Son Ye Jin and Ji Chang Wook's Netflix 'Scandal' Garners Mixed Reviews Amidst High Buzz

The Netflix series 'Scandal', starring Son Ye Jin and Ji Chang Wook, has quickly risen to the top of Netflix Korea's charts, generating significant buzz. The reunion of Son Ye Jin in a historical drama after 24 years, alongside Ji Chang Wook, drew considerable anticipation even before its release. The show's portrayal of a provocative love game set against a strict Confucian backdrop in the Joseon era has captured viewers' attention.

This series is based on the 1782 French novel 'Dangerous Liaisons' and the 2003 film 'Untold Scandal', depicting forbidden affection and desire in Joseon. Son Ye Jin (Lady Jo) and Ji Chang Wook (Jo Won) play cousins who are also secret conspirators, engaging in a meticulous psychological battle as they wager on seducing the virtuous Hee Yeon (Nana). The production enhances the complexity of female characters and uses voice-over narration centered on letters, creating deep emotional tension beyond a mere adult historical drama.

While some viewers commend the actors' performances and the Korean mise-en-scène, others find the slow-paced narrative, focused on dialogue and psychological warfare, and the extended eight-episode format tedious. Furthermore, the ending, which follows the original novel, differs significantly from the 2003 film, leading to divided opinions among fans of the original work.