Netflix's 'The Scandal' Brings Son Ye-jin & Ji Chang-wook to Joseon — Everything to Know About the Sept 18 K-Drama

Netflix's 'The Scandal' Brings Son Ye-jin & Ji Chang-wook Together in a Joseon-Era Romance You Won't Want to Miss

Hold onto your watchlists, because Netflix just dropped a first look at one of the most anticipated K-dramas of the year. The Scandal, a swoon-worthy period romance starring Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You) and Ji Chang-wook (The Sound of Magic), officially hits the platform on September 18, 2026 — and the teaser is already living rent-free in our heads.

This isn't just another K-drama drop. It's an eight-part Netflix Original adaptation of the beloved 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, which itself was a bold reimagining of the French classic Dangerous Liaisons. If you loved the film — or just love a good forbidden romance — this one's basically built for you.

What's 'The Scandal' About?

The story dives into the Joseon Dynasty, where Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin) — a woman whose cunning and intelligence far outshine the limits of the palace's women's quarters — makes a dangerous bet with Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook), the most notorious playboy in Joseon. Their risky game drags in Hui-yeon (played by K-pop-turned-actress Nana), a chaste young widow who gets caught in the crossfire of their escalating seduction and deceit.

It's forbidden love, irresistible temptation, and plenty of scheming — all wrapped in gorgeous period costumes and cinematography. Directed by Jung Ji-woo (known for Somebody, Happy End, and Eungyo), the series promises the kind of tension that makes a drama impossible to pause.

Why This Cast Is a Big Deal

Let's be real: the lineup alone is making headlines. Son Ye-jin is basically K-drama royalty after Crash Landing on You, Something in the Rain, and Thirty-Nine, and this marks one of her most anticipated returns to the small screen. Opposite her, Ji Chang-wook trades his usual action-hero roles (remember Revolver?) for a charismatic, morally gray romantic lead. And rounding it out, Nana proves once again she's way more than a former idol with standout turns in Mask Girl and Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy.

Mark Your Calendar

The Scandal drops all of its eight episodes on Netflix on September 18, 2026. Whether you're here for Son Ye-jin's return, Ji Chang-wook's playboy charm, or just love a good historical romance, this is shaping up to be one of the must-watch K-dramas of the season. Start your countdown now — September is about to get a whole lot spicier. 🍿