This drama is set in the 1930's when Korea was under the rule of Japan. Na Yeo Kyeong was the owner of a book store and she was also a freedom fighter. Seon Woo Wan was the playboy son of a rich family and he became involved in the independence movement through a bet with his co-workers to win Na Yeo Kyeong's heart. His father paid for the education of his worker's son, Lee Soo Hyeon, and was disappointed to find him working for the Security Branch of the Japanese government. Cha Song Joo was a famous gisaeng who ran a high class brothel.

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  Kang Ji Hwan (Seon Woo Wan)

  Main Role

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  Ryu Jin (Lee Soo Hyun)

  Main Role

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  Han Ji Min (Na Yeo Kyeong)

  Main Role

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  Han Go Eun (Cha Song Joo)

  Main Role

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  Ahn Suk Hwan (Ueda Mamoru)

  Supporting Role

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  Kim Hye Ok (Sachiko)

  Supporting Role

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• Sep 23, 2011 16 of 16 episodes seen

  Jeaniessi
  9 of 10 people found this review helpful
  Other reviews by this user
  • Overall  8
  • Story  8
  • Acting/Cast  9
  • Music  8
  • Rewatch Value  7

  Capital Scandal is a fun period piece drama set in the 30's during the Japanese occupation of Joseon. In this mix are the rebels who wish to free Joseon from Japanese oppression and immersion, The Japanese police and their ilk and the middle grounders (I made that term up), the people who just want to live under the radar, embrace the fun of the times and the modernization of Seoul. It is at its core, the story of a playboy who has run from all forms of obligation for most of his life and how the love of a woman changes him. And while this may be an archetype that Kang Ji Hwan has played before, I found myself loving his character anyway. I've seen him step away from this type in movies and I hope he does continue to stretch himself in the future.
  
  I liked how deep this story became as the episodes moved along. There are nuanced and complex relationships that flesh themselves out completely and are not left hanging. While not every character gets a picture perfect conclusion, you do get the satisfaction of ends tied up nicely. There is a lot of fun, smart and snappy dialog in this drama that I don't feel was lost in the translation of the subs. The love story between the two leads was very sweet. I liked their antagonistic start, middle and end. They had a kind of old Hollywood Hepburn/Tracy feel to them.
  
  The cinematography, color palette, clothing and music were all added delights of enhancing the feel of the time period. The Concubine Cha Song Joo had so many costume changes my head was spinning; but it was wonderful!
  
  It struck me as I was watching Capital Scandal that even as it must have completely stretched the truth of the Japanese occupation of Joseon, (it was much worse, of course) if not over westernizing the time period; this drama speaks to the sense of pride Koreans have of their long, ancient history as a people. They deserve to feel that pride. When I think about all the ancient civilizations that remain intact, I hazard to say that Asian cultures seemed to have remembered if not kept their traditions better than most. As an American mutt, I envy the purity of that tradition and the ability to go back thousands of years tracing your family and owning your people's history. After I watched this drama I dug a little and found out just how close Korea came to being lost by that occupation. God Love Ya Japan...but I'm so glad you lost that war.
  
  Capital Scandal is not perfect but it is a fun show. Lots of intrigue, funny situations, intense drama and a lovely little romance wrapped up in Kang Ji Hwan's special brand of bad boy comedy.
  
  Give it a try! read more

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• Apr 7, 2011 16 of 16 episodes seen

  Ranchy
  4 of 5 people found this review helpful
  Other reviews by this user
  • Overall  8
  • Story  8
  • Acting/Cast  9
  • Music  10
  • Rewatch Value  8

  This show is a mixture of (I write this in order) romance, comedy, and nationalism spirit. The promotional posters might mislead people about the overall feel it'll give you. It isn't that serious (don't expect serious show with full packed action here), but it isn't that light either. For me, the combination was just perfect.
  
  The chemistry between both couples are really lovely, the acting are so solid from main cast to supporting ones (the supporting roles added much value to the show). The jazzy music really captured the emotion of the scenes & the setting (1930s)'s atmosphere. Very nice! Not to mention the colorful wardrobe. (you will either love or hate Wan's exceptional wardrobe, but I guess Cha Songju's wardrobe is a love for every woman)
  
  Perhaps its only drawback for me is the slapstick comedy they used here and there, and some cliche elements (gorgeous playboy fall for plain looking girl, love started out by bet).
  And I think it's important to note this is my first drama of Kang Ji Hwan. I loved him for his role here, but his later roles felt so so after I watched this. I guess he is kinda trapped to Wan alike roles..
  
  Give it a go~ ;) read more

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• 
  Hong Gil Dong

  It is another period piece (although much more modern than Hong Gil Dong) that was written by the amazing Hong sisters. The lead actor is also the same as in Hong Gil Dong: Kang Ji Hwan.

  reportRecommended by loois
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  The Bridal Mask

  Same period and same plot's framework

  reportRecommended by Zounder