Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Scandal of Chunhwa, which has been captivating audiences with its bold take on historical romance and royal independence since its release.
The Scandal of Chunhwa premiered on February 6, 2025, offering viewers 10 episodes with approximately 60 minutes of runtime each, initially released on TVING and later made available on Prime Video. This South Korean historical romance series stars Go Ara, Chang Ryul, and Kang Chan-hee, set in the fictional country of Dongbangguk. The series follows Princess Hwa-ri, who wants to find her true love on her own after her first love failed, and later gets entangled with the city’s most popular playboy and the most popular prospective groom.
What makes this drama particularly engaging is its fresh approach to the historical romance genre, focusing on a princess who refuses to be a passive participant in her own love story. The series explores themes of independence, self-determination, and the clash between personal desires and royal duties. The show doesn’t shy away from addressing the scandal element, as Princess Hwa-ri becomes entangled in controversy involving an erotic novel based on her life.
The drama effectively balances romance with social commentary, showing how even royal women in historical periods struggled against societal expectations and fought for their right to choose their own destiny.
The youngest princess of the royal family who grew up with an independent mindset
The Scandal of Chunhwa centers on Princess Hwa-ri (Go Ara), the youngest princess of the royal family who grew up with an independent mindset. When she reaches the age to marry, she leaves the royal palace to find a husband on her own, defying her father the king’s attempts to arrange her marriage. The story unfolds as she becomes entangled in a scandal involving an erotic novel based on her life, while navigating relationships with two very different men: Choi Hwan, a wealthy merchant and handsome playboy who hides a secret, and Jang Won, the most popular prospective groom.
The series brilliantly explores how rumors and scandals can both destroy and liberate, as Hwa-ri finds herself caught between family pressure, societal expectations, and her own desires for authentic love. The fictional setting of Dongbangguk allows the writers to create a unique world that feels both historically grounded and refreshingly modern in its themes.
Princess Hwa-ri: The Rebellious Royal
Go Ara delivers a compelling performance as Princess Hwa-ri, a character who embodies both royal dignity and fierce independence. Hwa-ri’s journey from sheltered princess to a woman taking control of her own destiny forms the emotional core of the series. Her character development shows a gradual transformation as she learns to navigate the world outside the palace walls while maintaining her principles and fighting for her right to choose her own path.
What makes Hwa-ri particularly engaging is her refusal to be defined by the scandal surrounding her. Instead of retreating, she uses the controversy as an opportunity to break free from traditional constraints and forge her own identity. Go Ara brings both vulnerability and strength to the role, making Hwa-ri a relatable and inspiring protagonist.
The Love Triangle: Choi Hwan and Jang Won
The series creates compelling romantic tension through Princess Hwa-ri’s relationships with two very different men. Choi Hwan (Chang Ryul) represents the exciting but potentially dangerous path, as a wealthy merchant and playboy who harbors secrets that could complicate their relationship. His character brings both charm and mystery to the story, as viewers are kept guessing about his true intentions and hidden agenda.
On the other hand, Jang Won (Kang Chan-hee) represents the safer, more socially acceptable choice as the most popular prospective groom. The dynamic between these three characters creates a love triangle that goes beyond simple romance, exploring themes of duty versus desire, safety versus passion, and the different ways love can manifest in a restrictive society.
The Scandal and Royal Consequences
The climax of the series revolves around the scandal involving the erotic novel based on Princess Hwa-ri’s life and how it affects her relationships, her standing in society, and her family’s reputation. The drama effectively uses this scandalous element to explore themes of female agency, the power of storytelling, and how women’s sexuality has been policed throughout history.
The series builds to a confrontation where Hwa-ri must choose between conforming to save her family’s reputation or continuing to fight for her independence despite the consequences. This decision point brings together all the themes the series has been exploring about love, power, and the cost of freedom.
Success on Prime Video
The Scandal of Chunhwa has found a dedicated audience on Prime Video, praised for its bold storytelling, strong performances, and beautiful cinematography. The series has resonated with viewers who appreciate historical dramas that don’t shy away from addressing controversial themes. The 10-episode format allows for proper character development and builds tension effectively throughout the series. Go Ara’s performance has been particularly praised for bringing depth and authenticity to the role of Princess Hwa-ri, making The Scandal of Chunhwa a standout addition to Prime Video’s collection of Korean historical dramas.
If you love historical romances with strong female protagonists, royal intrigue, and stories about breaking free from societal constraints, The Scandal of Chunhwa is the perfect series to binge on Prime Video. The combination of beautiful period settings, compelling characters, and bold storytelling makes this drama a captivating watch that challenges traditional historical romance conventions.
The Scandal of Chunhwa delivers a bold and refreshing take on historical romance, featuring a strong female protagonist who refuses to let scandal define her destiny, making it a compelling watch for fans of period dramas with modern sensibilities.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Platform: Prime Video (originally TVING)
- Rating: 5.8/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Historical Romance, Drama, Fantasy
- Main Characters: Go Ara (Princess Hwa-ri), Chang Ryul (Choi Hwan), Kang Chan-hee (Jang Won)
- Antagonist: Societal expectations and royal family pressure