Son Ye-jin, one of South Korea’s most cherished actresses, is set to make a grand return to television with the upcoming K-drama Scandal. Renowned for her unforgettable roles in Crash Landing on You, A Moment to Remember, and The Classic, Son Ye-jin has captivated audiences worldwide with her grace, emotional depth, and versatility. After a brief hiatus following her marriage to actor Hyun Bin and the birth of their child, her comeback in Scandal—slated for a 2026 premiere—has sparked immense excitement among fans. This historical romance, set in the Joseon Dynasty, promises to showcase Son Ye-jin in a bold and complex role, marking a significant chapter in her already illustrious career.
A Storied Career and a Well-Deserved Break
Son Ye-jin’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 2000s, where she quickly rose to prominence with films like The Classic (2003) and A Moment to Remember (2004). These performances earned her the endearing title of “Nation’s First Love,” a testament to her ability to portray characters with warmth and authenticity. Her transition to television further solidified her status, with critically acclaimed dramas such as Something in the Rain (2018) and the globally adored Crash Landing on You (2019–2020). The latter, a romantic tale of a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier, not only became a cultural phenomenon but also sparked a real-life love story between Son Ye-jin and her co-star, Hyun Bin.
The couple tied the knot in March 2022 in a private ceremony, delighting fans who had followed their on-screen chemistry turned off-screen romance. Later that year, they welcomed their first child, prompting Son Ye-jin to take a step back from the spotlight. Her last television role before this hiatus was in Thirty-Nine (2022), a poignant drama about friendship and life’s challenges. During this period, she focused on her family, limiting her appearances to select film projects. Now, with Scandal, she is ready to reclaim her place on the small screen, bringing her signature elegance and intensity to a new audience.
Scandal: A Tale of Love and Defiance
Scandal is a historical drama that transports viewers to the Joseon Dynasty, an era defined by strict Confucian values and societal hierarchy. The series is a remake of the 2003 South Korean film Untold Scandal, which itself adapted the classic French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. At its core, Scandal is a story of forbidden love, betrayal, and rebellion, woven into a tapestry of opulent costumes and intricate power dynamics.
Son Ye-jin is expected to take on the role of Lady Cho, a character inspired by the novel’s Marquise de Merteuil. Lady Cho is a woman of striking beauty and intellect, yet she refuses to be bound by the conventions of her time. In a daring move, she challenges Jo-won (played by Ji Chang-wook), a notorious playboy, to seduce her husband’s young concubine as part of a calculated wager. What begins as a game soon unravels into a scandalous web of passion and deceit, with consequences that threaten to upend their lives.
This role marks a departure from Son Ye-jin’s more recent characters, offering her the chance to portray a figure who is both alluring and morally complex. Lady Cho’s defiance of societal norms and her mastery of manipulation make her a fascinating protagonist, and Son Ye-jin’s proven ability to convey emotional nuance ensures that this performance will be one to watch. Joining her are Ji Chang-wook as the charismatic Jo-won and Nana as the innocent yet pivotal concubine, rounding out a cast poised to bring this provocative tale to life.
Production and Premiere
Announced in March 2025, Scandal is currently in pre-production, with filming scheduled to commence in the first half of the year. The drama is being produced for Netflix, a platform that has become synonymous with high-quality K-dramas, offering global reach and cutting-edge storytelling. While an exact premiere date in 2026 remains under wraps, the anticipation is already building, fueled by the success of other historical dramas like The King’s Affection and Mr. Sunshine on the streaming giant.
The original Untold Scandal film was celebrated for its bold exploration of sensuality and power, earning an R-18 rating in South Korea. The television adaptation is expected to temper some of these elements to suit a broader audience, but the core themes of passion and intrigue will remain intact. With its lush historical setting and a plot that thrives on scandal, the drama is poised to captivate viewers both in South Korea and abroad.
Beyond Scandal: No Other Choice
Son Ye-jin’s comeback is not limited to television. In 2025, she will also star in the film No Other Choice, a dark comedy-thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, known for masterpieces like Oldboy and The Handmaiden. In this project, she plays A-ra, the wife of Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a man grappling with unemployment and desperation. The film delves into the extremes people resort to in the face of societal pressures, blending humor with suspense.
Filming for No Other Choice concluded in January 2025, with a release planned later that year. This role highlights Son Ye-jin’s versatility, as she shifts from the historical grandeur of Scandal to a contemporary narrative steeped in dark irony. Her collaboration with Park Chan-wook and Lee Byung-hun underscores her ability to attract top-tier talent and projects, further cementing her reputation as a powerhouse in Korean cinema.
Clearing the Air: No Real-Life Drama
Despite the provocative title of Scandal, there are no real-life controversies tied to Son Ye-jin’s involvement in the drama. Over the years, she has maintained a pristine public image, with the only “scandals” being lighthearted rumors—like her dating speculation with Hyun Bin in 2019, which turned out to be the prelude to their marriage. Her participation in Scandal is purely professional, and the buzz surrounding the project centers solely on her anticipated performance and the drama’s compelling storyline.
A Dual Triumph in Film and Television
Son Ye-jin’s return is a dual triumph, spanning both film and television with No Other Choice in 2025 and Scandal in 2026. This ambitious schedule showcases her enduring appeal and her willingness to tackle diverse roles. In Scandal, she embodies a historical figure who defies convention, while in No Other Choice, she navigates the complexities of modern life with a darkly comedic twist. This breadth of work reaffirms her status as an actress who transcends genres and mediums, appealing to audiences of all tastes.
Conclusion: A Legacy Continues
Son Ye-jin’s return to television with Scandal is a momentous occasion for fans and the industry alike. After a well-earned break to focus on her family, she is stepping back into the limelight with a role that promises to be as challenging as it is iconic. As Lady Cho, she will bring to life a character who challenges the status quo, wrapped in the elegance and intrigue of the Joseon Dynasty. Coupled with her upcoming film No Other Choice, this comeback signals a new chapter in her career—one that builds on her legacy as one of South Korea’s greatest actresses.
With Scandal set to premiere in 2026 on Netflix and No Other Choice hitting theaters in 2025, Son Ye-jin is poised to dominate screens once again. Her ability to balance family life with a thriving career, all while delivering performances of unparalleled depth, speaks to her talent and dedication. As the world awaits her return, one thing is certain: Son Ye-jin’s star continues to shine brighter than ever.
