Step Into a World of Secret Wagers, Royal Politics, and Dangerous Desires in Netflix’s Boldest Period Romance
Set against the strict social order of Joseon-era Korea, The Scandal (스캔들) is a dark, sensual historical romance drama. Adapted from the classic 1782 French novel Dangerous Liaisons (and serving as a series remake of the iconic 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal), this 8-episode Netflix original explores what happens when love becomes a high-stakes game of manipulation, power, and revenge.
Show Overview & Key Details
- Title: The Scandal (스캔들)
- Genre: Historical Romance / Period Drama / Psychological Thriller
- Episodes: 8 Episodes
- Release Date: September 18, 2026
- Platform: Netflix (Global Exclusive)
- Director: Jung Ji-woo (Tune in for Love, Eungyo, Somebody)
The Plot: A Dangerous Game of Seduction
In a society where women are bound by strict moral codes, Lady Cho is an exceptionally intelligent, ambitious noblewoman who secretly orchestrates social and romantic games behind the scenes to exert power over the men around her.
She forms a dangerous pact with Cho Won, Joseon’s most notorious playboy and her childhood confidant. Together, they craft an intricate wager: Cho Won must seduce Hui-yeon, a young, virtuous widow bound to a life of strict chastity after her betrothed passed away before their wedding. As the game of deception unfolds, secret correspondence, hidden motives, and genuine human vulnerability blur the line between emotional manipulation and undeniable attraction—leading toward a ruinous scandal.
Star-Studded Cast & Character Breakdown
- Son Ye-jin as Lady Cho: Marking her grand return to period dramas for the first time in over two decades, the Crash Landing on You star leads the series as the brilliant, sharp-witted mastermind navigating the oppressive social limits placed on noble women.
- Ji Chang-wook as Cho Won: The charismatic heartthrob (The Worst of Evil, Healer) plays Joseon’s most charming rogue, a nobleman who masks his deep emotional wounds behind a lifestyle of hedonism and risk-taking.
- Nana as Hui-yeon: The acclaimed actress and former idol (Mask Girl) takes on her very first historical role as the innocent, pious young widow who becomes the unsuspecting target of Lady Cho and Cho Won’s dangerous bet.
- Kang Chan-hee (SF9’s Chani): Plays Kwon In-ho, a young noble trapped in the web of palace intrigue and courtly secrets.
- Han Sun-hwa: Appears in a key original role added specifically for the series adaptation.
Production Highlights & Director’s Vision
Helmed by acclaimed auteur director Jung Ji-woo, known for his delicate focus on human psychology, intimacy, and tension in films like Tune in for Love and Eungyo, the series focuses on the sharp contrast between public modesty and private desire in historical Korea.
“All three main characters live with a massive gulf between their revealed selves and their hidden selves,” director Jung Ji-woo noted during production. “The psychological tug-of-war as they peek into each other’s secrets builds an intense narrative and visual suspense.”
Combined with breathtaking traditional Hanbok costuming, elegant Korean architecture, and a atmospheric musical score, The Scandal delivers an unforgettable, modern cinematic lens on historical repression.
What Do You Think?
Are you excited to see Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook share the screen in a tense historical romance, or are you a fan of the original Dangerous Liaisons story?
Drop a comment down below and let us know if this period drama is on your watchlist!