Netflix has lined up its next high-profile Korean drama series “Scandals” (working title), a historical drama set in the Joseon dynasty.
The series features a high-profile cast, including Son Ye-jin (“Crash Landing on You”), Ji Chang-wook (“Welcome to Samdal-ri”) and Nana (“Mask Girl”), in a story about love, power and societal expectations.
The series is inspired by the 2003 Korean film “Untold Scandal,” which adapted Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ French novel “Dangerous Liaisons” to a Joseon-era setting.
In this version, the story follows Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin) and Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook) as they engage in a calculated wager that challenges cultural norms around love and relationships. Nana takes on the role of Hui-yeon, a widow who becomes an unexpected participant in their plans.
Son Ye-jin plays Lady Cho, a woman navigating the restrictions placed on women in her era. Lady Cho proposes a romantic bet to her admirer, the playboy Cho Won, setting the events of the story into motion. Ji Chang-wook portrays Cho Won, a man known for his charm and carefree approach to relationships, as he takes on Lady Cho’s challenge. Nana’s Hui-yeon adds another layer of complexity to the narrative as a widow who has vowed to remain chaste but begins to question her feelings after encountering Cho Won.
The series will be directed by Jung Ji-woo, whose previous projects include Netflix’s “Somebody” and the feature film “Tune in for Love.”
Set during a time when personal desires were often suppressed, “Scandals” presents a story of individuals who confront these limitations through their choices and actions. Details about the production schedule and release date are yet to be announced.
De Laclos’ 1782 novel “Dangerous Liaisons” has inspired numerous adaptations across various mediums, showcasing its themes of seduction, betrayal and manipulation.
Among the most notable film adaptations are Stephen Frears’ 1988 “Dangerous Liaisons,” starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer, and Milos Forman’s 1989 “Valmont,” which offered a slightly softer take on the story.
The tale has also been reimagined in modern contexts, such as the 1999 teen drama “Cruel Intentions,” set in New York’s elite prep school scene.
More recently, Starz released a prequel series titled “Dangerous Liaisons” in 2022, exploring the origin stories of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont in pre-revolutionary Paris.
Despite its ambition to provide fresh insight into the iconic characters, the series was canceled after its first season.
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