Netflix Unveils First Look at Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook ‘The Scandal’

New Delhi, january 21, 2026: The wait is finally over for K-drama fans. On January 21, 2026, Netflix sent waves through the entertainment world by releasing the first-look images for its highly anticipated period romance, The Scandal (working title). Featuring a “dream team” pairing of Hallyu legends Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook, the series is already being hailed as one of the most visually stunning and provocative dramas of the year.

A Joseon Twist on a Classic Tale

The Scandal is a bold reimagining of the 2003 hit film Untold Scandal, which itself was based on the famous French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons). Set against the rigid social backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty, the series explores a world where desires are suppressed, and love is treated as a high-stakes game.

The story follows:

• Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin): A woman of immense talent and intelligence whose ambitions are stifled by the era’s patriarchal rules.
• Jo-won (Ji Chang-wook): The kingdom’s most notorious and charming seducer, who values pleasure over honor.

The two enter into a dangerous wager: a game of seduction designed to corrupt the virtuous Hui-yeon (played by Nana). As the bet unfolds, the lines between performance and genuine emotion begin to blur, threatening to destroy everyone involved.

The Challenges of “Beauty”

During a Netflix showcase held at the Conrad Seoul on the day of the reveal, Son Ye-jin spoke candidly about her return to the period genre—her first since 2002. While the first-look stills showcase her in breathtaking, intricate hanboks, she admitted that maintaining that “perfect” look was no easy feat.

“The hair and accessories are incredibly heavy, and the gestures are restricted,” Son shared. “You can’t lean on one hip or cross your arms; you must stay upright and restrained for months. It turns out that maintaining beauty is very hard work!”

She emphasized that rather than relying on “flashy spectacle,” the series aims for an “aesthetic of empty space” and historical authenticity that highlights the natural beauty of Korean landscapes and architecture.

Why the Hype?

This project marks a significant milestone for both leads. For Son Ye-jin, it is her grand return to the screen and her first-ever Netflix original series since becoming a mother. For Ji Chang-wook, it’s a chance to lean into a more “dangerous” and seductive role, departing from his recent action and “boy-next-door” performances.

The series is directed by Jung Ji-woo, known for his atmospheric and emotionally complex work in Tune in for Love and Somebody. With filming having wrapped in late 2025, the production is now in its final stages.

Release Details

Netflix has confirmed that The Scandal is slated for release in the third quarter of 2026. With its blend of “TV-MA” rated tension, historical elegance, and a powerhouse cast, it is set to be a global sensation.