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Netflix has finally announced a release date for " The Scandal ". The historical series starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana will be available on September 18, and this announcement is accompanied by the first individual posters as well as a teaser that immediately sets the drama’s sensual and dangerous tone. This is a highly anticipated drama promotion, since the platform usually releases it a month before the series airs—and they were «running late» for this one!
Adaptation of the famous French novel Dangerous Liaisons Based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel, *The Scandal* transposes its tale of manipulation and desire to the Joseon Dynasty. At the heart of the story is a bet on seduction that could quickly spiral out of control for those who thought they were in charge.
A gamble that will change the course of three lives
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.
But their bet has a specific target: Hui Yeon, played by Nana. Unaware of the true intentions of the other two characters, she finds herself caught up in their lies and may well be the one to completely shake up the rules of the game.
The three posters already reflect these power dynamics. Lady Cho is shown surrounded by red flowers in her quarters, while Cho Won poses confidently among several women. Hui Yeon, on the other hand, stands out with her melancholic expression amid plum blossoms in full bloom.
A tagline accompanies this campaign and perfectly sums up the series« promise: »Desire what is forbidden.”
«Dangerous Liaisons» in the Heart of Joseon
The first teaser adds more drama to this love triangle. Lady Cho makes her bet, Cho Won confidently accepts it, and then begins to get closer to Hui Yeon in order to win the game. Meanwhile, Lady Cho closely watches their relationship unfold.
But the footage already suggests that the line between manipulation and genuine emotion could become much less clear than expected. The game, which was supposed to remain under control, now threatens to spark a full-blown scandal at the heart of Bukchon, a neighborhood where noble families live.
The production also draws on an aesthetic deeply inspired by traditional Korea, which is used to heighten the sensuality and tension between the characters.
The director Jung Ji-woo explained that he wanted to go beyond the simple framework of romance: «I didn’t want to just create a romantic narrative. I built the story around protagonists who possess this modern self-awareness: “Who am I?”»
With this new adaptation, «The Scandal» aims to preserve the fundamental themes of the Dangerous Liaisons — desire, seduction, power, and manipulation — while offering a contemporary interpretation of the characters and their determination to defy the social taboos of their time.
«The Scandal» will be available in its entirety on September 18 on Netflix.
