The Treacherous 2015 Imdb May 2026
The Treacherous (2015) is an audacious South Korean historical drama chronicling the reign of King Yeonsan-gun, noted for its intense, dark atmosphere and visually extravagant, yet explicit, depiction of a tyrannical court. The film focuses on themes of madness and corruption through the lens of a ruler who ordered thousands of women brought to the royal court, offering a challenging viewing experience focused on the darker aspects of the Joseon Dynasty.
, 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
Are you comfortable with highly graphic/explicit content in cinema? What are some of your favorite South Korean films? the treacherous 2015 imdb
Based on real historical events, the film follows the 10th King of Joseon, Yeonsan-gun, who is depicted as an insane tyrant
The Plot Summary According to IMDb
The official IMDb synopsis is brief but brutal: "In the Joseon dynasty, a courtier betrays his king to seize power, only to find himself entangled in court politics and desire." The Treacherous (2015) is an audacious South Korean
Beyond the Gilded Cage: A Look at 'The Treacherous' (2015) If you have spent any time browsing the darker corners of historical drama on IMDb, you have likely stumbled across The Treacherous (2015). Directed by Min Kyu-dong, this South Korean period piece is famous—or perhaps infamous—for being one of the most visually stunning yet "tremendously, exceptionally disturbing" films in recent memory.
His script, Elegy for a Broken Bird, is a delicate, two-hander about a dying pianist and her estranged daughter. It’s his masterpiece. But every studio says the same thing: “Too quiet. No stars. No commercial hook.” Director & Writer: Min Kyu-dong (known for Antique
that delves into the decadence and corruption of the Joseon court under the infamous tyrant King Yeonsan Core Movie Details The Treacherous (Korean title: Release Date: 21 May 2015 IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (based on roughly 2,000 user scores) Min Kyu-dong 2 hours 13 minutes Historical, Political Drama, Mature
- Director & Writer: Min Kyu-dong (known for Antique Bakery and All About My Wife). His pivot to extreme horror-drama shocked his usual fanbase.
- Ju Ji-hoon (Im Sung-jae): Carries the film as the treacherous courtier. His performance is a masterclass in smiling duplicity.
- Kim Kang-woo (King Yeonsan): Often compared to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker in user reviews. His king is a child in a tyrant’s body, prone to weeping one moment and ordering mass executions the next.
- Cha Ji-yeon (Jang Nok-su): The infamous royal concubine. Critics praised her performance as the only "grounded" character in the chaos.