Netflix's new series 'Scandal' brings to life the deadly allure of an 18th-century French classic and the intense legacy of a 2003 South Korean film, inviting global audiences into a daring and dangerous wager this fall.
On September 9, a production presentation for the Netflix series 'Scandal' was held at the Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul, attended by director Jung Ji-woo and stars Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana.
'Scandal' tells the story of Lady Jo (played by Son Ye-jin), a woman with exceptional talents trapped in the confines of Joseon-era society, and Jo-won (played by Ji Chang-wook), the best seducer of the time, as they engage in a bold and perilous love wager, intertwined with the tale of a woman named Hee-yeon (played by Nana).
The series is based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' classic French novel 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses,' published in 1782. The original story was adapted into the 2003 film 'Scandal: The Love Story of Joseon Men and Women,' which created a sensation, making the new Netflix series a highly anticipated reimagining after 23 years.
Director Jung expressed, "The idea of relocating the original's setting to Joseon society in 2003 was astonishing and admirable. However, our starting point is the original novel, not the film. We have completely rewritten the characters and their relationships, so viewers will notice significant differences from the movie."
He added, "The late Joseon period was far more sophisticated and refined than we initially thought. I wanted to portray that beautifully. Particularly, the relationship between Lady Jo and Hee-yeon is a new narrative not previously explored, and I aim to vividly bring that dynamic to life."
Son Ye-jin plays the role of Lady Jo, who proposes a seductive wager against Confucian taboos, leading the narrative with a strong presence. Returning to historical dramas after 24 years, she shared her fascination with the character's complex allure.
"This story deals with human desires, set against the backdrop of a time when such desires were strictly taboo, which I found very intriguing," Son said. "Having memories of the past film, I was curious about how this story would unfold as a series, and I believe I am now at an age where I can fully express such deep emotions and desires."
To embody Lady Jo, Son had to demonstrate a delicate 'artisan spirit.' She reflected, "The outwardly demure expression of Lady Jo, her spoken lines, and her true feelings were all different. I felt that I needed to design the character very subtly and delicately. I constantly discussed with the director to unravel what true emotions are. It was a challenging but very enjoyable process."
Ji Chang-wook, portraying the charming seducer Jo-won, and Nana, playing the widow Hee-yeon, have redefined their characters, moving beyond the strong impressions left by the original film.
Ji noted, "Naturally, the excellent performances of my predecessors come to mind, but the character is so different that I couldn't even attempt to imitate them. I worked with the director to build my own version of Jo-won, and the experience of collaborating with two actresses who have completely different styles was incredibly enjoyable."
Nana, taking on a historical role for the first time in her career, infused her character with authenticity drawn from her own childhood experiences.
"Hee-yeon is a character that closely resembles my own timid and fearful nature from childhood, which I have never shown before," Nana said. "I aimed to express Hee-yeon's emotions as honestly and transparently as possible."
Director Jung praised the three actors for their ability to master such a challenging narrative. He remarked, "I didn't choose the actors; I was chosen by them. Son Ye-jin shouldered the entire weight of the project, making the character believable and carrying the whole drama like a 'superhero.' Ji Chang-wook added a touch of humor to his inherent kindness, enriching the story, while Nana breathed life into her character with a charm that deviates from traditional portrayals." He also expressed anticipation for Han Sun-hwa's performance as a character obsessed with money and fame.
Notably, 'Scandal' aims for a distinctive directorial approach. Jung stated, "I wanted to introduce the beauty of pansori to global audiences, starting and ending the series with it, promising an auditory delight." When asked about the provocative content that sparked discussions during the film's release, Jung smiled and said, "You can expect something good."
With a solid literary foundation, deepened narratives, new relationships, and the explosive acting synergy of trusted performers, the Netflix series 'Scandal' will premiere worldwide on the 18th.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.