What is the original work of Netflix's Scandal? Release date, level of explicitness, characters

Netflix's 'Scandal' launching on September 18, 2026! Check everything at a glance, from comparisons between the original novel and the 2003 film to content levels and a summary of the cast including Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana.

 

1. What is the release date and number of episodes for Netflix's 'Scandal'?

I’ll start by letting you know the release schedule you’re probably most curious about!

 

The Netflix series 'Scandal' is scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide release on Friday, September 18, 2026. Since it opens right before the Chuseok holiday, it's the perfect timing for a binge-watch, isn't it?

 

For your information, this series is not a one-off movie, but was produced as a total of 8 episodes.

 

2. What is the original work of 'Scandal'? (Differences from the 2003 movie)

When you heard the title 'Scandal,' some of you might have thought, "Huh? I've heard that somewhere before?" And you're right! This work is by the 18th-century French writer Pierre Choderlos de Laclos It is based on the famous classic novel *Dangerous Liaisons*.

 

In Korea, it was already remade in 2003 as the movie <Scandal: A Love Affair Between a Man and Woman in Joseon> starring Lee Mi-sook, Bae Yong-joon, and Jeon Do-yeon, and received great love.

 

This Netflix series also shares the same original work and time period, but it differs in that it has been reinterpreted from a new perspective of 2026.

 

Expansion of narrative: Unlike the movie, as it was extended to eight episodes, the characters' struggles with their identities and inner narratives became much deeper.

New Relationships: In particular, it is said to deliver a completely different sense of tension with the addition of a new relationship axis between 'Mrs. Jo' and 'Hee-yeon,' which was not present in the original work or the 2003 film!

3. The Hottest Interest! How High Is the 'Scandal'?

Given that the original work deals with 'desire, temptation, and a dangerous love bet,' and the 2003 film was also a hot topic due to its unconventional nudity and direction, you are likely most curious about the level of explicitness.

 

 

Although the official rating has not been finally announced yet, considering the characters' precarious and secretive bets and the fact that it is a Netflix original series, it is certain to be rated R (19+).

 

However, rather than focusing solely on simple sensationalism, the addition of Director Jung Ji-woo's signature delicate and beautiful mise-en-scène, modern Hanbok designs, and Pansori music is garnering anticipation for showcasing a much more dignified and 'passionate' emotional depth.

4. Summary of the Intertwined Characters: Three Distinct Personalities

Just looking at the cast lineup for this work is a feast for the eyes. It's much more fun if you know the relationships between the characters!

 

Mrs. Jo / Real name Jo Yoon (Son Ye-jin)
She is a character who possesses outstanding talent and wisdom but is held back by the reality of the Joseon Dynasty, where women's activities were restricted. On the surface, she lives as a virtuous noblewoman, but behind the scenes, she is a master strategist who shakes things up by proposing a dangerous love bet to Jo-won.

 

Jo Won (Ji Chang-wook)
He is Joseon's greatest womanizer, a character who pursues pleasure and fun instead of social advancement. Although he does not believe in love, he stops at nothing to approach Hee-yeon in order to win a bet with Lady Jo. His Joseon-era fashionista moments, utilizing unique props like sunglasses and an alarm clock, are also a key point to watch!

 

Ahn Hee-yeon (Nana)
She is a young widow who lost her husband before even getting married. She tries to live a life of fidelity, but due to Jo-won approaching her, she harbors independent desires and undergoes a change in her life; she is a person with a complex and deep inner self.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. Is it okay to understand this without having seen the original 2003 movie, *Scandal*?

A1. Yes, not at all! We have taken the framework of the original work, but we have reinterpreted the character narratives and relationships to fit an 8-part series, so even those who haven't seen the original movie can enjoy this new work and become fully immersed in it.

 

Q2. Who directed Netflix's 'Scandal'?

A2. The film is directed by Director Jung Ji-woo, who is renowned for his delicate portrayal of character psychology and has directed films such as *Happy End*, *Eunkyo*, and *Yoo Yeol's Music Album*.

 

Q3. Will all episodes of 'Scandal' be released at once?

A3. Given the nature of Netflix Original series, it is highly likely that all 8 episodes will be released at once on Friday, September 18th. It is perfect for binge-watching over the weekend!

 

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