The Netflix series 'Scandal,' starring Son Ye-jin (손예진) and Ji Chang-wook (지창욱), has captured the attention of viewers worldwide, climbing to 7th place in Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Shows just three days after its release on September 18.
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Global Top 10 Entry: A Rapid Achievement in Just 3 Days
According to official Netflix data, 'Scandal' secured its spot at 7th on the Global Top 10 Non-English Shows with 1.9 million views and 14.5 million viewing hours, based on just three days of watch time during its debut week (September 14-20, specifically after its September 18 release). Here, 'views' is a significant metric calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the work's total runtime, demonstrating its rapid reach to global audiences immediately after release. (Sources: Netflix Official Site Tudum, Korea Portal)
Beyond Asia: Entering the Top 10 in 40 Countries Worldwide
'Scandal' made it into the Top 10 in a total of 10 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Notably, according to FlixPatrol data, within just three days of its release, it claimed the #1 spot in five countries: South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. The series also appeared in the Top 10 in 40 countries globally, receiving widespread support across various regions, from Asia to South America and the Middle East. (Sources: Wikitree, Singlelist)
https://www.bntnews.co.kr/article/view/bnt202609230253, https://www.tenasia.co.kr/article/2026092327244, https://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=767599Analyzing the Success Factors Amidst Divided Reviews Domestically and Internationally
Domestically, the prevailing sentiment (TenAsia report) indicates mixed reviews regarding the series' content level and overall completeness. Specifically, criticisms (Wikitree) have been raised about a 'dragging tempo problem' and 'idle conversations' due to the expanded eight-episode narrative. A 'casting temperature difference' compared to the 2003 original film was also mentioned. Actress Son Ye-jin's performance was described as 'remaining in formalized tragic beauty,' while actor Ji Chang-wook was seen as 'unable to fully shed the impression of a trendy romance lead.' Actress Nana (나나), in her first historical drama (sageuk) challenge, also received reviews stating that her 'chic and urban mask clashed with the silhouette of the hanbok (traditional Korean dress).' (Source: Wikitree)
In contrast, international media reviews have been largely positive. Time praised 'Scandal,' stating it 'beautifully reinterpreted a classic novel across cultural boundaries' and lauded how 'the story of aristocratic elites (sadaebu) who treat others' lives as entertainment perfectly blends with the strict Confucian society of Joseon (the last dynastic kingdom of Korea), offering a depth rarely seen in existing historical romance dramas.' The South China Morning Post reported that it 'added new dimensions of depth to the original with its Joseon setting,' and Leisurebyte also gave positive reviews, noting the balance between psychological games and emotional portrayal. (Sources: bntnews, Maeil Business Newspaper)
A Classic Reimagined: The Narrative of 'Scandal'
'Scandal' is a reinterpretation of the 1782 French classic novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses,' transplanted to the Joseon (조선) era of Korea. It was previously adapted into the 2003 film 'Untold Scandal' (also known as 'Scandal - The Chosun Scandal'), starring Bae Yong-joon (배용준), Jeon Do-yeon (전도연), and Lee Mi-sook (이미숙). (Sources: Wikitree, Korea Portal)
Director Jung Ji-woo (정지우) actively utilized letter exchanges and psychological warfare as a method to unravel the characters' desires and relationships within the historical backdrop of Joseon. The depiction of late Joseon landscapes, hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and props, and direction incorporating pansori (판소리, a traditional Korean musical storytelling genre) are highlighted as features of the work, receiving positive reviews for their visual completeness. (Sources: TenAsia, Maeil Business Newspaper)
The lead actors' performances are also drawing significant attention. Actress Son Ye-jin portrays the complex emotional arc of Lady Jo, a woman of exceptional talent confined by the limitations of her era. Actor Ji Chang-wook plays Jo Won, Joseon's most renowned playboy, who becomes entangled in a dangerous wager with Lady Jo. In an interview with fashion magazine Elle, Ji Chang-wook expressed confidence in their chemistry, stating, "There isn't a single scene where Lady Jo and Jo Won meet that isn't breathtaking. Every moment is packed." (Source: Wikitree)
Actress Nana portrays Heeyeon, who loses her will to live but undergoes a transformation after encountering Jo Won. Actress Shin So-hyun (신소현) takes on the role of young Jo Yoon, Lady Jo's childhood self, capturing her internal conflict between a free spirit and societal constraints with a dense emotional portrayal, thereby solidly building the early narrative of the drama. (Sources: TenAsia, Beyond Post)
New Possibilities for K-Historical Dramas: Will Global Success Continue?
While there have been many regrettable responses regarding the series' quality domestically, 'Scandal's global success is being evaluated as an example that the mise-en-scène and R-rated romance of K-historical dramas (K-sageuk) can indeed captivate international audiences. (Source: Wikitree) Amidst analyses suggesting that the unique reinterpretation of a classic novel and its visual completeness resonated well overseas, all eyes are on what trajectory 'Scandal' will follow on Netflix's global charts moving forward.
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