Netflix series The Scandal has entered the platform’s Global Top 10 just three days after its release, while unveiling a new batch of previously unreleased stills.
Set in the Joseon era, The Scandal follows Lady Cho, a gifted woman constrained by society, and Cho Won, Joseon’s most notorious playboy, as they embark on a daring and dangerous romantic wager that draws in Hui Yeon.
Since premiering on September 18th, the series has recorded 1.9 million views and 14.5 million hours viewed, ranking No. 7 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English-language shows. It also entered the Top 10 in 10 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
The series has earned praise for director Jung Ji Woo’s fresh take on the period drama genre and its ensemble performances.
TIME wrote, “It’s not easy to adapt a classic novel across cultures, but ‘The Scandal’ does it beautifully,” while the South China Morning Post praised the series for adding “a new layer of depth” to the original through its Joseon setting.
Leisurebyte described it as “more than just a steamy Joseon romance,” praising its mix of psychological games, provocative moments and genuine emotion.
The cast has also drawn strong reactions. JTBC wrote, “Son Ye Jin shows many different faces, Ji Chang Wook holds nothing back in his performance, and Nana elegantly captures Hui Yeon’s transformation.”
Viewers echoed that response. One Watcha user wrote, “The actors are perfectly cast, and there isn’t a single weak performance,” while an IMDb user praised the show’s “compelling characters, carefully developed conflict and excellent performances.”
The production design has also stood out, with critics highlighting its late-Joseon setting, detailed costumes, elaborate sets and use of pansori. One YouTube commenter wrote, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen a period drama put this much care into its costumes and props.”
The newly released stills offer another look at the characters’ hidden desires, shifting relationships and the supporting players who expand the story.
The Scandal is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
>> Son Ye Jin Reveals ‘The Scandal’ Used Her ‘The Classic’ Era Look for De-Aging
Source: Netflix
