The Concubine (2012)
A bold Korean period drama set in the Joseon court, where one woman's survival ignites forbidden desire and deadly power struggles.
The Concubine - Movie Information
- Original Title: 후궁: 제왕의 첩
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Kim Dae-seung
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 6, 2012 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: The Concubine (US), 후궁 : 제왕의 첩 (KR), صیغه (IR), 滿宮春 (HK), 後宮の秘密：2012 (JP), The Concubine (UK), 後宮：色慾天下 (TW)
- Production Companies: Lotte Entertainment, HwangKiSung Films, My Way Film Company
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Concubine - Plot
Living a torturous life of poverty and barely able to survive, Hwa-yeon decides to offer herself as one of the king's concubines. Once inside the royal palace, two men are immediately seized by the woman - the Grand Prince Seong-won, a megalomaniacal ruler drunk with power and lust, and Kwon-yoo, who has everything to lose if his desire for Hwa-yeon is exposed.
The Concubine - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the palace intrigue unfold:
The one the king couldn't have.
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The Concubine - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kim Dae-seung
Main Cast
- Cho Yeo-jeong
- Kim Dong-wook
- Kim Min-jun
- Park Ji-young
- Cho Eun-ji
- Lee Kyung-young
- Ahn Suk-hwan
- Park Cheol-min
- Oh Ji-hye
- Hong Kyeong-yeon
Writers
- Kim Dae-seung
- Kim Mee-jeung
- Hwang Yoon-jung
Producers
- Park Seong-il
The Concubine - FAQs
What is The Concubine about?
The Concubine follows Hwa-yeon, a woman who escapes poverty by entering the Joseon royal court as a king's concubine. Once inside, she becomes the object of obsession for two men: the tyrannical Grand Prince Seong-won and Kwon-yoo, a guard whose forbidden love for her puts everything at risk.
Does The Concubine have a happy ending?
The Concubine builds to a tragic, emotionally devastating conclusion. The film leans fully into the dark traditions of Korean period drama — power corrupts, desire destroys, and the palace offers no escape. Viewers expecting a romantic resolution should brace themselves for something far more somber.
Where can you stream The Concubine?
You can stream The Concubine for free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Plex, Xumo Play, and The Roku Channel. It's also available on AsianCrush and Midnight Pulp. If you prefer to own it, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home all offer purchase and rental options.
Is The Concubine based on a true story?
The Concubine is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from the real world of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). The court politics, the concubine system, and the brutal power dynamics depicted in the film reflect genuine historical practices of the era, lending the story an authentic and unsettling weight.
Who are the main actors in The Concubine?
Cho Yeo-jeong leads the cast as Hwa-yeon, the woman at the center of the story. Kim Dong-wook plays the menacing Grand Prince Seong-won, while Kim Min-jun portrays Kwon-yoo, the guard torn between duty and desire. Park Ji-young and Lee Kyung-young round out the key supporting roles.
What makes The Concubine stand out from other Joseon dramas?
The Concubine pushes well beyond the typical Joseon period drama. Director Kim Dae-seung brings a bold, sensual visual style and refuses to soften the palace's cruelty. The film earned an adults-only rating in South Korea (19+) for its unflinching depiction of desire, manipulation, and violence within the royal court.
What similar films would fans of The Concubine enjoy?
Fans of The Concubine will likely enjoy A Frozen Flower (2008) and The King and the Clown (2005) for their similarly daring takes on Joseon-era court life. Untold Scandal (2003) and Empire of Lust (2015) also explore forbidden desire in historical Korean settings with comparable intensity and visual richness.
How was The Concubine received by critics?
The Concubine earned praise for its lush cinematography by Hwang Ki-suk and Cho Yeo-jeong's commanding lead performance. Critics noted its willingness to embrace erotic tension and political darkness rather than romanticize palace life. The film performed solidly at the South Korean box office, grossing over $16 million worldwide.
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