Netflix has announced a new Korean historical drama series titled “Scandals.” The series is set in the Joseon dynasty and brings together a star-studded cast. It features Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana in roles that promise to explore themes of love, power, and strict social expectations. The production is inspired by the 2003 film “Untold Scandal,” itself an adaptation of the French novel Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. This article outlines the details of the announcement, the key cast members, and the story’s inspiration, while also comparing the new series with previous adaptations of the classic tale.
Series Announcement Details
Netflix confirmed the production of “Scandals” as a new historical drama. The series is set during the Joseon era, a period known for its strict cultural rules and expectations. The announcement emphasizes that the story will center on a wager between two characters who challenge the social norms of their time. This new project is part of Netflix’s effort to expand its collection of Korean dramas and reach a global audience with stories that mix history with personal conflict.
The drama is designed to show how personal choices can clash with longstanding traditions. In doing so, it offers viewers an insight into the societal restrictions of the time and how individuals navigated them. The premise focuses on a calculated challenge that sets off a series of events with far-reaching consequences for the characters involved.
Cast and Characters
“Scandals” features some of Korea’s most well-known actors. Son Ye-jin takes on the role of Lady Cho, a woman who is constrained by the limited roles available to women in her society. She initiates a romantic wager with her admirer, Cho Won. Ji Chang-wook plays Cho Won, a man known for his charm and carefree approach to relationships. His character is set to respond to Lady Cho’s challenge with equal parts wit and ambition.
The series also stars Nana, who plays Hui-yeon. Hui-yeon is portrayed as a widow who has pledged to remain chaste. However, her encounter with Cho Won stirs unexpected emotions and sets the stage for further complications. The casting choices have drawn attention because each actor has built a strong reputation from previous roles in popular dramas and films, making the series a topic of interest for viewers around the world.
Historical Inspiration Update
The new drama takes its cue from the classic narrative found in Dangerous Liaisons. This French novel has inspired several adaptations over the years. The 2003 film “Untold Scandal” successfully reimagined the story in a Korean context, and “Scandals” follows in that tradition. The narrative weaves a tale of power plays and complex relationships, rooted in the strict social codes of the Joseon period.
The choice to adapt a story originally set in a different time and place underscores how universal the themes of seduction, betrayal, and social constraint can be. By repositioning the tale in the historical setting of Korea, the series aims to provide a fresh perspective while remaining true to the core ideas of the original work.
Director and Production
The series will be directed by Jung Ji-woo, who brings a strong background in both television and film projects. His previous work includes Netflix’s “Somebody” and the feature film “Tune in for Love.” Jung Ji-woo’s experience in handling complex narratives is expected to add depth to the production.
Producers have not yet disclosed the full production schedule or the release date, but the commitment to authenticity and attention to historical detail is evident. The production team is working to ensure that every element—from the costumes and set designs to the dialogue and cultural nuances—accurately reflects the era in which the story is set.
Story and Themes
“Scandals” is structured around a carefully constructed challenge between its two main characters. Lady Cho’s wager with Cho Won brings forward the conflict between personal desire and societal duty. The drama examines how individuals in the Joseon era had to balance private feelings with public expectations. This clash is at the heart of the series and provides a backdrop for exploring issues like honor, duty, and the consequences of defying norms.
The narrative also introduces complex secondary characters. For example, Hui-yeon’s role as a widow who reconsiders her long-held vow of chastity adds further depth to the story. Her journey represents the internal conflict many face when personal feelings collide with rigid traditions.
Adaptation Comparisons Overview
The new series joins a long list of adaptations inspired by Dangerous Liaisons. Previous versions include films like the 1988 adaptation directed by Stephen Frears and the 1989 film “Valmont.” Each adaptation has offered a different take on the themes of seduction, betrayal, and manipulation. More recent reworkings, such as the teen drama “Cruel Intentions” (1999) and the 2022 prequel series on Starz, have reinterpreted the narrative in modern settings or provided new backstories for the characters.
Netflix’s “Scandals” aims to bring a fresh approach by recontextualizing the narrative within the historical framework of the Joseon dynasty. While it remains anchored in the familiar themes of the original story, the series seeks to explore these ideas in a setting that has not been widely examined in previous adaptations.
Future Production Plans
While many details remain under wraps, the production of “Scandals” is moving forward with enthusiasm from both the creative team and the cast. Fans of Korean dramas and lovers of historical narratives will find this project particularly appealing. As more information becomes available about filming schedules and the eventual release date, updates are expected to provide further insight into the production process.
Netflix is known for its diverse content, and this series is set to add another layer to its growing library of international dramas. Viewers can look forward to a story that combines historical depth with engaging personal narratives, presented in a clear and accessible manner.
For more updates on Scandals, tune in to Vviptimes.
SOURCE: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire
