“Bed Scenes Are Uncomfortable,” Ji Chang Wook Discusses Filming 19+ Scenes For Netflix’s “The Scandal”
Actor Ji Chang Wook has now portrayed intense, high-rated scenes in back-to-back period dramas, from “Queen Woo” (2024) to “The Scandal” (2026).
In a recent interview held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for the Netflix series “The Scandal,” Ji Chang Wook opened up about filming the drama’s more intense scenes.
“The Scandal” follows Lady Jo (played by Son Ye Jin), a Joseon-era woman with talents too great to be confined to the role expected of women at the time, and Jo Won (played by Ji Chang Wook), Joseon’s greatest playboy, as they engage in a bold and dangerous bet over love — along with the story of Hui Yeon (played by Nana), a woman entangled in that wager. In the drama, Ji Chang Wook plays Jo Won, Joseon’s top seducer, who enters the bet to obtain what he’s never had. Jo Won is a man who has it all — striking looks, a prestigious family background, and writing talent recognized even by the king — but who carries an unfulfilled longing, unable to win the heart of the one woman he actually wants.
“The Scandal” notably includes intense bed scenes featuring Ji Chang Wook. He previously took on bold nudity and bed scenes in TVING’s original series “Queen Woo” as well — making this the second period drama in a row where he’s filmed such high-intensity scenes.
On this, Ji Chang Wook recalled the filming process, saying, “Bed scenes are a huge burden for an actor.” The production team also explained that they placed those scenes later in the shoot so the actors could film them once they felt more settled and comfortable.
The bed scene with Nana was also filmed only after the two actors had spent considerable time building chemistry together. Ji Chang Wook said, “We filmed plenty of scenes with Nana before getting to the bed scene. Even so, it’s not comfortable — the staff are there filming, and there are a lot of people around who aren’t exactly comfortable with it either,” adding, “We leaned on each other and filmed it once we’d built a real sense of trust.”
He also shared his thoughts on being repeatedly associated with these intense roles in the public eye. Rather than resisting it, Ji Chang Wook seemed to accept a certain image sticking to an actor as a natural part of the job.
He said, “I think it’s actually a good thing when an image sticks with you. It’s almost a fate that actors have no choice but to accept,” adding, “Ironically, I act my hardest specifically so that I’ll be remembered by audiences. And then afterward, I work just as hard to change that image. I think that process is just natural.”
Source: (A)
