'The Scandal' Hits Netflix September 18: Son Ye-jin & Ji Chang-wook's Joseon Romance Looks Unhinged (In the Best Way)

'The Scandal' Comes to Netflix September 18 — Son Ye-jin & Ji Chang-wook Do Joseon Like You've Never Seen

Okay, K-drama besties — clear your calendar for September 18, 2026, because Netflix just officially confirmed the release date for The Scandal, and the cast alone is enough to break the internet. We're talking Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You) and Ji Chang-wook (The Sound of Magic) in the same period romance, with Nana (Mask Girl) rounding out a love triangle that's about to get very messy — in the best way possible.

This eight-part Netflix Original is a small-screen adaptation of the legendary 2003 film Untold Scandal, directed by Jung Ji-woo — the filmmaker behind Somebody, Tune in for Love, and Eungyo. If his track record is anything to go by, this one's going to be as gorgeous as it is dangerous.

What's the Story?

Set in the Joseon era, The Scandal follows Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin), a woman whose wit and skill refuse to be confined to the women's quarters, and Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook), the greatest playboy of the era who lives for pleasure and excitement. They strike a risky bet — and in the process drag in Hui-yeon (Nana), a widowed noblewoman who gets tangled up in their escalating games of seduction and deceit.

Forbidden love? Check. Irresistible seduction? Double check. A story where passion wasn't exactly legal in polite society? That's the whole point — and honestly, watching these three play cat-and-mouse is going to be appointment viewing.

The Cast Is Absolutely Loaded

This isn't just a two-star show. The supporting lineup is stacked too: Han Sun-hwa (Work Later Drink Now, My Sweet Mobster) joins the cast, and SF9's Chani plays Kwon In-ho. Also, fun fact: this marks Son Ye-jin's first K-drama series in four years — her last was Thirty-Nine back in 2022. Meanwhile, Ji Chang-wook is coming off Welcome to Samdal-ri and Revolver, and Nana is riding the wave from Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy.

Filming wrapped back in September 2025, so this has been aging like fine makgeolli — and Netflix dropped official posters and a teaser trailer to celebrate the confirmed date. The vibes are immaculate: rich costumes, palace intrigue, and three leads who know exactly how to serve looks.

When Can You Watch It?

September 18, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. All eight episodes drop at once, so you know what that means — cancel your Friday plans, order the fried chicken, and settle in for a binge session that your group chat won't shut up about. If you loved the historical melodrama of Crash Landing on You's softer moments or the chaos of Mask Girl, The Scandal is shaping up to be your next obsession.

Mark the date, hit that reminder button, and get ready — Joseon's most dangerous love game is almost here. (￣▽￣)ノ