The Netflix series 〈The Scandal〉, which tells the story of Lady Jo, a woman of extraordinary talent who is too gifted to live confined to the roles available to women in the Joseon era; Jo-won, Joseon's greatest ladies' man; and Hee-yeon, a woman drawn into the pair's bold and dangerous wager in love, successfully held its production presentation on Sept. 9 (Wednesday). Director Jung Ji-woo and actors Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook and Nana attended the event and shared a wide range of stories about the series.
Director Jung Ji-woo opened the presentation by introducing 〈The Scandal〉: “It is a story adapted from an 18th-century French novel and set in Joseon. A man and a woman who have shared a deep bond since childhood start a game because they still have unresolved feelings, and a new face becomes entangled in it. The relationship among these three people unfolds through the letters they exchange. It is a story in which their unpredictable inner thoughts emerge and unimaginable events take place.” He added, “I wanted to create a sophisticated and elegant portrait of the late Joseon period. And because the relationship between Lady Jo, played by Son Ye-jin, and Hee-yeon, played by Nana, has never been portrayed, I wanted to bring that relationship vividly to life.” In explaining the special care he took in bringing the 1792 source novel Dangerous Liaisons to the screen as a 2026 series, he heightened expectations for 〈The Scandal〉, reinterpreted through a modern lens.
The actors also explained why they chose 〈The Scandal〉. “There were many reasons, including the fact that I had always wanted to work with director Jung Ji-woo, that it is set in the Joseon era, when desire was forbidden, and that I would be returning to a period drama for the first time in a very long while” (Son Ye-jin); “I found the relationships among the characters in the original novel extremely interesting, and I was very excited when I heard it would be reinterpreted as a series in 2026. It was also a fascinating experience in itself to act alongside two performers with such different styles” (Ji Chang-wook); and “I have been a longtime fan of director Jung Ji-woo, and the role of Hee-yeon is a character unlike anyone I have ever shown during my career. It was also a great honor to work with the two senior actors, so I approached the project with tremendous anticipation” (Nana). Their comments suggested that the fresh appeal of K-period drama unique to 〈The Scandal〉 also felt new to them.
The discussion then turned to the three characters, who will deliver a captivating acting ensemble through their distinct personalities. Son Ye-jin, who plays Lady Jo, the woman who proposes a seductive wager in defiance of an age of taboos, described the work that went into creating the character: “Lady Jo's expressions, lines and inner thoughts were all different. She was a character I had to complete through meticulous, delicate design, with the craftsmanship of an artisan. It was difficult, but it was also an enjoyable process.” Her comments raised anticipation for the performance she will deliver as she returns to a period drama after 24 years. Ji Chang-wook plays Jo-won, Joseon's greatest ladies' man, who enters the wager to obtain what he cannot have. “During filming, I tried to focus closely on my scene partners. Whenever the emotional through line became difficult, the director guided me well,” he said, suggesting that his exceptional chemistry with Son Ye-jin, Nana and director Jung Ji-woo helped him create Jo-won's varied emotional arc and multidimensional character. Nana plays Hee-yeon, a young widow whose life changes after she becomes entangled in the wager between Lady Jo and Jo-won. “Some aspects of my personality that were strongly rooted in me during childhood are very similar to Hee-yeon's. That made it easier for me to understand the circumstances and emotions she faced, and I tried to express the feelings I understood honestly and transparently,” she said, explaining what she focused on to portray Hee-yeon's transformation. Her comments fueled curiosity about how she will bring Hee-yeon to life in her first period drama.
The presentation also offered a closer look at the production of 〈The Scandal〉, an elegant period drama that moves beyond the conventions of traditional historical dramas. “If you look closely at the posters and various images, you will see that every hanbok is completely different. I am very happy that this became an opportunity to showcase hanbok to global viewers,” director Jung Ji-woo said, sparking curiosity about the series' beautiful costumes, which capture Korea's alluring and sophisticated aesthetic. Son Ye-jin said, “Once my costume and hair were done, I truly felt like I had become Lady Jo, and there were so many beautiful hanbok outfits. I put them on with admiration, and I think the restrained beauty of hanbok suited Lady Jo extremely well.” She explained that the beauty of hanbok also greatly helped her immerse herself in the character.
Director Jung Ji-woo also said, “I hope viewers will pay close attention to pansori. I want to introduce how beautiful and fascinating pansori is, and I encourage you to notice how it functions as you watch 〈The Scandal〉.” His comments further raised expectations for the production, which will engage both the eyes and ears. Ji Chang-wook and Nana previewed 〈The Scandal〉's distinctive, sensory production, which is expected to captivate viewers worldwide. “The props that appear throughout, from Jo-won's tinted glasses to the alarm clock, were fascinating. I had a lot of fun working on the project during filming” (Ji Chang-wook); “The Bukchon set left a particularly strong impression on me. The director and the production designer captured Korea's beautiful sensibility so well that I felt as though I were actually in Bukchon” (Nana).
Finally, director Jung Ji-woo said, “I think watching 〈The Scandal〉 during the upcoming holiday will make your break even more enjoyable.” Son Ye-jin said, “There is a lot to see, and if you follow the characters' psychology closely, you will find yourselves thinking about many things. I hope you will look forward to it.” Ji Chang-wook said, “It is an entertaining work with varied imagery, diverse charms and many different relationships. I hope viewers will enjoy it freely, according to their own tastes.” Nana said, “I think it is a very passionate work. I hope you enjoy feeling the intense emotions in 〈The Scandal〉 in their entirety.” They offered those points to watch for as they brought the production presentation to a close.
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