Empire of Lust (Korean: 순수의 시대; RR: Sunsuui sidae; lit.

[2][3][4][5][6][7] Kim Min-jae (Shin Ha-kyun), is a brilliant general who's distinguished himself by protecting the borders of the recently established Joseon dynasty.

Due to his position as the King's son-in-law, he is unable to take part in politics and only seeks out pleasure.

Yi Bang-won was instrumental in helping his father overthrow the Goryeo dynasty and found the Joseon, but was passed over when Taejo chose his successor.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae falls in love for the first time with a gisaeng named Ka-hee (Kang Han-na), whom he takes as his concubine, not realizing that she aims to carry out a vendetta against him.