“The Scandal” is a 2026 Korean drama, 8 episodes, categorized as Romance. It is based on the 18th century French novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” (“Dangerous Liaisons”) by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos; and is streaming on Netflix.
- Memorable Quote: “How could there be any fault with my husband? Rather it is due to my lack of virtue.”
SUMMARY: An intelligent noblewoman trapped by Joseon-era restrictions initiates a dangerous wager with a notorious aristocrat, setting off a game of manipulation and temptation. An innocent young widow is chosen as the target of their scheme.
♦ If Only She Had Been Born a Man
In “The Scandal”, Cho Won received high praise for something written by his cousin, Lady Cho. But she doesn’t hate him for accepting the credit. She understands that’s the way it is for her. Her father understands she is gifted and laments that she was born a woman. Had she only been born a man, she could have accomplished great things. But she is a woman, and so her father arranges her marriage to a nobleman. She dutifully marries so as not to disgrace her family and disappoint her father, even though she and Cho Won are in love with each other.
It’s Not a Game
Lady Cho is an intelligent and charismatic noblewoman whose talents and ambitions are constrained by a society that grants women little freedom. Frustrated by these limitations, she channels her wit and influence into elaborate social games that allow her to exercise powers of manipulation from behind the scenes.
Lady Cho’s closest confidant and occasional accomplice is Cho Won, a wealthy aristocrat renowned for his charm, good looks, and reputation as a relentless seducer. Cho Won is initially driven by amusement rather than sincerity. After all, he can’t have the woman he sincerely loves. What else is there? He views love as little more than a diversion, moving effortlessly through high society without allowing himself to become emotionally attached.
Seeking entertainment as well as validation of her own influence, Lady Cho proposes a daring wager to Cho Won. She challenges him to seduce Ahn Hui-yeon, a young widow determined to remain faithful to the memory of her late husband, whom she never knew. Respected for her virtue and unwavering commitment to traditional values, Ahn Hui-Yeon seems immune to the temptations and manipulations that define the world of nobility around her.
Cho Won accepts the challenge. But what started as a game for amusement gradually evolves into something far more complicated.
Main Characters:
- Lady Cho (played by Son Ye-Jin, “No Other Choice”, “The Last Princess”, “The Truth Beneath”, “The Pirates”, “Blood and Ties”, “Spellbound”, “Crash Landing on You”)
- Cho Won (played by Ji Chang-Wook, “Warrior Baek Dong-Soo”, “The Manipulated”, “The K2”, “Queen Woo”, “Revolver”, “Gangnam B-Side”, “Welcome to Samdal-ri”, “The Worst of Evil”, “The Sound of Magic”, “Suspicious Partner”, “Healer”, “Empress Ki”)
- An Hui-Yeon (played by Nana aka Im Jin-A, “Climax”, “Confession (2022)”, “The Swindlers”, “My Man is Cupid”, “Oh, My Ladylord”, “Glitch”)
Viewership and Rating:
- IMDb: 6.1 out of 10 stars
- My Drama List: 6.9 out of 10 stars
My personal rating is 5 out of 10 stars.
My rating is low because … the actors didn’t look like they really enjoyed playing their roles. The chemistry wasn’t really there. But I had to give stars because this series is visually stunning: the lovely scenery and elegant Joseon-era fashion. Plus, the K-drama series mentioned two real artists of the time period (see below). Also adapting from 18th-century France to 14th-century Joseon? It was an excellent recreation of the “terribly restricted life” in Joseon, whether you were a noble, a commoner, or a slave; and especially if you were a woman. And if you’re a widowed woman? Life is ten times worse!
Complaints from prudes like me are unnecessary nudity. But even without those scenes, in truth, I got bored before completing the second episode. I guess because the “dishonorable intentions” of the main characters were so predictable. The storyline is distasteful, but fortunately, it’s a work of fiction. If it were happening in real life, there’s no way not to interpret the actions and decisions of the male and female leads as just plain selfish and cruel. And of course, they justify their deeds because … they’re really in love with each other. But society, culture, customs, and traditions have kept them from consummating their true love. Therefore, they have to use others to fulfill their unfulfilled desires. That’s a load of crock!
One reviewer specifically complained that it should not be in the Romance genre. I agree. To use the reviewers’ exact words: “Misleading categorization as a ‘Romance’. It is a psychological drama about amoral characters.” (Quote source)
ENTERTAINMENT TRIVIA:
RE: Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”.
The novel has inspired at least eight (8) notable feature-film Western and Asian adaptations and modern retellings. Specifically.
- The Korean film “Untold Scandal” (2003) directed by E J-yong, transplanted Laclos’s story into the Joseon Era.
- The 2018 K-drama series “Tempted” (aka “Great Seducer”) is also based on the novel, but the setting is modern-day Korea.
- “The Scandal”, Netflix’s 2026 K-drama series, also uses the Laclos story in Joseon. However, it is not a remaking the 2003 movie. Netflix says it is based on/reimagines the original novel, while the Korean press says the filmmakers rewrote the characters and relationships rather than simply reproducing the movie “Untold Scandal”.
RE: Real Joseon Artists
It’s also worth noting that “The Scandal” mentioned the works of two famous artists during the Joseon Era.
Shin Saimdang (1504-1551)
The most famous Korean drama is “Saimdang, Light’s Diary” (also known as “Saimdang, Memoir of Colors”), which aired in 2017. It stars Lee Young-ae as the renowned painter, calligrapher, and poet Shin Saimdang. The story blends modern-day art history with a dramatized portrayal of Saimdang’s life during the Joseon Dynasty.
Master Danwon (Kim Hong-do, 1745-1806?)
The best-known Korean drama about this real historical figure is Painter of the Wind (Baramui Hwawon, 2008). In this series, Kim Hong-do (Danwon) is a major character and mentor to the gifted painter Shin Yun-bok. The drama is based on a historical fiction novel and takes some creative liberties, but Kim Hong-do is portrayed as a master painter of the royal academy. Many viewers consider the K-drama to be one of the most visually beautiful sageuk (historical) dramas ever made, and it showcases painting, artistic technique, and the world of Joseon’s court painters. Link to review on PopGeeks: Painter of the Wind ~ Brushstrokes That Reveal Truth.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
Ji Chang Wook Leads October’s Standout K-Dramas with Unique Romance and Settings. | MSN.Com
The Scandal Review: My Honest Take on a Twisted Romance Set in Joseon. | MyAsianBinge
Breaking down the Devastating Ending of The Scandal. | MSN.com
TRAILER/TEASER:
Netflix K-Content. “The Scandal.” YouTube, 7 Sep. 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeISX5E1uJc.
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