Netflix series ‘The Scandal’ tops South Korean charts

The Netflix historical drama series ‘The Scandal’ has premiered to significant attention, quickly reaching the top of the Netflix South Korea charts. Set in the Joseon era, the series is an adaptation of the 1782 French novel ‘Les Liaisons dangereuses’ and the 2003 film ‘Untold Scandal’.

The story follows a dangerous romantic wager between Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin), a talented noblewoman, and her cousin Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook), a notorious playboy. Their game involves seducing Hui Yeon (Nana), a young widow committed to chastity. The plot explores themes of desire, social constraints, and the consequences of manipulation within a rigid Confucian society.

The series has sparked intense discussion regarding its mature themes and explicit scenes. While some viewers have praised the performances and the bold direction by Jung Ji-woo, others have criticized the intensity of the intimate scenes. Lead actors Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana have participated in various promotional interviews, discussing their character preparations and the complexities of the period setting.