5 sex scenes totaling 13 minutes in The Scandal: Incredibly explicit, too graphic to watch a second time.
Currently, the focus of many K-drama fans is on The Scandal. Not only does it feature a star-studded cast, but the series is also generating discussion due to its love story, themes of desire, and numerous daring scenes, befitting its 19+ rating.
Set in the Joseon era, the drama centers around Lady Cho, played by Son Ye Jin. Beautiful and talented but bound by societal norms, Lady Cho is constantly dissatisfied with society. She proposes that her admirer, Cho Won (played by Ji Chang Wook), participate in a game of love. Cho Won, known for his philandering ways, accepts the challenge to win Lady Cho’s heart.
The Scandal is making waves on social media (photo: Netflix)
Cho Won’s target is An Hui Yeon (Nana), a widow who has vowed to remain chaste after her husband’s death. Initially, Hui Yeon repeatedly rejects Cho Won, but his presence gradually awakens dormant emotions within her.
Besides the A-list trio of stars Son Ye Jin, Ji Chang Wook, and Nana, The Scandal also attracted attention for its series of steamy scenes. As the film progresses, viewers witness five daringly explicit sex scenes totaling approximately 13 minutes.
The steamy scene in episode 4 depicts Cho Won’s promiscuous nature and inner sadness (photo: Netflix).
The first scene, appearing in episode 4, shows Cho Won with a courtesan, depicting both his frivolous nature and the sadness in his heart at being unable to be with his cousin. This scene is so explicit that many viewers have questioned the limits of “adult” content in the film. This episode also includes an intimate scene between the maid Eun Sil and Cho Won’s servant.
In episode 5, Cho Won has a steamy scene lasting about 3 and a half minutes with the character So Ok, played by the young beauty Shin Yoon Ha. After falling into Cho Won’s seductive scheme, So Ok sees the man before her as her ideal Kwon In Ho.
Cho Won wins over So Ok (photo: Netflix)
By episode 7, the relationship between Cho Won and An Hui Yeon becomes the focal point. They share two bold romantic scenes as their love reaches its climax. Hui Yeon decides to abandon her vow of chastity to be with Cho Won. As for Cho Won, his initial pursuit gradually transforms into genuine affection. After years of being haunted by Lady Cho, he once again realizes he can love a woman.
Episode 7 witnessed a sacred moment in the love story of Cho Won and An Hui Yeon (photo: Netflix).
Episode 8 continues with intimate scenes between Ji Chang Wook and Nana, but the tone is different from before. Cho Won and Hui Yeon lie together, enjoying a rare moment of peace while awaiting the storms that are about to come.
It’s clear that the 19+ scenes in The Scandal not only create an effect due to their boldness but also reflect Cho Won’s transformation: from someone who views romance as a game to someone who truly falls in love with An Hui Yeon. Furthermore, they are executed artistically. Therefore, viewers won’t perceive these scenes as vulgar or obscene, but rather as being designed to create atmosphere, serve the plot, and enhance the audience’s emotions.
