excesses. Core Plot & Summary Tyranny and Lust
: The film follows the story of King Yeonsan, a ruler who exploits his subjects to satisfy his personal desires. He orders his beauty recruit officers to gather over 10,000 women from across the country for his court. The Power Behind the Throne : Seemingly loyal retainers, specifically the ambitious Im Sung-jae
, control the King and court dealings by manipulating his obsessions. A Quest for Vengeance
: Amidst the corruption, a mysterious woman enters the palace seeking revenge against the tyrant. Film Production & Style : The production utilized over 10,000 extras
and elaborate palace sets to recreate late 15th-century Korea. Visual Style : Reviewers on The Treacherous (2015) - IMDb
highlight its "outstanding production values," "great visual style," and "beautiful" cinematography. Controversy : The film is noted for its explicit content
, depicting severe sexual decadence, coerced acts, and political corruption, which drew both fascination and criticism. Cast & Crew : Min Kyoo-dong. Ju Ji-hoon as Im Sung-jae. Kim Kang-woo as King Yeonsan-gun. Lim Ji-yeon as Dan-hee. Lee Yoo-young as Seol-jung-mae. Reception & Performance Box Office : The film grossed approximately ₩8.92 billion (US$8.09 million) with 1.11 million admissions in South Korea. Critical Feedback
: Audiences described it as an "audacious" and "abrasive" film that balances being a historical drama with an "erotic art film" style. Parents Guide (Warning) ratings for content categorize it as for nudity, sexual violence, and graphic gore. or more details on the historical accuracy of King Yeonsan's reign? The Treacherous (2015) - IMDb
The 2015 South Korean period drama The Treacherous (original title:
) is a visually striking and provocative film that delves into the dark history of King Yeonsan, often cited as the most tyrannical ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. Movie Overview Directed by Min Kyu-dong , the film holds a rating of
. It explores themes of power, debauchery, and revenge set against a backdrop of political intrigue. Historical Context: The story is based on the real-life figure King Yeonsan-gun
, the 10th king of Joseon, who was notorious for his cruelty and obsession with carnal pleasures. The narrative follows the infamous minister Im Sung-jae
and his father, who act as "treacherous retainers." To control the king, they gather 10,000 beautiful women from across the country to serve his whims. Amidst this chaos, a mysterious woman named enters the palace seeking vengeance against the monarch. Key Cast and Crew Ju Ji-hoon as Im Sung-jae, the manipulative retainer. Kim Kang-woo as King Yeonsan, the erratic and hedonistic ruler. Lim Ji-yeon as Dan-hee, the woman with a hidden agenda. Min Kyu-dong (known for All About My Wife Themes and Style
The film is noted for its lavish cinematography and intense performances, particularly by Kim Kang-woo, who portrays the king's descent into madness. It doesn't shy away from explicit content, illustrating the extreme excesses of the era. Unlike more traditional Korean period dramas (Sageuk), The Treacherous
focuses heavily on the psychological manipulation between the king and his advisors. You can currently find the film on platforms like in certain regions. Disney Plus more films about the Joseon Dynasty or perhaps see a detailed breakdown of King Yeonsan's real history? The Treacherous (2015) - IMDb
Released on May 21, 2015, The Treacherous (Korean: Gansin) is a South Korean historical drama that explores the political instability and corruption of the Joseon court during the reign of the controversial King Yeonsan-gun. Directed by Min Kyu-dong, the film currently holds a 6.1/10 rating on IMDb and is noted for its high production values and intense portrayal of historical events. Synopsis & Plot
The narrative is set in the 11th year of King Yeonsan-gun's reign. The story follows a monarch who, after avenging the death of his mother, loses his grip on reality and begins to exploit his power for personal gain and hedonism.
The Power Struggle: The King appoints his confidant, Im Sung-jae (Ju Ji-hoon), and Sung-jae's father, Im Sa-hong, as "Beauty Recruit Officers" (Chae Hong-sa).
The Recruitment: They are tasked with gathering women from across the country to serve in the palace. This mobilization affects women of all social classes, creating widespread fear and resentment among the populace. the treacherous 2015 imdb
The Training: The recruited women are forced to undergo rigorous training and competition to gain the King's favor, a process that highlights the cruelty of the era.
The Vengeance: Amidst the palace intrigue, a mysterious woman named Dan-hee (Lim Ji-yeon) enters the court with a hidden agenda, seeking revenge against the ruling family. Cast and Crew Director: Min Kyu-dong Key Cast: Ju Ji-hoon as Im Sung-jae Kim Kang-woo as King Yeonsan Lim Ji-yeon as Dan-hee Lee Yoo-young as Seol Jung-mae Chun Ho-jin as Im Sa-hong Cha Ji-yeon as Jang Nok-su Production and Reception
The film is recognized for its unflinching look at the historical figure of King Yeonsan-gun, often cited as one of the most tyrannical rulers in Korean history.
Visual Style: The production has been praised for its visually opulent aesthetic, featuring elaborate costumes and expansive sets. The scale of the film was significant, reportedly utilizing thousands of extras to depict the magnitude of the King's court.
Tone and Content: The movie is categorized by its intense atmosphere and graphic depictions of the King's decadence and the violence of the period.
Box Office: It grossed approximately ₩8.92 billion at the South Korean box office, attracting over 1.1 million viewers during its initial run.
Awards: The film received recognition for its technical merits, including nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design at the 2015 Grand Bell Awards.
For those interested in the historical context, the reign of King Yeonsan-gun remains a subject of intense study in Korean history, representing a period of significant transition and political upheaval.
The 2015 South Korean period drama The Treacherous remains one of the most polarizing films in modern Asian cinema. Directed by Min Kyu-dong, this visually stunning yet unflinchingly brutal film delves into the reign of King Yeonsan, widely considered the worst tyrant in the history of the Joseon Dynasty. For viewers discovering the film today, its IMDb rating and user reviews offer a fascinating glimpse into a cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of historical drama, eroticism, and psychological horror.
Here is a deep dive into The Treacherous, its historical context, and why its IMDb presence continues to generate passionate debate among film enthusiasts. 🎬 The Plot: Power, Madness, and 10,000 Women
Set in the early 16th century, the film follows the real-life historical figure King Yeonsan (played with terrifying intensity by Kim Kang-woo). Traumatized by the execution of his mother, the king descends into madness and extreme debauchery.
To exploit the king's instability, the treacherous courtier Im Sung-jae (Ju Ji-hoon) and his father propose a plan: they will scour the country to gather 10,000 beautiful women to serve the king. Under the guise of training them in the arts of pleasure, the courtiers manipulate the women and the monarch to seize ultimate control of the royal court.
At the center of this chaos is Dan-hee (Lim Ji-yeon), a mysterious woman who enters the palace with a hidden, vengeful agenda against the king. 📊 Decoding the IMDb Reception
On IMDb, The Treacherous holds a score that reflects its highly divisive nature. Rather than a universal consensus, the ratings are a battleground between those who view it as a masterpiece of dark historical drama and those who find it excessively graphic. 🌟 Why Fans Rate it Highly
Stunning Visuals and Cinematography: The film is undeniably gorgeous. From the intricate Joseon-era costumes to the meticulously designed palace sets, every frame is a work of art.
Powerhouse Performances: Kim Kang-woo’s portrayal of the deranged king is frequently cited as a career-defining performance. Ju Ji-hoon also receives immense praise for playing a complex, morally grey protagonist.
Uncompromising Narrative: Unlike many sanitized historical dramas, this film does not shy away from the horrific realities of absolute power and historical accounts of Yeonsan's reign. 🛑 Why It Gets Low Ratings
Extreme Graphic Content: The film contains intense violence, gore, and highly explicit sexual situations. Many IMDb users warn that it crosses the line into being deeply disturbing.
Melodramatic Tones: Some Western viewers find the shift between brutal political maneuvering and intense emotional melodrama to be jarring. 📜 Historical Fact vs. Cinematic Fiction Released on May 21, 2015 The Treacherous (Korean
One of the reasons The Treacherous feels so extreme is that it is heavily based on true historical records. The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty document King Yeonsan's tyranny in vivid detail. He did, in fact, seize hundreds of women from across the country, converted a prestigious university into his personal brothel, and executed anyone who dared to criticize him.
While director Min Kyu-dong takes artistic liberties to craft a compelling cinematic narrative, the sheer scale of the king's madness depicted in the film is anchored in actual history. The film serves as a grim exploration of how absolute power corrupts absolutely. 🎭 More Than Just Shock Value
It is easy to dismiss The Treacherous as mere exploitation cinema due to its heavy focus on eroticism and violence. However, doing so ignores the film's deeper artistic merits.
The training sequences of the women, while highly sexualized, are shot with a clinical, almost athletic rigor that highlights the tragedy of their objectification. The film masterfully uses the female body as a symbol of the battlefield where men fight for political supremacy. It holds up a mirror to the grotesque nature of feudal patriarchy and the lengths to which people will go to survive under a madman. 🏁 The Verdict
The Treacherous (2015) is not a film for the faint of heart. It is a dark, opulent, and disturbing masterpiece that demands a strong stomach. If you are looking for a standard, romanticized K-drama or a light historical romp, you will likely agree with the film's harsher IMDb critics.
However, if you appreciate bold filmmaking, exceptional acting, breathtaking aesthetics, and a fearless dive into the darkest corners of human history, this film is a must-watch. It stands as a unique achievement in South Korean cinema that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
To help you decide if this film is right for your watchlist, let me know:
Do you prefer historically accurate dramas or fictionalized retellings?
Are you comfortable with highly graphic/explicit content in cinema? What are some of your favorite South Korean films?
Whether you are a completionist Korean cinephile or a thrill-seeker looking for the most shocking historical drama ever made, The Treacherous (2015) defies its modest 6.4 rating. The IMDb page acts as a perfect warning label and a curiosity cabinet. It tells you the runtime (115 minutes), the language (Korean), and the visceral terror inside.
Before you press play, read the parental guide. Check the trivia. Understand that you are about to watch the Joseon version of Caligula. That is not a movie for everyone. But for those willing to brave the treachery, it is unforgettable.
Rating on IMDb: 6.4/10
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Rated: R (For brutal violence, strong sexual content, and nudity)
Recommendation: Watch it for Ju Ji-hoon’s performance; stay for the insane production design; cover your eyes for the peacocks.
In 2015, the "treachery" on IMDb wasn't a corporate scandal, but a cinematic one. The South Korean film The Treacherous
was released that year, earning its title—and a lasting reputation—by chronicling the depravity of the Joseon Dynasty’s most infamous tyrant, King Yeonsan. A Tale of Real-World Tyranny
The film isn't just a fictional thriller; it is based on the historic Second Literati Purge of 1504. It follows the "most traitorous men alive," Minister Im Soon-jae and his father, who served as the king's retainers. To please the mad monarch, they rounded up over 10,000 women from across the country to serve as "pleasure-seekers" for the court, using this forced gathering to consolidate their own political power. The IMDb Reception: Visuals vs. Violence
On its IMDb title page, the film remains a lightning rod for debate. Its "treacherous" nature extends to its graphic content, which IMDb users frequently highlight in reviews and the Parents Guide:
Visual Grandeur: Critics and users on IMDb praise the "visually extravagant" production, featuring elaborate palace sets and authentic 15th-century costumes.
Graphic Content: The film earned a "Severe" rating for violence and sexual content. Reviewers often compare it to the controversial 1979 film Caligula, noting that while the story of vengeance is intriguing, the sheer brutality can make it a "difficult watch".
Historical Purge: IMDb’s trivia section details the grim historical reality the film depicts, including the King's brutal executions of concubines and court officials. Why 2015 Was a Turning Point for IMDb Conclusion: Navigating the IMDB Page Whether you are
While The Treacherous was shocking audiences, the year 2015 also marked a shift in how users experienced the site itself. This period was the beginning of the end for the "Old IMDb" that many veterans miss today:
The Rise of Review Bombing: 2015 saw an increase in "blind voting," where fans or detractors would rate films 1/10 or 10/10 before they even premiered, a trend that continues to plague the platform's reliability.
The Message Board Liability: During this time, the infamous message boards—which would eventually be shuttered in 2017—were becoming increasingly toxic, with some critics labeling them "home to pointless and hateful commentary".
Design Shift: 2015-era users began to feel the first pushes toward a "mobile-first" layout that prioritized flashy visuals over the dense, data-heavy lists that researchers relied on. IMDb Is Shutting Down Its Discussion Boards - Variety
Unmasking Tyranny: A Deep Dive into The Treacherous (2015) Released on 21 May 2015, The Treacherous (Korean: 간신; RR: Gansin) is a South Korean historical drama that pushes the boundaries of the period genre. Directed by Min Kyu-dong, the film is a visceral, visually opulent, and highly controversial exploration of the reign of King Yeonsan-gun, often cited as the most tyrannical ruler in the history of the Joseon Dynasty.
On IMDb, the film is noted for its daring "19+" content, blending political intrigue with explicit depictions of sexual decadence and brutal violence. Historical Context: The Madness of King Yeonsan
The film is rooted in recorded history, specifically the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. It focuses on the 11th year of King Yeonsan’s reign, a period marked by his descent into insanity following the discovery of the truth behind his mother’s execution. Yeonsan-gun is historically notorious for:
The Literati Purges: Brutal executions and enslavement of scholars who criticized his rule.
The Chaehongsa: The appointment of "beauty recruitment officers" to seize 10,000 women from across the country to serve as palace entertainers.
Desecration: The appropriation of sacred study halls into personal pleasure grounds. Plot and Key Characters
The narrative follows the "treacherous ministers" who exploit the King's madness for their own gain.
Im Sung-jae (Ju Ji-hoon): The King's childhood friend and chief retainer. He leads the recruitment of the Unpyeong (the conscripted beauties) but finds himself conflicted when he falls for one of them.
King Yeonsan (Kim Kang-woo): Portrayed as a psychopathic and unpredictable monarch driven by a "Freudian excuse"—the trauma of his mother's death.
Dan-hee (Lim Ji-yeon): A mysterious butcher from the lowest class who enters the palace with a hidden agenda of vengeance.
Jang Nok-su (Cha Ji-yeon): The King's infamous consort who views the new recruits as a threat to her power and enlists Seol Jung-mae (Lee Yoo-young) to counter them. Production and Visual Style
Despite its polarizing content, the film is widely praised for its high production values: The Treacherous (2015) - IMDb
For a film this violent, the pedigree is surprisingly high. The full cast list on IMDb reveals:
In the landscape of South Korean cinema, the "Sageuk" (historical drama) genre is typically reserved for tales of honor, loyalty, and royal lineage. However, director Min Kyu-dong’s 2015 film The Treacherous subverts these tropes by focusing on one of the most vilified monarchs in Korean history: King Yeonsan (Joo Ji-hoon). The film chronicles the King’s descent into madness and the plot by his subjects to overthrow him.
On the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), the film holds a moderate rating (hovering around 6.0/10 at the time of writing). This score, however, acts as a mask for a deep polarization among viewers. A close reading of the IMDb data reveals a clash between those viewing the film as an artistic indictment of absolute power and those dismissing it as exploitative "soft-core" cinema.