The Scandal Plot: What Is the Series About?
The Scandal (스캔들) is a Korean period drama set in the Joseon dynasty, a time when every move by a member of the nobility is watched, judged and remembered. Beneath that polished surface, however, people still have desires.
The story begins with a secret proposition. Behind closed doors, it draws three people into a dangerous game of seduction. One is a brilliant noblewoman who has learned to hide what she wants. Another is a man whose talent for romance has made him notorious. The third is a lady who has no idea she has become part of their scheme.
Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, Ji Chang-wook plays Cho Won and Nana plays Ahn Hui-yeon. As the arrangement takes shape, the series explores power, temptation and the price of crossing lines in a society built on rules and reputation. The show’s tagline, “Desire what is forbidden,” sums up its tone. This is a sensual, adult-oriented drama in which hidden wants slowly come to the surface.

What Makes The Scandal Notable
- Star-led cast: Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook head the ensemble, with Nana as Ahn Hui-yeon. The supporting cast includes Shin Youn-ha as Lee So-ok, Han Seon-hwa as So-ok’s mother, Kang Ji-eun as Lady Jeonggyeong, Kwon Do-kyun as Chil-seong and Kang Chan-hee as Kwon In-ho. Kang Myung-soo plays the commander of the royal guard and Jeong Gi-seop plays the Left State Councillor.
- Behind the camera: Jung Ji-woo created and directed the series. The scripts are by Ahn Hye-song and Lee Seung-yeong.
- Netflix original release: The series premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2026.
- Compact format: The show has one season of 8 episodes, and each episode runs around 80 minutes. The series has ended, so the full story is available to watch.
- Source material: The Scandal is a remake based on a movie, and its story has roots in a novel. It reimagines that material in a Joseon-era setting.
Who Will Enjoy The Scandal
- Fans of Korean historical dramas (sageuk) set in the Joseon dynasty
- Viewers who like mature stories about seduction, desire and social scandal
- Followers of Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook or Nana
- Anyone who prefers a short series they can finish in a few sittings
- Fans of remakes and literary adaptations given a new cultural setting
Where to Watch The Scandal in the Philippines
In the Philippines, The Scandal is available on Netflix, which requires a subscription. All 8 episodes were released on September 18, 2026. You can stream the whole season on Netflix at your own pace.
Trailer
Cast
Son Ye-jinas Lady Cho8 episodes
Ji Chang-wookas Cho Won8 episodes
Nanaas Ahn Hui-yeon8 episodes
Han Seon-hwaas So-ok's Mom8 episodes
Shin Youn-haas Lee So-ok8 episodes
Kang Ji-eunas Lady Jeonggyeong8 episodes
Kwon Do-kyunas Chil-seong8 episodes
Kang Chan-heeas Kwon In-ho8 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does The Scandal have?
- The Scandal has 8 episodes in a single season. Each episode runs about 80 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Scandal legally in the Philippines?
- You can watch The Scandal legally in the Philippines on Netflix, which requires a subscription.
- When was The Scandal released?
- The Scandal premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2026. All 8 episodes were released that same day.
- Who is in the cast of The Scandal?
- Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, Ji Chang-wook plays Cho Won and Nana plays Ahn Hui-yeon. They are joined by Shin Youn-ha, Han Seon-hwa, Kang Ji-eun, Kwon Do-kyun and Kang Chan-hee.
- What genre is The Scandal?
- The Scandal is a Korean period drama set in the Joseon dynasty. It focuses on seduction and forbidden desire, and it is a remake based on a movie with roots in a novel.

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