SEOUL — Netflix has announced that its highly anticipated historical drama “The Scandal,” starring award-winning actress Son Ye-jin, will premiere globally on September 18. The streaming giant released the official teaser trailer and promotional poster on Thursday, offering the first glimpse of the seductive and dangerous love triangle set in Korea’s Joseon dynasty.
The series was first unveiled during Netflix’s “What Next” press event in Seoul this January, where the platform showcased its 2025 slate of Korean dramas, films, and variety shows. “The Scandal” immediately drew attention as a remake of the 2003 Korean film “Untold Scandal,” which starred Bae Yong-joon and was itself an adaptation of the classic French novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.”
Plot and Cast
Set in aristocratic Joseon-era Korea, “The Scandal” follows Lady Jo (played by Son Ye-jin), a noblewoman who manipulates a notorious playboy named Jo Won (Ji Chang-wook) into seducing a virtuous widow portrayed by Nana. The story spirals into a web of lust, betrayal, and dangerous obsession among the three characters.
The 45-second teaser opens with Lady Jo proposing a wager to Jo Won: break the widow’s chastity. The playboy accepts with a salacious smirk, while Lady Jo promises a “mysterious reward” upon success. The clip is heavy with tension and erotic undertones, signaling the show’s mature themes.
Production Background
This marks Son Ye-jin’s return to period drama following her acclaimed roles in films like “The Last Princess.” Ji Chang-wook, known for action thrillers such as “The K2” and “Warrior Baek Dong-soo,” takes on a more morally ambiguous character. Nana, a former K-pop star with acting credits in “The Fiery Priest” and “Mask,” plays the conflicted widow.
The series is directed by Jung Ji-woo, whose previous work includes the erotic thriller “The Handmaiden” and the crime drama “The Merciless.”
Broader Context
“The Scandal” is part of Netflix’s aggressive expansion in Korea, where it has invested billions of dollars in original content. The platform’s Korean slate has become a global phenomenon, with hits like “Squid Game,” “The Glory,” and “Physical: 100” driving subscriber growth.
This adaptation also taps into a longstanding fascination with Joseon-era intrigue and romance, a staple of Korean historical dramas. By updating “Untold Scandal” for a streaming audience, Netflix aims to attract both nostalgic fans of the original film and new viewers hungry for high-stakes, visually lavish storytelling.
What’s Next
The series will consist of eight episodes, all dropping on September 18. With its star-studded cast and provocative premise, “The Scandal” is poised to be one of the most talked-about Korean originals of the fall season. Whether it can match the cultural impact of its predecessor—or carve its own legacy—remains to be seen.
