Lust, malice, conspiracy, sexual power struggles, and bloodshed take centre stage in the intense South Korean period drama The Concubine. The characters are driven by their unyielding desires and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, leading to vicious power struggles in a confined world.
The opulent palace setting contrasts sharply with the shadowy underworld lurking beneath, where even the slightest misstep in words or actions can lead to a swift fall from grace.
The line between love and ambition blurs in a high-stakes game of thrones (Photo: The Concubine/Lotte Entertainment)Different Time Period and Setting
Unlike many recent period dramas from South Korea, The Concubine has a distinct anachronistic vibe. Although the setting appears to be the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), given the architectural design, elements from the earlier Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) are evident in the characters’ attire and various other aspects.
The characters’ behaviours align with those of the Joseon period, yet, to the best of my knowledge, there were no historical events that could have inspired such a sensational tale, nor have I ever encountered any stories about the king’s mother overseeing the mating ritual of her son and daughter-in-law from the next room.
Power Struggles and Political Games
Despite its fabricated nature, the cutthroat chase for power in the palace feels all too familiar. The king’s sudden death, surrounded by mystery, sets the stage for the king’s mother (Park Ji-yeong), his stepmother, to seize control and decide who shall be the next monarch.
Without hesitation, she places her own son, Prince Seong-won (Kim Dong-wuk), on the throne and swiftly eliminates any opposition, including the previous king’s father-in-law.
Despite this upheaval, the previous king’s wife, Hwa-yeon (Cho Yeo-jeong), has every reason to worry for her future and her young son’s safety. Though he is but a child, he poses a real threat to the throne and could be killed if his rivals find any justification for it.
South Korean viewers may not be familiar with Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth or Richard III, but they will likely be reminded of the bloodthirsty events that marked the Joseon dynasty and earlier periods.
For instance, King Danjong was deposed by his uncle, only to be later killed when he was considered too troublesome. Similarly, Prince Young-Chang was murdered by King Gwanghaegun, who feared the prince was a more legitimate heir. During these times, the quest for power knew no bounds.
Love, Power, and Betrayal
While his mother is merciless in her pursuit of the throne, Prince Seong-won has a different perspective on his sister-in-law, and the reasons behind this are clear. While still a prince, he met her in her father’s home and has been fixated on her ever since.
His mother already has plans to marry him off to another woman when he ascends the throne, yet he remains determined to have Hwa-yeon, despite his mother’s objections. While it may not seem unusual for a king to take his deceased brother’s wife, it is, however, dangerous to take someone who poses a potential threat to his authority.
Unforgiving Nature of Power Struggles
The king’s mother remains the most dangerous player in this deadly game. Park Ji-young delivers a performance that skillfully portrays the villainous matriarch, who has committed countless atrocities to secure her son’s position. However, as her son’s power grows, she finds herself at odds with him, threatening to unravel her carefully laid plans.
A kingdom’s fate rests in the hands of those willing to sacrifice everything (Photo: The Concubine/Lotte Entertainment)Although Kim Dong-wuk lacks the charisma to convincingly portray the king, he is well-suited for the role of a man trapped between two powerful women who manipulate him.
The film includes several explicit sex scenes involving Kim Dong-wuk, but these moments are more disturbing than erotic, as they expose the dark, obsessive desires driving the characters.
Despite its numerous flaws, The Concubine offers a gripping drama. While many of the characters remain unsympathetic, their complex interactions create an engaging story.
The film’s lavish production design and compelling performances hold the audience’s attention. When the story reaches its conclusion, the revelation of the victor is chilling, as it becomes apparent how far one must go to hold power in such a ruthless world.
