'The Scandal' unconventional challenge worth taking, says actor Ji Chang-wook
Adapting a literary classic is a double-edged sword. It comes with an enduring legacy, but also the daunting weight of comparison. When Netflix announced its series adaptation of "The Scandal" — a story popularized in Korea by the 2003 feature "Untold Scandal," which itself reimagined Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 French novel Dangerous Liaisons — actor Ji Chang-wook knew the stakes were high.…
Acting legend Ji Chang-wook has proclaimed the daunting task of portraying the enigmatic aristocrat Cho Won in the Netflix adaptation of The Scandal to be a challenge worth taking. Despite the weight of expectations stemming from the iconic 2003 film Untold Scandal, which itself was inspired by the 18th-century French novel Dangerous Liaisons, Ji feels compelled to embrace the role.
In an interview with The Korea Times, Ji admitted to feeling the pressure of tackling a project with such a renowned original work. "I couldn't help but feel the pressure of working on a piece with such a famous original," Ji stated. However, the allure of the classic nature of The Scandal proved too enticing to resist. "I really wanted to try playing Cho Won," Ji explained, "so I decided it was a challenge worth taking."
Set against the rigid moral framework of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty, The Scandal follows the cunning romantic endeavors of Cho Won, a nobleman who seeks calculated conquests. Central to his schemes is Lady Cho, portrayed by Son Ye-jin, a figure too exceptional to be confined to the women's quarters.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
