The Best Shows to Watch If You Liked Netflix’s ‘The Scandal’

The Netflix period romance drama ‘The Scandal’ explores themes of aristocratic seduction, moral transgressions, and emotional manipulation set against the backdrop of the Joseon dynasty. Adapted from the classic novel ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, the series weaves a narrative of clandestine wagers, repressed desires, and rigid societal boundaries.

For audiences drawn to its blend of high-stakes court intrigue, psychological gamesmanship, and forbidden passion, several other television productions offer similarly compelling narratives. These series showcase how power, deception, and romantic entanglement collide in historical and contemporary settings.

‘Tempted’ (2018)

Also known as ‘The Great Seducer’, this modern melodrama adapts Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ novel ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ in contemporary South Korea. The plot follows a wealthy chaebol heir who enters into a high-stakes wager with his elite friends to seduce an unsuspecting college student. As the calculated game of seduction unfolds, genuine romantic feelings develop that threaten to destroy the group’s tight-knit bond. The series explores the destructive psychological consequences of vanity, betrayal, and emotional manipulation among Seoul’s privileged youth.

‘Captivating the King’ (2024)

Set during the Joseon dynasty, this historical drama follows the fraught relationship between King Yi In and a skilled baduk player named Kang Hee-soo. Hee-soo conceals her female identity and infiltrates the royal court with intentions of seeking revenge against the monarch. The two form a deep intellectual and emotional connection, leading to an intricate game of deception amidst intense political turmoil. The narrative examines how forbidden love and court factionalism intersect when personal vendettas clash with the responsibilities of the crown.

‘The Red Sleeve’ (2021–2022)

Based on Kang Mi-kang’s historical novel, the narrative chronicles the complex romance between Crown Prince Yi San and a strong-willed court lady named Seong Deok-im. As Yi San prepares to assume the throne, he demands absolute loyalty, while Deok-im struggles to protect her independence within the palace walls. Their dynamic exposes the intense friction between imperial duty, personal freedom, and romantic vulnerability. The series highlights the rigid hierarchy of the Joseon court while examining the emotional cost of power.

‘My Dearest’ (2023)

Set against the backdrop of the Qing invasion of Joseon, the drama portrays the turbulent relationship between a cynical nobleman named Lee Jang-hyun and an aristocratic woman named Yoo Gil-chae. Jang-hyun maintains an aversion to traditional marriage until he crosses paths with the spirited Gil-chae. Their bond is tested by wartime displacement, harsh societal pressures, and the strict moral expectations of the ruling class. The series provides an in-depth look at survival, social resilience, and devotion amid national crisis.

‘Eve’ (2022)

The drama centers on Lee Ra-el, a woman who orchestrates a thirteen-year scheme of retribution against the corrupt elites who destroyed her family. She infiltrates high society by deliberately seducing the chief executive of a massive corporate conglomerate. Her calculated maneuvers trigger severe legal disputes, power struggles, and psychological crises across the nation’s wealthiest households. The storyline explores themes of obsession, covert warfare, and the destructive nature of unchecked upper-class greed.

‘Remarriage & Desires’ (2022)

This drama focuses on Rex, an elite matchmaking agency that caters exclusively to the highest echelon of South Korean society. The narrative follows Seo Hye-seung, a woman who seeks retribution against the scheming mistress responsible for her family’s downfall. She enters the competitive marriage market to prevent her rival from securing a match with the country’s most eligible bachelor. The series examines how marriage is weaponized as a commercial transaction to attain wealth and power.

‘Queen Woo’ (2024)

Set in ancient Goguryeo, the series depicts the fierce power struggle that erupts following the unexpected death of King Gogukcheon. Queen Woo must arrange a levirate marriage with one of the late king’s younger brothers within twenty-four hours to maintain her royal authority. Rival princes and ambitious aristocratic factions initiate violent political maneuvers to seize control of the throne. The period drama highlights strategic political alliances, survival under intense pressure, and royal court maneuvering.

‘Bloody Heart’ (2022)

This historical political drama tells the story of King Lee Tae, who seeks to establish an absolute monarchy in Joseon. His political ambitions place him in direct opposition to First State Councillor Park Gye-won, a powerful noble controlling the court. The conflict intensifies when Lee Tae discovers that the woman he loves, Yoo Jung, has been chosen as a political pawn by his greatest rival. The series chronicles the dangerous sacrifices and moral dilemmas that arise when romantic devotion clashes with ruthless statecraft.

‘The Crowned Clown’ (2019)

Adapted from the 2012 film ‘Masquerade’, the series follows a Joseon king who brings a lookalike clown to court to escape assassination threats. As the clown assumes the royal duties, he becomes deeply involved in the complex political intrigues of the palace. Tensions rise as the clown develops genuine feelings for the queen, who remains unaware of the substitution. The narrative explores identity deception, court corruption, and the perilous boundaries of royal love.

‘The World of the Married’ (2020)

Based on the British television series ‘Doctor Foster’, this psychological melodrama revolves around Ji Sun-woo, a successful physician whose seemingly ideal life collapses upon discovering her husband’s infidelity. Her pursuit of retribution pulls her into a bitter war with her spouse and the influential family of his mistress. The escalating conflict exposes the hypocrisy, deceit, and moral rot underpinning suburban high society. The show explores the destructive cycles of betrayal, obsession, and emotional retribution among the wealthy elite.

‘Secret Love Affair’ (2014)

The series follows Oh Hye-won, a high-ranking director at an elite arts foundation who manages the secretive affairs of an influential conglomerate family. Her carefully controlled existence unravels when she enters into a passionate relationship with a gifted young pianist from a working-class background. As their secret romance deepens, Hye-won must confront the corruption and moral compromises of the aristocratic world she serves. The drama examines taboo relationships, social hierarchy, and the emotional awakening of a woman trapped by upper-class ambition.

‘The King’s Affection’ (2021)

Set during the Joseon dynasty, this period drama follows Dam-yi, a royal twin who secretly takes the place of her deceased brother, the Crown Prince. She must disguise her identity while navigating lethal palace rivalries and political power plays. Complications arise when her childhood first love, Jung Ji-woon, is appointed as the royal tutor at the palace. The narrative balances hidden identities, forbidden royal romance, and the constant threat of deadly exposure.

‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)

Set during the late Joseon era, the story follows Eugene Choi, a former slave who returns to Korea as an American military officer. He crosses paths with Go Ae-shin, an aristocratic noblewoman who secretly operates as a sniper for the Righteous Army. Their complex relationship is shaped by class divisions, foreign imperial interests, and shifting political loyalties. The series highlights noble duty, clandestine warfare, and tragic romantic entanglements during a transformative historical era.

‘The Penthouse’ (2020–2021)

The suspense melodrama centers on wealthy families residing in Hera Palace, a luxury 100-floor penthouse complex in Seoul. The residents engage in ruthless manipulation, extramarital affairs, and cover-ups to secure power and prestige for their children. A mysterious death inside the building triggers a cascade of betrayals and strategic revenges among the elite socialites. The show delves into the dark extremes of upper-class ambition, social hierarchy, and calculated deceit.

‘Scarlet Heart: Ryeo’ (2016)

This historical fantasy drama follows Go Ha-jin, a modern woman who is transported back in time to the Goryeo dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. She awakens in the body of noblewoman Hae Soo and finds herself drawn into the inner circle of the royal princes. As rivalries over the throne turn violent, Hae Soo becomes entangled in a dangerous web of political ambition and tragic love triangles. The series examines how ruthless power struggles and court betrayals tear apart romantic and familial bonds.

Which of these dramatic series will you be watching next, and how do you feel they compare to ‘The Scandal’? Share your thoughts in the comments.