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With just a few weeks to go before its release, « The Scandal " continues to refine its charm offensive. Netflix has just unveiled new images from Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, three characters bound by a secret wager that could quickly get out of hand for those who thought they had the rules under control.
The drama captures the spirit of the Dangerous Liaisons set in Joseon-era Korea, with a story of desire, manipulation, and freedom thwarted by the conventions of the time. And here at Kdrama Kopi, we know this is one of the most anticipated Korean series of the end of the year… so here are the first images!
Son Ye-jin hides her desires behind the image of an irreproachable noblewoman
Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, a brilliant woman whose talents far exceed the role society is willing to grant her. Yet, in an era when her status as a woman limited her opportunities, she had to suppress many of her ambitions and desires.
The new images play precisely on this contrast. In one of them, Lady Cho appears with her hair down, wearing only a simple traditional undergarment and holding a pipe—a far cry from the expected image of a respectable noblewoman.
Behind her calm exterior, however, lies a strategic woman, capable of making a secret bet that will turn the lives of the three protagonists upside down.
Ji Chang-wook Becomes Joseon's Greatest Heartthrob
Facing her, Ji Chang-wook Cho Won, portrayed as Joseon's most famous seducer.
Born into a prominent family, intelligent and charming, Cho Won once maintained a very open correspondence with Lady Cho, his cousin and confidante. After losing touch with her, he chose a life devoted to pleasure and entertainment.
Years later, another letter from Lady Cho draws him back into her orbit. He then agrees to take part in a dangerous wager, motivated as much by desire as by what he hopes to gain in return.
The drama is thus expected to reveal several facets of the character: his carefree charm, his obsession with pleasure, but also the deeper feelings he tries to hide.
Nana unwittingly becomes the target of the bet
Nana rounds out this trio as Hui Yeon, a young widow who lost her husband before they could even celebrate their wedding.
Forced by the social norms of the time to preserve her chastity, she has virtually no freedom to make decisions about her own life. Resigned to this existence, she meets Cho Won, who will turn her daily life upside down.
The problem: Hui Yeon doesn't know that she has become the subject of the bet between Lady Cho and Cho Won.
The new images also show the three characters writing or reading letters, suggesting that their correspondence will play an important role in the development of their relationships.
Director Jung Ji-woo sums up the tension that is expected to run throughout the drama: «All three characters exhibit a stark contrast between the “self that others see” and the “hidden self.” The psychological tension created by their back-and-forth dynamics—as they risk being discovered or secretly observe one another—will make for a particularly captivating show.»
Between social pretenses, hidden desires, and manipulation, «The Scandal» seems intent on making its main trio much more than just a love triangle.
«The Scandal» will be available in its entirety (and we know how much you love it when that happens!) on September 18 on Netflix. Check out the trailer in our previous article.
