In a world bound by order, the most dangerous thing you can do is want something you shouldn’t.
Welcome to ‘The Scandal’, the 2026 Netflix period romance drama that transports a classic tale of seduction and betrayal to the rigid social order of the Joseon dynasty. Inspired by the French novel ‘Les Liaisons dangereuses’ and the 2003 film ‘Untold Scandal’, the series follows three individuals who defy convention and enter a game in which the stakes are hearts and reputations.
Starring: Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, Nana
Director: Jung Ji-woo
Writers: Lee Seung-young, Ahn Hye-song
Episodes: 8
Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Plot
Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin) is a noblewoman living within the constraints of Confucian society, where her intelligence and desires have little place in a world that demands obedience. Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook) is a wealthy aristocrat known for his libertine lifestyle, a man who answers to no one and treats love as a game.
The two strike an agreement to manipulate romantic relationships for their own purposes, testing the boundaries of social convention and seeking amusement in a society that offers them little freedom. However, their arrangement is disrupted when Ahn Hui-yeon (Nana), a young widow unfamiliar with courtship, becomes entangled in their game. What begins as a calculated diversion spirals into unexpected emotional entanglements, leaving all three caught in a web of desire, jealousy, and consequences none of them anticipated.
The Characters
Lady Cho (Played by Son Ye-jin)
A noblewoman who defies the rigid expectations placed upon her, Lady Cho uses her intelligence and wit to navigate a society that demands obedience. Son Ye-jin brings quiet defiance to a woman who plays the game better than anyone—until she risks losing control of it.
Cho Won (Played by Ji Chang-wook)
A wealthy aristocrat known for his libertine lifestyle, Cho Won treats love as a game of conquest. Ji Chang-wook brings charm and danger in equal measure to a man who believes he answers to no one—until he meets someone who makes him question everything.
Ahn Hui-yeon (Played by Nana)
A young widow unfamiliar with the world of courtship, Ahn Hui-yeon navigates a game she never intended to play. Nana brings vulnerability and unexpected strength to a character whose innocence sets a chain of events in motion, turning calculated seduction into chaos.
Why This Drama is Your Next Binge-Watch
- Son Ye-jin’s Grand Return – One of Korea’s most beloved actresses returns to the small screen in a role that demands wit, complexity, and quiet power.
- Ji Chang-wook in His Most Dangerous Role Yet – The actor trades his familiar romantic charm for a darker, more unpredictable character.
- A Classic Story Reimagined – The drama honours its French literary roots while embracing the Joseon setting, creating a story that feels both familiar and fresh.
- Three Leads at the Top of Their Game – The dynamic between Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana drives the drama’s central conflicts and emotional tension.
- Lavish Period Production – The costumes, sets, and cinematography capture the elegance and restraint of the Joseon era while hinting at the passion simmering beneath the surface.
A Deeper Look
At its core, ‘The Scandal’ explores desire, power, and the consequences of treating love as a game. Lady Cho and Cho Won believe they are in control, convinced that their arrangement is clever, harmless, and amusing. However, Ahn Hui-yeon’s arrival exposes the flaw at the heart of their game: emotions cannot be manipulated without consequences.
The drama also examines the constraints placed on women within a rigid social order. Lady Cho possesses intelligence, ambition, and desire but has no legitimate outlet for any of them. Her manipulation is not simply an act of cruelty but a means of survival in a world that offers her little power of her own.
Through its exploration of seduction and betrayal, ‘The Scandal’ also asks whether genuine feelings can survive within a game built on deception—or whether some people are simply incapable of love.
The Final Verdict
‘The Scandal’ is a beautifully crafted, emotionally complex drama that proves some stories are timeless. Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana deliver compelling performances, while the Joseon setting adds layers of repression and longing. It’s seductive, intelligent, and difficult to stop watching. If you love period dramas with bite, this one belongs on your list.
A noblewoman with secrets. A libertine who thinks he knows everything. A widow who changes the game. In Joseon, the most dangerous game of all is love.
Written by: Trisha Deka
Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.
