Naman Shrestha
Adapted from the 1782 French novel titled ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and a TV adaptation of the 2003 film ‘Untold Scandal’ by E J-yong. Netflix’s ‘The Scandal’ is a South Korean romantic period drama series created by Jung Ji-woo and Kim Jae-joong. The narrative centers on a noblewoman named Lady Cho who is eager to escape the constraints of the Confucian social order and a famous, successful womanizer named Cho Won. Despite their differences, the two decide to engage in manipulative romantic relationships for selfish reasons.
However, their game of seduction and manipulation is disrupted when a young widow named Ahn Hui-yeon becomes entangled with Lady Cho and Cho Won and their deceptive schemes. It ultimately results in unintended conflicts among the three individuals as a dangerous romantic power play unravels. The show is set in Bukchon, with the traditional Korean house where she resides, serving as a metaphorical constraint for her free-spirited personality.
The Scandal Filming Locations
‘The Scandal’ is filmed entirely in South Korea, specifically in Seoul and South Jeolla Province. According to reports, principal photography for the inaugural iteration of the Netflix production got underway in March 2025 and went on for about six months before concluding in September of the same year. Since the story unfolds in South Korea, the makers decided to add a layer of authenticity by shooting the show on location, utilizing South Korea’s locales and facilities.
Seoul, South Korea
A significant chunk of ‘The Scandal’ was reportedly taped in and around the capital of South Korea — Seoul. The scenes set in Bukchon were mostly shot on location in Bukchon Hanok Village, located in Seoul’s Jongno District. Several actual properties in the residential neighborhood served as prominent production locations to film numerous indoor and outdoor scenes. In the establishing shots, you can also spot many restored traditional Korean houses, which are known as hanok. Besides being a filming destination, it is also a popular tourist spot.
South Jeolla Province, South Korea
Various pivotal sequences for ‘The Scandal’ were lensed in South Jeolla Province, which is also called Jeollanam-do. In particular, the cast and crew members were spotted taping key scenes in and around Haenam County, located below the Taebaek Mountains. The presence of natural and architectural landscapes in the province makes it an ideal shooting destination for all kinds of projects, including the period drama series. In order to record indoor scenes, the filming unit set up camp inside actual establishments and properties.
Furthermore, multiple streets and neighborhoods of South Jeolla Province were transformed into film sets, where they shot important exterior portions. In the establishing shots, you might also spot several popular landmarks and buildings in the backdrop, such as Mihwangsa Temple, Jinnamgwan Hall, Soswaewon Garden, Naganeupseong Folk Village, and Songgwangsa Temple.
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