The Treacherous


The Treacherous is a 2015 South Korean period drama film about Joseon's king Yeonsan, directed by Min Kyu-dong. It follows Im Sung-jae, a notorious vassal who, alongside his father Im Sa-hong, manipulated King Yeonsangun of Joseon. The film was theatrically released on May 21, 2015.

Plot

In the 11th year of King Yeonsangun's reign, as schemers vie for power by offering women to control the king, the age of treacherous courtiers begins. Appointed as Chae Hong-sa, Im Sung-jae forcibly recruits beautiful women from across Joseon, calling them Unpyeong, seizing the opportunity to execute his grand ambition for ultimate power. His ruthless actions, indiscriminately abducting noblewomen, commoners, and even the lower class, ignite public outrage.
To tighten his grip, Im Sung-jae and his father, Im Sa-hong, select the stunning Dan-hee for personal training, while the infamous courtesan Jang Nok-su, fearing her loss of influence, enlists Joseon's greatest gisaeng, Seol Jung-mae, to counter Dan-hee. As treacherous courtiers engage in a fierce battle for dominance, Dan-hee and Seol Jung-mae must endure rigorous training to become the ultimate gi-saek and survive in a ruthless game of power and seduction.

Cast

Box office

The film has grossed from 1.11 million admissions at the South Korean box office.

Awards and nominations