The upcoming South Korean historical romance drama The Scandal is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on September 18, 2026. Netflix announced the premiere date on August 4, and the release is timed around the Chuseok holiday, the Korean harvest festival that falls on September 25 this year.

The 8-episode series will be released in full on the same day, allowing viewers to stream all episodes at once.

About the Show

The Scandal is a South Korean period romance drama television series written by Lee Seung-young and Ahn Hye-song and directed by Jung Ji-woo. The series is inspired by the French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, moving the story to Korea during the Joseon dynasty era, and follows individuals who defy society’s rigid order and enter a dangerous game of love and temptation.

It is also a television adaptation of the 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, which starred Bae Yong-joon, Jeon Do-yeon and Lee Mi-sook.

Release Date

Detail	Info
Show Name	The Scandal
OTT Platform	Netflix
Release Date	September 18, 2026
Number of Episodes	8
Genre	Historical, Period Drama, Romance
Director	Jung Ji-woo
Writers	Lee Seung-young, Ahn Hye-song
Country of Origin	South Korea
Original Language	Korean
Episode Duration	Approx. 1 Hour 10 Minutes

Plot

The Scandal depicts the daring and dangerous love game between Lady Cho, a woman whose exceptional skills far exceed the confines of the women’s quarters, and Cho Won, the greatest playboy of Joseon. Their risky bet ensnares another woman, Hui-yeon, who becomes entangled in their escalating deceit.

The Scandal transfers its themes to Joseon, where social status, gender expectations and strict moral standards create additional obstacles for the characters.

Hee-Yeon is a widow who vows to remain chaste after losing her husband. Jo Won approaches her, but she tries to cut him off. Having conflicting emotions, Hee-Yeon becomes shaken by Jo Won.

Cast

Directed by Jung Ji-woo, The Scandal boasts a star-studded cast: Son Ye-jin takes on the role of Lady Cho; Ji Chang-wook portrays Cho Won, the greatest playboy of Joseon who seeks pleasure and excitement; and NANA plays Hui-yeon, a widowed and chaste noblewoman drawn into their game.

Actor	Role
Son Ye-jin	Lady Cho
Ji Chang-wook	Cho Won
Nana	Hui-yeon

Character Details

Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, the central figure who sets the wager into motion. Her character is presented as exceptionally capable and self-assured, while also being deeply frustrated by the restrictions placed on her as a Joseon noblewoman.

Lady Cho proposes a temptation game with her admirer Jo Won. Jo Won is an attractive man who does not believe in love and only enjoys dating. To win Madam Jo’s heart, he accepts her bet and tries his best to win.

Source Material

The Scandal is the drama adaptation of the 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, which in turn was an adaptation of the 18th-century French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses. The original work focuses on manipulation, seduction, power and romantic relationships used as tools in games of control. The Scandal transfers those themes to Joseon, where social status, gender expectations and strict moral standards create additional obstacles for the characters.

FAQs

What is The Scandal Netflix release date?

The Scandal is scheduled for release on Netflix on September 18, 2026.

How many episodes does The Scandal have?

The Scandal consists of 8 episodes, airing on Netflix every Friday.

Who are the lead actors in The Scandal?

The series stars Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook and Nana in the lead roles and is set in the rigid social world of the Joseon era.

What is The Scandal based on?

Based on the 2003 film Untold Scandal, the series tells a story steeped in forbidden love and irresistible seduction in an era when such passions were not permitted.

Who directs The Scandal?

The Scandal is directed by Jung Ji-woo, who reimagines the story of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses through a Korean historical setting.