Empire of Lust (2015 Film)

Empire of Lust (Korean: 순수의 시대; RR: Soonsooui Sidae) is a 2015 South Korean period drama film directed by Ahn Sang-hoon. Set in 1398, during the early years of the Joseon Dynasty, the film explores themes of political ambition and personal desire within the royal court.

Empire of Lust promotional poster — Promotional poster for Empire of Lust.

Plot

The narrative centers on Kim Min-jae (played by Shin Ha-kyun), the supreme commander of the Joseon military, who finds himself entangled in a complex romantic relationship that forces him to risk his position and life. The political backdrop is defined by the ambitions of Yi Bang-won (Jang Hyuk), the son of King Taejo, who played a pivotal role in establishing the dynasty but was passed over for the position of Crown Prince. Meanwhile, the character of Jin (Kang Ha-neul), the son of Kim Min-jae and son-in-law to the King, is depicted as a man excluded from political influence who seeks solace in hedonistic pursuits.

Production

Principal photography for Empire of Lust commenced on April 1, 2014, and concluded on July 15, 2014. The film was distributed by CJ Entertainment and received an international premiere as a centerpiece presentation at the 14th New York Asian Film Festival in 2015.

Shin Ha-kyun as Kim Min-jae — Shin Ha-kyun portrays Kim Min-jae.

Jang Hyuk as Yi Bang-won — Jang Hyuk portrays Prince Yi Bang-won.

Kang Han-na as Ka-hee — Kang Han-na portrays Ka-hee.

Kang Ha-neul as Jin — Kang Ha-neul portrays Jin.

Son Byung-ho as King Taejo — Son Byung-ho portrays King Taejo.

Lee Jae-yong as Jung Do-jeon — Lee Jae-yong portrays Jung Do-jeon.

Choi Moo-sung as Jo Young-gyu — Choi Moo-sung portrays Jo Young-gyu.

Kim Da-ye as Princess Gyeong — Kim Da-ye portrays Princess Gyeong.

Ki Joo-bong as Jo Joon — Ki Joo-bong portrays Jo Joon.