Untold Scandal: The Love Story of Men and Women in Joseon" is a 2003 South Korean romantic drama directed by E J-yong. It stars Bae Yong-joon, Jeon Do-yeon, and Lee Mi-sook.
The film is loosely inspired by the 1782 French novel "Les Liaisons dangereuses" and is set in late 18th century Korea during the Joseon dynasty.
Untold Scandal
This film is a beautifully shot adaptation of the classic French novel "Dangerous Liaisons," but set in 18th century Korea. It shows how the games people play can have serious and often tragic results, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Some people are heartless and enjoy manipulating others for their own gain.
Director E J-yong's lavishly filmed Korean version of "Dangerous Liaisons" takes place near the end of the Joseon dynasty. During this time, the strict rules of Confucianism were starting to give way to new ideas of independence. The ruling class lived in incredible luxury, served by numerous servants.
Read More On Shane Gillis Trending Drama
Untold Scandal Plot Twist
Cho-Won (Bae Yong-Jun) is a scholar and martial artist known for his reputation as a womanizer who has seduced and abandoned many women. In the film's opening scene, he is painting a naked woman while Lady Chung (Jeon Do-Yeon) is being honored by the government for her strict adherence to Confucian beliefs.
For nine years, Lady Chung has remained chaste following the untimely death of her husband. Cho-Won sets his sights on her as his next conquest. He shares this plan with his cousin, Lady Cho (Lee Mi-Sook), his first love, who is now married and secretly involved with multiple men.
Lady Cho has her own task for Cho-Won: to deflower So-ok (Lee So-yeon), a charming young woman destined to become her husband's concubine. They conclude their conversation with a bet: if Cho-Won can seduce Lady Chung, he can sleep with Lady Cho. What makes "Dangerous Liaisons" such a universal story? The drama explores the dark sides of intimate relationships when the heart is open and vulnerable.
In this story of sexual politics, the self-centered Cho-Won uses every trick to gain the admiration and respect of Lady Chung, a devout Catholic dedicated to charity. However, what goes around comes around. By the end of his relationship with Lady Chung, Cho-Won experiences emotions he has never felt before. Violating others' spirits is never a pleasant game, regardless of the culture. There are no winners; everyone loses.
Catch Up With FBoy Island Hottest Trends and Latest News Here
In "Untold Scandal," there is no satisfying sense of justice as the architects of misery receive their comeuppance. Instead, the film ends with a muted sense of regret and sadness. While this is effective, it lacks the punch this story could deliver. The ending feels weaker than necessary, but overall, it's a solid adaptation of the novel.
The film maintains a mischievous streak and features many scenes of strong sensuality, both essential to this story. Its craftsmanship, from costuming to art direction, is flawless. "Untold Scandal" is visually stunning and consistently entertaining, even as the story diverges from its original path.
If you haven't read the book or seen Frears' film version, the ending of "Untold Scandal" might not seem too weak. However, if you have, it may be hard to avoid that impression. Overall, it's a good film, but it suffers slightly because it invites direct comparison with so many other adaptations.
Its beautiful cinematography, meticulous costuming, and strong performances contribute to its appeal. While the ending might feel less impactful for those familiar with other versions, "Untold Scandal" stands out for its unique setting and cultural reinterpretation, making it a worthwhile watch for both new viewers and fans of the story alike.
Watch Even More Trending Leaked Videos Here!!!
