Netflix has released the first teaser for its upcoming K-drama The Scandal, and it already has viewers talking. The one-minute preview shows three people caught in a risky bet that could change their lives forever. Starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, the series brings a classic story of desire and deception to the Joseon era. The teaser, which dropped on August 25, 2026, gives fans a first look at the tangled relationships and high stakes at the center of the show.
What the Teaser Reveals About the Story
The teaser opens with Jo-won (Ji Chang-wook) and Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin) sitting together. Jo-won asks what she wishes to see, and the conversation quickly turns into something more dangerous. Lady Cho tells him about Hui-yeon (Nana), a woman who has stayed away from men for more than twenty years. This information makes Jo-won curious, and Lady Cho proposes a bet.
If Jo-won can seduce Hui-yeon, Lady Cho promises to reward him. What starts as a game soon becomes much more serious. The teaser shows Jo-won approaching Hui-yeon, but she is not easily won over by his charm. Over time, she slowly begins to give in to him. Meanwhile, Lady Cho watches from the shadows, and the teaser hints that she might also be getting involved in ways she does not openly show.
The tagline “Desire what is forbidden” runs through the promotional materials, pointing to the main conflict of the series. The characters challenge the social rules of their time to pursue what they truly want, and the teaser makes it clear that this pursuit will not come without consequences.
The Cast Bringing This Joseon-Era Drama to Life
Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, a noblewoman whose intelligence and skills go far beyond what is expected of women in her position. She is tired of living by the rules society has set for her and decides to take matters into her own hands. Son Ye-jin is known for her roles in Crash Landing on You, Something in the Rain, and Thirty-Nine.
Ji Chang-wook takes on the role of Jo-won, described as the greatest playboy of Joseon. He sees love as a game and enjoys the excitement of romance without getting too attached. Ji Chang-wook has starred in popular dramas like The K2, Lovestruck in the City, and Welcome to Samdal-ri.
Nana plays Hui-yeon, a virtuous widow who has promised to remain loyal to her late husband. She becomes the target of the bet without knowing what is really happening. Nana first gained fame as a member of K-pop group After School and has since built an acting career with roles in Mask Girl and My Man Is Cupid.
The supporting cast includes Chani, Han Sunhwa, Lee Myung-Hee, Kang Myoung-soo, and DAMIAN.
The Classic Novel Behind The Scandal
The Scandal is based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 French novel Dangerous Liaisons. The story has been adapted many times over the years, including the 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, which drew over 3.5 million viewers despite its restricted rating for adult audiences.
Director Jung Ji-woo is in charge of bringing this new version to life. He is known for his work on Somebody, Tune in for Love, and A Muse. Jung Ji-woo explained his approach to the series:
“I didn’t simply want a romance structure. I built the story around protagonists who possess the modern self-awareness of ‘Who am I?’”
The series moves the classic story to the Joseon Dynasty and reinterprets it from a modern perspective. It shows characters who resist the taboos of their time and make their own choices.
Teaser Posters Add to the Mystery
Along with the teaser trailer, Netflix released three posters that show the characters as if they were part of traditional Korean paintings.
Lady Cho sits in her inner quarters surrounded by red flowers. The image raises questions about why a virtuous noblewoman would propose such a risky wager.
Jo-won appears surrounded by women, matching his reputation as Joseon’s ultimate playboy. His confident expression suggests he believes he can win the bet.
Hui-yeon stands among blooming plum blossoms with a sorrowful look on her face. The poster hints at the difficult situation she will face after unknowingly becoming part of the game.
The posters carry the phrase “Desire what is forbidden,” which sums up the main conflict of the series.
What Viewers Can Expect from the Series
The Scandal is set in Bukchon, the heart of Joseon’s high society. The story follows three characters whose lives become connected through a risky bet. Lady Cho proposes the challenge, Jo-won accepts it with desire in his eyes, and Hui-yeon gets caught in the middle without understanding the full picture.
The teaser builds tension by showing Jo-won approaching Hui-yeon while Lady Cho watches from a distance. Viewers are left wondering what tricks Jo-won will use to win Hui-yeon over, how Lady Cho will react as the game moves forward, and what will happen when the truth comes out.
The series is expected to have a total of eight episodes.
Fans React to the Teaser
Social media platforms lit up after Netflix released the teaser. Fans shared their excitement about seeing these three stars together in a historical drama.
One viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This sounds interesting! Can’t wait to see how they put a twist on a classic.”
Another commented, “Excited for this! Son Ye-jin + Ji Chang-wook in a Joseon Dangerous Liaisons? Instant watch.”
“Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook in the same historical drama? Netflix knows exactly what it’s doing,” wrote a fan.
“JCW is finally back on Netflix. I can’t wait!” another viewer added.
Some fans focused on Ji Chang-wook’s character. One wrote, “Omg!! JCW as a sleaze bag!! I can’t!! I’ve never seen him like this. I’m scared! He’ll kill per usual!”
Another fan commented, “Oh damn i know how the story gonna go we gonna hate him than love him than cry for him but damn im still gonna watch it.”
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Release Date and Where to Watch
The Scandal is scheduled to premiere on September 18, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. The series will be available globally on the streaming platform.
For viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other countries, the show will drop on Netflix on the same date. The series is expected to be available with subtitles in multiple languages.
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