Historical Korean dramas have a huge fanbase, and it is easy to see why. Beautiful cinematography, rich costumes, symbolism and layered stories often make them stand out. Now, another historical drama has arrived, but The Scandal is far from an average period series. Starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook and Nana in key roles, the Netflix drama is a blend of historical drama, melodrama, psychological thriller and sensual storytelling. After watching all eight episodes, here are five thoughts on the series.
1. The characters are layered, and their body language says a lot.
One of the strongest parts of The Scandal is its characters. Nobody feels completely simple or easy to understand. Their choices, expressions and relationships keep changing as the story moves forward. The actors also use body language extremely well, especially in scenes where very little is said.
At times, the characters can be frustrating, confusing and even annoying. However, that also makes them interesting to watch. Their emotions are rarely straightforward, and the tension between what they want and what they actually do keeps the drama engaging.
2. The cinematography is stunning.
Visually, The Scandal is one of those dramas that immediately catches attention. The costumes, locations, lighting and framing work together beautifully. Every setting feels carefully chosen, and the visuals often add another layer to the story.
3. The sound design makes the atmosphere stronger.
The sound effects deserve more attention than they usually get. From footsteps and doors closing to the sounds surrounding emotionally charged moments, the audio adds weight to what is happening on screen.
4. It could have been six episodes, but the pacing is not a major problem.
With only eight episodes, the drama still has moments where the story feels like it could have moved faster. A tighter six-episode format may have worked better for some parts of the plot.
However, the pacing never becomes so slow that it completely takes away from the viewing experience. There is enough drama, tension and character conflict to keep things moving.
5. It is not afraid to make its characters uncomfortable to watch.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the drama is that it does not try to make every character likeable. Some decisions are difficult to understand, some relationships feel toxic, and several moments can leave you questioning what they would do in the same situation.
That discomfort is part of what makes the series different.
What do you think?
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