The royal concubines of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) are one of the most popular sources for storylines for Korean periodic dramas and films. Whether based on true accounts of history or simply taking inspiration, the idea of a beautiful young woman moving up the social ladder solely based on the king’s affection and engaging in a secret battle for power is guaranteed to grab audiences’ attention.

The first detailed recording of a king’s concubine in Korean history dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The concubine system was formally instituted in the Joseon era due to the conservative Confucian culture, which dictated a strict rule of chastity for women, according to the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Any woman working in the palace who caught the eye of the king could become a concubine, so it is likely there were many concubines that were not recorded in the official books. Concubines were given one of eight ranks and placed under the queen.

Some of Korea’s most successful dramas such as MBC’s “Dong Yi” (2010), KBS’s “Jang Hee-bin” (2003) and SBS’s “Ladies of the Palace” (2002) and film “King and the Clown” (2005) feature characters' playing royal concubines controlling the king with their feminine — but often devious — charms. In many of these works, the concubine is depicted as exerting political power through the king, such as changing policies or giving money and power to the people on her side.

Such depictions have made some concubines very familiar to the public such as Jang Noksu (?-1506) of Yeonsangun (1476-1506), Jang Hee-bin (1659-1701) of King Sukjong (1661-1720) and Gyeongbin Bak (?-1533) of King Jungjong (1488-1544). However, many of the portrayals in popular works negative, so it’s often the case that people think of concubines as blood-thirsty power-mongers who are ready to commit evil for their own good and a chance to climb up the royal ladder.

But was that the case for all concubines during the Joseon Dynasty? Professor Lee Mi-sun of Hanshin University’s Korean History Department asked herself this question and thus was born “The Concubine of the Joseon Dynasty,” a comprehensive survey on 175 concubines of the Joseon palace to the 27 kings, which looks at how they were chosen to enter the palaces, their roles and how they were treated.

“Many think of the image of an enchantress who’s preoccupied with the royal veiled enmity when they think of a Joseon era concubine, but I wanted to relinquish that stereotype,” said Lee.

Lee sat down with the JoongAng Ilbo, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily, for an interview on her latest book to talk more about the secrets of the Joseon palace. The following are edited excerpts.

BY YOO SEUNG-UN, YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]