Groundbreaking 19+ Nudity Sparks Heated Debate from Day One
Netflix original drama 'The Scandal' has ignited a fierce online debate since its release, thanks to the groundbreaking 19+ explicit scenes featuring actors Ji Chang-wook (지창욱) and Nana (나나). The bold performances by both actors have garnered sharply divided reactions from viewers, with some describing the intensity as 'exceeding common sense.' (k.sina.com.cn)
![AI 생성 이미지 · [드라마] '挑情醜聞' 19금 노출 논란, 지창욱·나나 연기 평가](https://kagit-media.atreez.cc/editorial/images/cmuggnwdon5n9p11d84acglhv/main.jpg)
'Dangerous Liaisons' Reimagined, Son Ye-jin's Comeback Project
Released on Netflix on September 18, 'The Scandal' is a reinterpretation of the 1782 French novel 'Dangerous Liaisons' and a remake of the 2003 Korean film 'Snow White's Revenge' (스캔들: 조선남녀상열지사), which starred Bae Yong-joon (배용준), Jeon Do-yeon (전도연), and Lee Mi-sook (이미숙). (chinapress.com.my) Directed by Jung Ji-woo (정지우), the series garnered early attention as Son Ye-jin's (손예진) first project after childbirth. Ji Chang-wook plays Jo Won, Joseon's most notorious playboy, while Nana portrays Hee Yeon, a widow committed to maintaining her chastity. Nana revealed that she decided to join the cast due to her trust in director Jung Ji-woo and the opportunity to collaborate with Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook. (vibes.8world.com) The story kicks off when Son Ye-jin's character, Lady Jo, proposes a dangerous wager to Ji Chang-wook's Jo Won: to seduce Hee Yeon. (chinapress.com.my)
Explosive Nudity Dominates Netflix Charts
Rated 19+ on Netflix, 'The Scandal' immediately captured viewers' attention with Ji Chang-wook and Nana's intense bed scenes and intimate kiss scenes. Notably, a roughly five-minute full nudity scene in Episode 7 was considered so explicit that it was classified as 19+ in Korea. (vibes.8world.com) While some viewers mentioned that the actors wore skin-colored protective garments, the possibility of a body double being used for Nana's nudity scene has also been raised. (singtao.ca, vogue.com.tw)
This daring direction quickly went viral online, propelling the series to #1 on Netflix's 'Korea Top 10 Programs' chart just one day after its release. It also achieved high viewership in Taiwan, reaching #4 within 24 hours. (singtao.ca, mirrordaily.news) Within three days of its release, 'The Scandal' climbed to #7 on Netflix's Global Non-English Programs chart, demonstrating its worldwide appeal. (tw.news.yahoo.com)
https://www.chinapress.com.my/20260919/%E5%AD%99%E8%89%BA%E7%8F%8D%E4%BA%A7%E5%90%8E%E5%A4%8D%E5%87%BA%E6%8C%91%E6%88%9819%E7%B7%9A%E3%80%80%E6%B1%A0%E6%98%8C%E6%97%ADnana%E5%A4%A7%E5%B0%BA%E5%BA%A6%E4%B8%8A%E9%98%B5/, https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E6%B1%A0%E6%98%8C%E6%97%AD%E3%80%8A%E6%8C%91%E6%83%85%E9%86%9C%E8%81%B2%E3%80%8B%E7%8D%BB%E5%A4%A7%E5%B0%BA%E5%BA%A6%E8%A3%B8%E9%9C%B2%E8%BA%AB%E9%AB%94%E5%8D%BB%E9%81%AD%E8%B3%AA%E7%96%91-%E8%AA%8D%EF%BC%9A%E6%B7%B1%E6%84%9F%E9%BA%BB%E6%86%B2%E3%80%8D%E4%BD%86%E4%B8%8D%E5%BE%8C%E6%82%94-034014774.htmlActors' Performances: Praise and Controversy
The drama's explicit scenes led to diverse evaluations of the actors' performances and the artistic value of the work. Some viewers lauded the extreme camera direction for portraying intense emotional outbursts within a strict Confucian (유교적) background, praising it for delivering sophisticated artistic tension rather than appearing vulgar. (k.sina.com.cn) Additionally, Ji Chang-wook and Nana received positive feedback for shedding their idol images and pushing their boundaries as actors. (sinchew.com.my)
Conversely, some expressed concern that the drama's excessive marketing of 'full nudity' might overshadow its deeper exploration of human nature in a feudal era. (k.sina.com.cn) Ji Chang-wook's physique, in particular, drew criticism for lacking the muscularity seen in his past roles, leading some fans to declare '탈덕' (leaving the fandom), stating the show was 'too provocative' and 'lacked dignity.' (sinchew.com.my)
In response, Ji Chang-wook stated in a media interview that he did not specifically train for the nudity scenes, emphasizing that pursuing visual coolness would have meant failing the character of Jo Won. He stressed that the dramatic meaning conveyed by the explicit scenes was far more important than their visual impact, asserting his belief that 'The Scandal' was a worthwhile project for him as an actor. (tw.news.yahoo.com)
As for Nana, she faced criticism for her character's modern appearance and 'overly plump lips' that some felt hindered immersion. Through Bubble (버블), a paid fan communication platform, Nana apologized, saying, “If anyone felt uncomfortable because of my lips, it’s my fault.” She added, “It was a personal choice, but it was a wrong decision as an actress,” indirectly acknowledging having received lip filler treatments. (zaobao.com.sg)
Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin's Humorous Reactions Go Viral
Meanwhile, Son Ye-jin's husband, Hyun Bin (현빈), became the subject of playful jokes due to the drama's high intensity, with many quipping that 'the whole nation is watching Hyun Bin's reaction.' The Blue Dragon Film Awards (청룡영화상) Instagram account further fueled this atmosphere by posting a parody image, superimposing Hyun Bin's face onto a still of Ji Chang-wook and Son Ye-jin from the drama. (zaobao.com.sg)
“H-husband, why are you here...?”
— Son Ye-jin, comment on Blue Dragon Film Awards Instagram post (girlstyle.com)
Son Ye-jin herself responded to the post with the comment, "H-husband, why are you here...?", garnering tens of thousands of likes for her humorous take. Ji Chang-wook also wittily addressed filming intimate scenes with Son Ye-jin, stating, "I didn't pay any attention to Hyun Bin sunbaenim (선배님, a term used to address a senior colleague or mentor). My only sin was loving Lady Jo," a remark that quickly went viral. (girlstyle.com)
'The Scandal': What's Next Amidst Success and Controversy?
Netflix original series 'The Scandal' has successfully reinterpreted the forbidden desires of the Joseon era through a modern lens, achieving both commercial success and significant controversy with its bold approach. As in-depth discussions about the actors' performances and the series' message continue, all eyes are on how 'The Scandal' will be remembered in the history of Korean drama.
