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Netflix release of Korean drama ‘The Scandal’

Overview

Netflix has begun promoting its upcoming Korean drama, ‘The Scandal’ (also referred to as ‘Scandal and Intrigue’), an adaptation of the 1782 French novel ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ and the 2003 film ‘Untold Scandal’ set during the Joseon era. Initial promotional efforts included the release of posters and a teaser highlighting the central characters: Lady Cho (Son Ye Jin), Cho Won (Ji Chang Wook), and Hui Yeon (Nana). Following the release of promotional materials, Netflix announced that the series is scheduled to premiere on September 18. The production, directed by Jung Ji Woo, depicts a game of deception and a risky wager between a noblewoman and a prominent playboy that ensnares a young widow. On September 18, the eight-episode series premiered globally, marking the return of actress Son Ye-jin to television dramas following a four-year hiatus. The series quickly reached the top of the Netflix charts in South Korea and Vietnam, eventually reaching the Netflix global top 10 non-English programming list. However, the production has received mixed reviews. While some viewers have praised the performances and bold direction, others have criticized the intensity of the intimate scenes, with some audiences suggesting the show relies heavily on explicit content rather than narrative depth. By late September, critics and viewers expanded on these concerns, describing the pacing as slow and noting a lack of character development. Some reviews suggest that the 19+ rated intimate scenes occasionally feel “mechanical” and fail to enhance the psychological tension. Critics have noted that the slow tempo is a characteristic trait of director Jung Ji Woo, whose cinematic style prioritizes atmosphere and imagery over rapid plot progression. Following the release, actress Son Ye-jin noted that this production marked her first return to the historical drama genre in 24 years.

Entities

Netflix · Nanã · Son Ye Jin · Ji Chang-wook · Son Ye-jin

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Son Ye Jin returns to historical drama genre in Netflix series ‘THE SCANDAL’

    Actress Son Ye Jin returns to historical dramas after 24 years, starring as Lady Jo in the Netflix series ‘THE SCANDAL’, directed by Jung Ji Woo.

  2. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Netflix series The Scandal receives negative reviews

    The Netflix series ‘The Scandal’, starring Son Ye Jin and Ji Chang Wook, has faced criticism for its slow pacing, a stylistic hallmark of director Jung Ji Woo.

  3. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Netflix series ‘The Scandal’ receives mixed reviews

    Netflix's ‘The Scandal’, starring Ji Chang Wook and Son Ye Jin, has received mixed reviews for its pacing and character depth despite its high-profile cast and Joseon-era setting.

  4. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook promote mature Netflix series ‘Scandal’

    Actors Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook joke about the mature content of their new Netflix series ‘Scandal’, while actress Nana addresses viewer feedback regarding her appearance in the production.

  5. [CULTURE] 10 sources
    Netflix series The Scandal draws mixed reviews and actor apologies

    Netflix’s ‘The Scandal’ stars Ji Chang-wook and Son Ye-jin in a Joseon-era drama that has sparked both interest in its complex characters and criticism regarding its pacing and historical visual consistency.

  6. [CULTURE] 11 sources
    Nana apologizes for lip filler controversy in Netflix series ‘The Scandal’

    Actress Nana apologized for lip filler controversy in the Netflix series ‘The Scandal’, admitting her cosmetic choices may have been inappropriate for the historical drama's setting.

  7. [CULTURE] 13 sources
    Netflix series ‘The Scandal’ sparks debate over explicit content

    Netflix's historical drama ‘The Scandal’, starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, has drawn intense debate over its explicit content, use of de-aging CG, and visual portrayal of the Joseon era.

  8. [CULTURE] 16 sources
    Netflix series ‘The Scandal’ tops South Korean charts

    Netflix’s new Joseon-era drama ‘The Scandal’, starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, has topped South Korean charts following its release, sparking debate over its bold themes and explicit scenes.

  9. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Son Ye-jin stars in new Netflix K-drama ‘The Scandal’

    Netflix K-drama ‘The Scandal’, starring Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook, premieres September 18, 2026. The Joseon-era period romance features mature themes and a ‘19+’ rating.

  10. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Netflix releases trailer for Joseon-era drama ‘The Scandal’

    Netflix has released the trailer for ‘The Scandal’, a Joseon-era K-drama starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, based on the classic novel ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’.

  11. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Netflix series ‘Scandal’ starring Son Ye-jin to premiere in September

    Netflix series ‘Scandal’, a Joseon-era remake of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, is set to premiere on September 18.

  12. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Netflix announces September 18 release for drama ‘Scandal’

    Netflix's new Joseon-era drama ‘Scandal’, starring Son Ye Jin, Ji Chang Wook, and Nana, is set to premiere on September 18.

  13. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Netflix drama “The Scandal” releases teaser and posters

    Netflix has released teasers and posters for “The Scandal,” a Joseon-era Korean drama starring Son Ye Jin, Ji Chang Wook, and Nana, based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

Sources

afamily.vn · alias.estadao.com.br · antaranews.com · astig.ph · cafef.vn · chinesepress.com · cinemacafe.net · dmtalkies.com · ekr.chosunonline.com · elfolivre.com.br · europesays.com · folgefonnsenteret.no · glamsham.com · hauterrfly.com · hoahoctro.tienphong.vn · industry.co.id · isplus.com · jawapos.com · kenh14.vn · koreaherald.com · koreastardaily.com · kpophit.com · leisurebyte.com · lifestyle.sindonews.com · lnt.ma · me.mashable.com · medcom.id · melty.fr · musik.kapanlagi.com · pannchoa.com · poltronanerd.com.br · scmp.com · seoul.co.kr · seriesemcena.com.br · showbiz.liputan6.com · singtaousa.com · soha.vn · soompi.com · sportschosun.com · star.ettoday.net · stheadline.com · tangerina.uol.com.br · tenasia.hankyung.com · the-miyanichi.co.jp · tienphong.vn · TIME.com · tuoitre.vn · unniepop.cl

This summary has been updated 25 times: see revision history