Ji Chang-wook, Nana's Explicit Scenes Propel 'The Scandal' to Netflix Top Spot
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Netflix's highly anticipated 19-rated Korean period drama 'The Scandal' (挑情醜聞) dropped on September 18, featuring an all-star cast of Son Ye-jin (孫藝珍), Ji Chang-wook (池昌旭), and Nana/Lin Zhen-na (林珍娜) . The show immediately climbed to the number one position on Netflix's Top 10 charts in both Korea and Hong Kong, surpassing popular dating variety show 'I Am Solo' . The series has sparked intense online debate following explicit intimate scenes between Ji Chang-wook and Nana, with the actors appearing nearly nude in extended bedroom sequences . This marks Son Ye-jin's dramatic return to Korean television after giving birth, starring in a reimagined version of the 2003 hit film 'The Scandal' that originally starred Bae Yong-joon .
Key Points
- The series debuted on Netflix on September 18, with Ji Chang-wook and Nana's 3-minute intimate scene in Episode 7 drawing the most attention .
- In the controversial sequence, Ji Chang-wook fully exposes his back while Nana appears topless, though both actors reportedly wore flesh-colored bodysuits with lighting and camera angles creating the illusion of nudity .
- Rumors have emerged suggesting Nana's explicit scenes may have been filmed with a body double, while Ji Chang-wook has faced criticism for not having the expected muscular physique, particularly his missing abs .
- Son Ye-jin portrays the manipulative noblewoman Madam Zhao (趙氏夫人), engaging in a taboo romantic storyline with Ji Chang-wook's character Zhao Yuan (趙元) that the original 2003 film only hinted at .
- At a promotional event, actor Lee Seo-jin (李瑞鎮) surprised Son Ye-jin by declaring "You are the most beautiful," even offering her honey meant for Ji Chang-wook, leaving his co-star visibly disappointed .
Why It Matters
The success of 'The Scandal' underscores Netflix's continued investment in Korean content with mature themes that push broadcast boundaries, particularly for international audiences . For Hong Kong viewers accustomed to more conservative local productions, the series represents a growing appetite for bold, unfiltered storytelling that challenges traditional entertainment norms in the region . The drama's rapid ascent to streaming dominance also highlights how explicit marketing and controversial content can generate massive viewership and cultural conversations across Asian markets .
The success of 'The Scandal' underscores Netflix's continued investment in Korean content with mature themes that push broadcast boundaries, particularly for international audiences . For Hong Kong viewers accustomed to more conservative local productions, the series represents a growing appetite for bold, unfiltered storytelling that challenges traditional entertainment norms in the region . The drama's rapid ascent to streaming dominance also highlights how explicit marketing and controversial content can generate massive viewership and cultural conversations across Asian markets .