Netflix Series ‘The Scandal’ Attracts 1.9 Million Viewers in Just Three Days Amid Major Controversy
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Although it received a warm reception upon its initial release, “The Scandal” has nonetheless drawn mixed reactions. Much of the discussion surrounding the series has centered on comparisons to the 2003 Korean film “Untold Scandal,” which adapted the same classic source material and also set the story during the Joseon period.
The 2026 series was immediately compared to “Untold Scandal” almost as soon as it was released. The earlier film, starring Bae Yong Joon and Jeon Do Yeon, was a massive box office hit in Korea, so expectations for another Joseon-era adaptation were extremely high.
Director Jung Ji-woo has addressed these comparisons, explaining that this Netflix series is adapted directly from the original French novel, not from the 2003 film.
The series also expands the story across eight episodes, placing greater emphasis on the main characters’ backstories and emotional journeys.
This expanded format has elicited mixed reactions. Some viewers and critics have praised the show’s detailed visual presentation and its efforts to explore the characters beyond the main plot.
An impressive debut with 1.9 million viewers has given the series a noteworthy start, while ongoing discussions surrounding the adaptation and its cast ensure that the drama remains a hot topic among viewers and entertainment fans.
