Despite these contentious elements, The Treacherous grossed a solid ₩8.92 billion (around US$8.09 million) from 1.11 million admissions at the South Korean box office, indicating its success in attracting a niche audience interested in high-stakes historical drama. Final Thoughts: A Unique Historical Thriller
Many praise the film for its opulent, dark aesthetic, costume design, and the strong acting performance by Ju Ji-hoon and the supporting cast, as seen in positive IMDb user reviews.
These women are subjected to rigorous, often cruel training to learn how to please the monarch. the treacherous 2015 imdb
More importantly, the film serves as a pre-requisite for modern K-drama fans. If you enjoy the political backstabbing in Kingdom or The Crowned Clown , this is the R-rated, unhinged grandfather of those shows.
The 2015 South Korean period drama The Treacherous (original title: More importantly, the film serves as a pre-requisite
While IMDb lists the film simply as "R," the reality is that The Treacherous contains some of the most unsimulated-looking violence and sexual assault scenes in commercial Korean cinema. Many Western viewers were caught off guard. One top user review on IMDb warns: "This is not 'The King's Speech.' This is torture porn dressed in Hanbok." Another argues: "The brutality is historically accurate to Yeonsan's reign."
If you are interested in South Korean historical cinema that breaks away from traditional romance or political intrigue, The Treacherous offers a unique, albeit disturbing, perspective. It is a film that demands a strong stomach and an appreciation for dark, decadent storytelling. Many Western viewers were caught off guard
To exploit this instability, a manipulative retainer named (Ju Ji-hoon) and his father assume the role of "Chaehong"—the king’s official procurers. They forcefully round up over 10,000 women from across the country, regardless of social class or marital status, to serve as the king's concubines.
As the training intensifies, a deadly competition unfolds. The women must survive brutal elimination trials, while Im Sung-jae finds himself caught between his loyalty to a mad king, his ambition, and his growing feelings for Dan-hee. Analyzing "The Treacherous" on IMDb: A Polarized Reception