Son Ye-jin Challenges R-Rated Role in 'Scandalous Affair,' Past Bikini Scene with Cha Tae-hyun Resurfaces

South Korean actress Son Ye-jin (손예진), known as the 'Nation's First Love,' is set to return to historical dramas after approximately 24 years, starring alongside Ji Chang-wook (지창욱) and Nana (나나) in the new Netflix series “Scandalous Affair.” The production held a press conference in Korea on September 9. Directed by Jung Ji-woo (정지우), known for “Eungyo” (also titled “A Muse” or “Lolita: A Muse's Seduction”), the entire series is rated R, marking Son Ye-jin's first venture into such a provocative and mature theme, making it a highly anticipated project.

“Scandalous Affair” is an adaptation of the 1782 French novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses,” and a new take on the 2003 film “Untold Scandal: Joseon Male and Female Love Story,” which starred Bae Yong-joon (배용준), Lee Mi-sook (이미숙), and Jeon Do-yeon (전도연). The new version, hitting screens 23 years later, expands the original film into an eight-episode series, with revised character settings and relationships to create more complex emotional entanglements.

In the drama, Son Ye-jin plays Lady Jo, a woman who displayed literary and artistic talent from a young age. She is portrayed as capable and independent, yet constrained by traditional society, forced to conceal her true desires beneath a composed exterior. She embarks on a dangerous love game with Jo Won, played by Ji Chang-wook, who is known as Joseon's most notorious playboy. Nana's character, the young widow Hee-yeon, becomes unexpectedly entangled, leading to an escalating and uncontrollable dynamic among the three.

For Son Ye-jin, this role is undoubtedly a major breakthrough in her career. She has rarely taken on such bold themes in the past, but after reading the script, she was deeply drawn to the character. She admitted to thinking, “Perhaps I am now at an age where I can express these emotions.” Ultimately, she decided to take on the role of Lady Jo, challenging herself with a performance starkly different from her previous image.

As Lee Mi-sook played Lady Jo in the 2003 film, Son Ye-jin inevitably faces comparisons to the original. She generously praised her senior, revealing that she still vividly remembers Lee Mi-sook's performance. “The aura she exuded through her movements and tone was incredibly powerful. Even after more than 20 years, I still remember it,” Son Ye-jin stated.

However, the new “Scandalous Affair” is not a direct remake of the original film. Director Jung Ji-woo has re-envisioned the characters' backgrounds and relationships, significantly expanding the storyline between Lady Jo and Hee-yeon. This allows for greater development of the two female characters' emotions and desires, adding more tension to the psychological battle among the three.

Furthermore, the production team has meticulously crafted the Joseon era atmosphere through visuals and sound, including specially designed hanbok costumes and the incorporation of traditional pansori elements, adding layers to the narrative.

Regarding the highly anticipated “rating,” Jung Ji-woo offered no extensive explanation, simply stating, “You can look forward to it,” a remark laden with meaning. Whether Son Ye-jin can break free from her past image with this bold performance has made “Scandalous Affair” a highly anticipated series even before its premiere.

In fact, while Son Ye-jin has long been known for her pure and elegant image, some of her early works featured more sensual performances. The 2003 film “Crazy First Love” (also known as “My Sassy Girl”) is one such example. At just 21 years old, she starred opposite Cha Tae-hyun (차태현) as Il-mi, the school's most popular girl.

In the film, Cha Tae-hyun's character, the delinquent Tae-il, decides to study hard to win Il-mi's affection, even promising her father to protect her and harbor no improper thoughts. Unexpectedly, Il-mi had already fallen for him. To make Tae-il's heart flutter, she proactively used various tactics, including a scene where she swam in a bikini and embraced Tae-il, which sparked considerable discussion at the time.

During her early career, Son Ye-jin's pure beauty and youthful charm helped her gain popularity, earning her the title of 'Nation's First Love.' Now, as she prepares to challenge a more mature and daring role in “Scandalous Affair,” her earlier works are once again being revisited and discussed by netizens.

“Scandalous Affair” is scheduled to officially premiere on Netflix on September 18. Whether Son Ye-jin can successfully break away from her established image is sure to be a major talking point leading up to its release.