A new South Korean drama series adapting the 2003 erotic film Untold Scandal is set to premiere on Netflix on September 18. Titled The Scandal, the eight-episode show revisits the provocative narrative set in the late Joseon era (1392–1910), challenging traditional portrayals of the period as rigidly moral and chaste, particularly in terms of female desire.
The original film, which starred Lee Mi-sook, Bae Yong-joon, and Jeon Do-yeon, was a bold reinterpretation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 18th-century French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, transposing the story of manipulation and forbidden lust into a highly conservative Korean society. It garnered significant commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films rated 19+ in South Korea.
The new series features a star-studded cast led by Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Lim Jin-a (known as Nana). Directed by Jung Ji-woo, known for his work on Happy End (1999) and Eunyo (2012), the project does not directly remake the film. Instead, Jung said at a Seoul press event on September 9 that the adaptation returns to the original novel as its primary source, reconstructing the characters and their relationships from the ground up. He emphasized that viewers would find significant differences from the earlier film in the upcoming series.
The extended format allows for more expansive storytelling, offering deeper exploration of the characters and setting. Jung highlighted the sophisticated culture of the late Joseon period, noting that the series aims to reveal nuances that previous adaptations had not addressed. One of the new narrative focuses is the relationship between Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin), a shrewd noblewoman, and Hui-veon (Nana), a widow committed to chastity. The series follows Lady Cho’s wager with the charismatic Casanova Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook) to seduce Hui-veon, weaving complex emotional and psychological layers.
For Son Ye-jin, the role presented an opportunity to engage with themes of desire and longing set against a backdrop where such feelings were suppressed. She remarked that at this stage in her career, she could fully embody the intensity such a character demands.
The production also seeks to spotlight traditional Korean culture on an international stage. Jung incorporated elements of pansori, the classic Korean musical storytelling tradition, framing the series with this distinctive art form to enhance the narrative’s tone. The visual design employs meticulously crafted hanbok costumes inspired by minhwa, traditional Korean folk paintings. Hanbok designer Chei Kim collaborated closely with the creative team to develop unique palette schemes for the characters, underscoring cultural authenticity.
Scheduled to debut during the Chuseok holiday, The Scandal is positioned as a compelling period drama for festive viewing, promising audiences a combination of historical depth, intricate relationships, and a fresh take on an enduring story.