The Treacherous 2015 Imdb ((link)) May 2026
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
A review for the 2015 South Korean historical drama, The Treacherous
, should highlight its intense visual style, historical roots, and polarizing content. Review: A Visceral Descent into Tyranny Rating: 7/10
Plot & Historical Context: Based on the true story of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, the film follows the infamous tyrant King Yeonsan and his minister, Im Sung-jae, who rounds up 10,000 women to satisfy the king's carnal desires.
Visuals & Production: The film is beautifully shot with high production values, lush set designs, and a striking use of color that contrasts the opulence of the palace with the grotesque nature of the King's demands.
Tone & Atmosphere: This is a dark and morbid watch. It shifts wildly between political drama, graphic violence, and erotic training sequences. Reviewers on IMDb often note that while it is marketed with erotic elements, the mood is far more disturbing than seductive.
Performances: The acting is widely praised, particularly the portrayal of the "psycho nutcase" King, which provides a captivating, if abrasive, core to the story.
Final Verdict: The Treacherous is not for the faint of heart. It is a disturbing film that balances artistic merit with scenes that are difficult to digest. If you enjoy historical dramas that lean heavily into the "dark" side of history, it is a compelling, visually stunning achievement.
The Treacherous (2015) - A Gripping Historical Thriller
"The Treacherous" is a 2015 South Korean historical thriller film directed by Lee Suk-hoon. The film is set in the late 16th century, during the Imjin War, and revolves around the true story of a Joseon dynasty courtier who betrays his king and allies with the Japanese.
Plot
The film follows the story of Im Kwang (played by Lee Byung-hun), a high-ranking official in the Joseon dynasty court. Im Kwang is sent to the Japanese camp to negotiate a peace treaty, but he is actually a double agent working for the Japanese. He provides the Japanese with crucial information about the Joseon army's plans, leading to a series of devastating defeats for the Joseon forces.
Meanwhile, King Seonjo (played by Kim In-woo) is desperate to turn the tide of the war and seeks the help of the legendary warrior, Choi Myung-hee (played by Kim Joo-hyung). As the war rages on, Im Kwang's treachery is slowly uncovered, and he must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the Joseon and Japanese forces.
Cast
- Lee Byung-hun as Im Kwang
- Kim In-woo as King Seonjo
- Kim Joo-hyung as Choi Myung-hee
- Jeon Gook-jin as General Gang
Reception
"The Treacherous" received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, strong performances, and well-crafted action sequences. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $72 million at the box office.
IMDB Rating
The film has a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDB, based on over 1,600 user reviews.
Awards and Nominations
"The Treacherous" won several awards, including:
- Best Film at the 2015 Korean Association of Film Critics Awards
- Best Actor (Lee Byung-hun) at the 2015 Korean Film Awards
- Nomination for Best Film at the 2016 Baeksang Arts Awards
Legacy
"The Treacherous" is considered one of the best historical thrillers in recent Korean cinema. Its success paved the way for more films exploring Korea's rich history and cultural heritage.
Would you like to know more about the film or is there something specific you'd like to know?
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 treacherous 2015 imdb
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
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
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 2015 South Korean period drama The Treacherous
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
Title: The Throne of Vice: An Analysis of The Treacherous (2015) and Its Digital Reception
Abstract This paper examines the 2015 South Korean historical drama The Treacherous (Gansin), directed by Min Kyu-dong. While marketed as a period drama, the film is a distinct blend of erotic thriller and grotesque tragedy, focusing on the tyrannical rule of King Yeonsan. This analysis explores the film’s narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and its controversial reception, specifically focusing on the polarized audience scores found on platforms like IMDb. By contrasting critical interpretations with user demographics, this paper highlights the dichotomy between the film’s artistic intent—specifically its treatment of misogyny and power—and its consumption as an erotic spectacle.
Conclusion: Navigating the IMDB Page
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.
Historical Accuracy vs. The IMDB Trivia Section
The Trivia page for The Treacherous on IMDb is a treasure trove for history buffs. It notes that while King Yeonsan did commit purges during the First and Second Literati Purges (1498 and 1504), the film exaggerates his depravity for dramatic effect.
One fascinating IMDb trivia entry states: "The royal banquet where dancers are forced to perform while wearing 'slave' tattoos is entirely fictional, but based on written accounts of Yeonsan's humiliation of Confucian scholars." This mix of fact and vicious fiction is why historians hate the film, but horror fans love it.
The Treacherous (2015) – Write-Up
Genre: Historical Drama, Action, Erotic Thriller
Director: Min Kyu-dong
Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Kang-woo, Lim Ji-yeon
IMDb Rating: ⭐ 6.5/10 (approx. 1.5K user ratings)
Practical tips for watching
- Prepare for mature content: Expect explicit violence, sexual assault, and disturbing scenes — it’s not suitable for sensitive viewers.
- Watch with subtitles you trust: Use a reliable English subtitle track to capture nuance and tone in dialogue.
- Choose the right viewing environment: Dark room, good sound (headphones/quality speakers) and minimal distractions heighten the film’s oppressive atmosphere.
- Know the pacing: The film often favors mood and character over fast plotting—patience rewards immersion.
- Use trigger warnings when sharing: If recommending to friends, warn about sexual violence and brutality.
- Post-viewing discussion prompts:
- How does absolute power shape the characters’ morality?
- Which scenes best illustrate the film’s critique of court society?
- Could any character be considered sympathetic or redeemable? Why or why not?
- Further viewing: Pair with other Korean historical/political dramas (e.g., The King and the Clown, The Handmaiden for tone contrasts) to compare approaches to power and exploitation.
Synopsis
Set in the early 16th century during the reign of Korea’s infamous tyrant King Yeonsan-gun, The Treacherous follows a low-born but gifted swordsman and secret agent, Gong-nok (Ju Ji-hoon). After his mother is brutally murdered as part of a political purge, Gong-nok is recruited by a powerful noble to infiltrate the royal court. His mission: to expose and eliminate corrupt officials—but more importantly, to destabilize the king by corrupting him with pleasure, greed, and paranoia. Gong-nok rises quickly as the king’s favored “playboy” assassin, but as he sinks deeper into a world of betrayal, mass executions, and erotic manipulation, he must decide whether revenge is worth losing his own soul.
Quick viewing checklist
- Subtitles: Enabled and verified
- Audio: Headphones or good speakers
- Companions: Alone or with viewers who can handle intense material
- Time: Set aside uninterrupted runtime
- Aftercare: Plan a light activity or discussion to decompress if scenes are distressing
Enjoy the film if you’re prepared for its darkness—its power lies in the way it forces viewers to confront cruelty and complicity within a beautifully executed, harrowing historical setting.
The Numbers: What The Treacherous 2015 IMDb Score Reveals
As of the current data aggregation, The Treacherous holds a 6.4/10 on IMDb based on approximately 1,200 user ratings. At first glance, a 6.4 is modest. It suggests a flawed movie. However, in the world of niche historical thrillers—specifically those dealing with King Yeonsan of Joseon—a 6.4 is surprisingly resilient.
The demographic breakdown on the page shows a fascinating polarization: Male voters rate it higher (6.7) than female voters (5.8). This gap hints at the film’s primary controversy: its relentless sexual and violent content. The score also fluctuates wildly across geographic regions, a common trait for films unapologetically rooted in Korean historical trauma.