The Scandal Netflix: Joseon-era Adaptation, Cast, and Ending Explained

What is 'The Scandal' on Netflix?

The Scandal is a K-drama that reimagines the 1782 French epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) within the setting of 18th-century Joseon Korea. The series explores themes of seduction, power, and the constraints of a rigid Confucian society. According to a SCMP review, the patriarchal nature of the era serves as an ideal backdrop for this adaptation.

Lead Cast and Plot Dynamics

The series features a high-profile cast, including Son Ye-jin as Lady Cho Yun, Ji Chang-wook as Cho-won, and Nana as An Hui-yeon. The plot centers on a psychological game between Lady Cho and her cousin Cho-won, two aristocrats who manipulate others for entertainment. Lady Cho challenges Cho-won to seduce An Hui-yeon, a chaste widow, in exchange for her own affections. This narrative serves as a critique of the ruling class's corruption and the limitations placed on women during the period.

Ending Explained: A Tragic Conclusion

The series concludes with a devastating sequence of events. After a series of betrayals and failed attempts to escape their social roles, Cho-won chooses a permanent exit. As detailed by Time Magazine, Cho-won commits suicide by jumping off a boat into the water at Mapo port, leaving only his gat (traditional hat) floating behind. Lady Cho is left in a state of isolation and longing, having secured her comfortable life but lost her only true confidant.

Why 'The Scandal Netflix' Trended in India

In September 2026, there was a notable surge in interest regarding the show among Indian viewers. Data from Google Trends India recorded approximately 500 searches for "the scandal netflix" with a 200% growth spike around September 20-21, 2026. This trend likely reflects the global reach of K-dramas in India and viewer curiosity surrounding the show's tragic finale and star-studded cast.