Netflix’s upcoming Korean drama The Scandal has released new posters and a teaser, offering a closer look at the complicated relationships and dangerous game at the centre of the story. Starring Son Ye Jin, Ji Chang Wook and Nana, the series is set in the Joseon era and follows three characters whose lives become connected through a risky bet.
The story focuses on Lady Cho, played by Son Ye Jin, a woman whose intelligence and skills go beyond what is expected of women living in the inner quarters. She becomes involved in a dangerous game of love and deception with Cho Won, played by Ji Chang Wook, who is known as one of Joseon’s biggest playboys.
The third important character is Hui Yeon, played by Nana. She becomes involved in the wager without fully knowing what is happening. As the game develops, she finds herself caught between the two characters and their growing plans.
The newly released posters present the three characters as if they are part of traditional paintings. Lady Cho is shown sitting among red flowers, raising questions about the reason behind her proposal and the desires she is hiding.
Cho Won appears surrounded by women, matching his reputation as a charming ladies’ man. His expression suggests that he is confident about winning the bet and getting what he wants. Hui Yeon, meanwhile, is shown among blooming plum blossoms with a more troubled expression, hinting at the difficult situation she may face.
The posters carry the phrase, “Desire what is forbidden,” which reflects the main conflict of the series. The story explores how the characters challenge the social rules and expectations of their time while dealing with their own desires.
The teaser introduces the beginning of the scandal that threatens to disturb Bukchon, an area where the Joseon nobility has established itself. Lady Cho makes her proposal, which Cho Won accepts, while Hui Yeon is shown looking frightened as the situation develops.
The Scandal is based on French writer Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel Dangerous Liaisons, but moves the story to the Joseon Dynasty.
Director Jung Ji Woo explained, “I didn’t simply want a romance structure. I built the story around protagonists who possess the modern self-awareness of ‘Who am I?’”
The Scandal is scheduled to premiere on September 18.
