The Scandal: Plot Summary
The story unfolds in the Joseon dynasty, where noble households prize reputation and restraint above everything else. Beneath that polished surface lie hidden ambitions and suppressed longing.
The spark is a proposal made in secret. It draws a brilliant noblewoman and a man famous for his conquests into a calculated game of seduction. Their target is a lady with no idea she has become a piece on their board. What begins as a private wager quickly turns perilous: every move risks exposure in a society that punishes any step outside its rigid rules, and desire proves far harder to control than the players expect.
The tagline sums up its spirit: “Desire what is forbidden.” The Scandal is a period drama about power, temptation and the cost of playing with other people’s hearts. It pairs elegant historical settings with mature, sensual themes. This plot summary covers the premise only, so the twists are left for you to discover.
What Makes The Scandal Notable
- Cast: Son Ye-jin stars as Lady Cho and Ji Chang-wook plays Cho Won. Nana plays 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
- Kang Chan-hee as Kwon In-ho
- Kang Myung-soo as the Commander of the royal guard
- Jeong Gi-seop as the Left State Councillor
- Creative team: Jung Ji-woo created and directed the series. Ahn Hye-song and Lee Seung-yeong wrote the scripts.
- Network and format: This is a South Korean Netflix series in Korean. It has one season of 8 episodes, each running about 80 minutes.
- Release date: All episodes premiered on 18 September 2026, and the series is complete.
- Source material: The Scandal is a remake based on a film and has roots in a novel. It reimagines that story in Joseon-era Korea.
- Content rating: It is rated TV-MA in the US for its erotic and adult content.
Who Will Enjoy The Scandal
- Fans of Korean historical dramas set in the Joseon era
- Viewers who like slow-burn stories of seduction, manipulation and moral risk
- Followers of Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook or Nana
- Adults looking for a mature, sensual period piece rather than a light romance
- Anyone who wants a short, complete series to binge in a few sittings
Where to Watch The Scandal in the US
In the United States, The Scandal streams on Netflix, where it is a Netflix original. It is available on regular Netflix subscription plans and on Netflix Standard with Ads, the lower-priced subscription tier with ads. All 8 episodes are already on the platform.
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 one season of 8 episodes. Each episode runs about 80 minutes, and the series has ended.
- Where can I watch The Scandal legally in the US?
- The Scandal streams on Netflix in the US. It is included with Netflix subscriptions, including the Netflix Standard with Ads plan.
- Who is in the cast of The Scandal?
- Son Ye-jin stars as Lady Cho and Ji Chang-wook plays Cho Won. Nana plays Ahn Hui-yeon, with Shin Youn-ha, Han Seon-hwa, Kang Ji-eun, Kwon Do-kyun and Kang Chan-hee in supporting roles.
- When was The Scandal released?
- The Scandal premiered on Netflix on 18 September 2026, with all 8 episodes released the same day.
- What genre is The Scandal and is it suitable for all ages?
- It is a Korean period drama set in the Joseon dynasty, built around seduction and forbidden desire. It is rated TV-MA in the US because of its erotic content, so it is intended for adult viewers.
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