K-Pop Star Turned Actor Breaks Free in Daring 19+ Upcoming K-Drama

A bold new 19+ Korean drama is ready to spark discussions. Following the success of 'The Queen Who Crowns' and other period dramas, TVING is switching gears with 'The Scandal of Chunhwa', a historical romance that’s anything but conventional.

On February 5, the press gathered at CGV Yongsan in Seoul for the drama’s production presentation, led by director Lee Kwang-young. With its tantalizing teasers and vibrant promotional material, 'The Scandal of Chunhwa' initially seemed like a lighthearted romance, but early preview screenings of Episodes 1 and 2 quickly revealed its mature content, featuring scenes bold enough to warrant its 19+ rating.

Set against the backdrop of a controversial collection of erotic tales that sends shockwaves through the capital city, the series follows Princess Hwa-ri (played by Go Ara) as she embarks on a quest to find her ideal husband after her first love ends in failure. Along the way, she crosses paths with two contrasting suitors: the charming yet mischievous playboy Choi Hwan (Jang Ryul) and the responsible, high-ranking scholar Jang Won (Kang Chan-hee).

Director Lee clarified that pushing boundaries wasn’t the primary goal. “The mature content stems from the central theme of ‘chunhwa’ (erotic artwork or literature) and the mystery of who in that era would have created such stories. It’s about sparking curiosity rather than shock,” he explained.

With period dramas like 'The Queen Who Crowns' and 'The Tale of Lady Ok' enjoying popularity recently, the industry is watching closely to see if 'The Scandal of Chunhwa' will ride the same wave of success. Lee shared that his team aimed to break conventions not only in storytelling but also in visual execution, incorporating distinct music, cinematography, and artistic design.

Go Ara, making her drama comeback after five years, portrays the free-spirited and headstrong Princess Hwa-ri. “This is the type of fun project I’ve been waiting for,” she said, acknowledging the drama’s mature themes but emphasizing its core as a love story. Her character begins as an impulsive royal but evolves significantly throughout the series. “By Episode 10, you’ll see a very different Hwa-ri,” she teased.

Go Ara wasn’t the original choice for the role—Go Ah-sung had initially been cast but had to step down due to injury. Reflecting on her casting, Go Ara said, “It was serendipitous. I was already preparing for a historical drama, so joining this production felt natural.”

Jang Ryul, taking on his first period drama, plays Choi Hwan, a charismatic merchant. “When I first read the script, I realized this project had layers like an onion,” he said. He also praised Go Ara for her immersive acting. “During our first script reading, I could see she was fully absorbed in the story, and her emotional range really impressed me.”

On the challenges of acting in a period drama, Jang Ryul noted that adjusting his expressions to fit the time period took effort. “But working with Go Ara helped bridge that gap,” he added. When asked how he relates to his character, he remarked, “Hwan’s sense of responsibility resonates with me.”

Han Seung-yeon, who portrays Lee Ji-won, made headlines for her bold performance involving intimate scenes. Addressing the audience with humor, she said, “I know people might be surprised, wondering, ‘Han Seung-yeon can do that?’ But I’ve been an adult since my debut.” She emphasized that the scenes were critical to portraying her character’s emotional depth. “We focused on making them feel natural and authentic.”

She also highlighted Ji-won’s charm, saying, “She’s a character who derives humor from the differences in personalities, and I hope viewers appreciate that aspect.”

'The Scandal of Chunhwa' premieres on TVING on February 6, promising a mix of romance, humor, and bold storytelling. Will it capture the attention of viewers seeking something daringly different? All eyes are on TVING as it unveils its latest gamble in the world of period dramas.