The Concubine (2012 Film)

The Concubine (Korean: 후궁: 제왕의 첩; RR: Hugoong: Jewangui Chub) is a 2012 South Korean period drama film directed by Kim Dae-seung. Set during the Joseon dynasty, the film depicts a complex narrative of political intrigue, forbidden love, and the struggle for survival within the royal palace.

Promotional poster for the film The Concubine.

Plot

The story centers on Hwa-yeon (Cho Yeo-jeong), a woman from a noble family who is deeply in love with Kwon-yoo (Kim Min-jun). Their lives are upended when the King's mother orchestrates a plan to have Hwa-yeon enter the palace as a concubine to the King (Jung Chan). To save Kwon-yoo from execution, Hwa-yeon submits to the arrangement. Years later, following the sudden death of the King, Prince Sungwon (Kim Dong-wook) ascends the throne. As the power dynamics in the palace shift, Hwa-yeon must navigate the dangerous political climate to protect her son and her own life, eventually encountering Kwon-yoo, who has returned to the palace as an eunuch.

Production

The film was directed by Kim Dae-seung, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kim Mee-jeung and Hwang Yoon-jung. Principal photography for the film commenced on November 3, 2011, and concluded on February 28, 2012.

Actress Cho Yeo-jeong — Cho Yeo-jeong as Hwa-yeon.

Actor Kim Dong-wook — Kim Dong-wook as King Sungwon.

Actor Kim Min-jun — Kim Min-jun as Kwon-yoo.

Actress Park Ji-young — Park Ji-young as the King's mother.

Actress Jo Eun-ji — Jo Eun-ji as Geum-ok.

Actor Lee Kyoung-young — Lee Kyoung-young as the chief eunuch.

Actor Park Chul-min — Park Chul-min as the medicine eunuch.

Actor Jung Chan — Jung Chan as the King.

Actress Oh Hyeon-kyeong — Oh Hyeon-kyeong as the vice premier.

Actress Oh Ji-hye — Oh Ji-hye as a court lady.

Scene from the film — A scene from the film.

Reception and Awards

The film was screened at the 17th Busan International Film Festival in 2012 and held its North American premiere at the 12th New York Asian Film Festival in 2013. At the 49th BaekSang Arts Awards in 2013, Jo Eun-ji received the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film.