The Scandal

Set in the Joseon era, the story involves a daring and perilous gamble. Lady Cho, a brilliant woman whose wit and talents go far beyond what was expected of women of her time, embarks on a game of manipulation with Cho Won, the kingdom's most famous seducer. Their cruel amusement soon draws a third person into their spiral of lies and pretense, turning the game into an emotional tragedy.

The Characters

Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, a noblewoman whose abilities and ambitions far exceed the traditional role imposed on women of her time. Behind her virtuous exterior lies a particularly clear-headed woman, who decides to propose a wager that is as daring as it is dangerous.

Standing across from her, Ji Chang-wook becomes Cho Won, described as Joseon’s greatest seducer. Accustomed to getting what he wants, he accepts Lady Cho’s proposal and thus finds himself caught up in a game where seduction, pride, and manipulation gradually become intertwined.

Above all, Lady Cho and Cho Won share a common past. The two characters are cousins and used to write to each other when they were children., exchanging letters in which they confided their most intimate thoughts to one another.

When they meet again years later, their bond takes a much more dangerous turn because of a bet. And a third person—Hui Yeon—will become the target.

Nana initially turns down Ji Chang-wook

Nana performs "Hui Yeon", a noblewoman who has been widowed and leads a life very different from Cho Won’s. Dressed in hemp and visibly exhausted as she embroiders, she appears particularly vulnerable in some of the new images.

Yet she longs to lead an independent life, unaware that she has just been drawn into Lady Cho and Cho Won’s game. Cho Won, in fact, begins to approach her in order to win his bet. But his charms don't seem to have the desired effect right away: an early photo shows Hui Yeon clearly pushing him away.

Another image, however, hints at a much more troubling development. This time, Ji Chang-wook and Nana appear to be extremely close, Cho Won leaned toward Hui Yeon as if he were about to kiss her.

This development raises a key question for the future: Will Cho Won simply succeed in seducing Hui Yeon as planned, or will he end up developing feelings he hadn't anticipated?