Scandal (2024) episode 1 recap, review & Ending Explained

Scandal (2024) episode 1 delivers an intriguing start with a party at Jeong Entertainment, introducing key characters and escalating tension as CEO Moon faces past crimes, familial betrayals, and a threatening letter, culminating in her mysterious death, promising a thrilling series filled with mystery, complex storytelling, and intense character dynamics.

Scandal (2024) episode 1 starts with a party hosted by Jeong Entertainment, introducing the villain, heroine, and other key characters in the first episode. CEO Moon, depicted negatively, tells Baek Seol, “It’s my drama, so get out fast.” Baek Seol responds, “But this is my drama, didn’t you snatch it from me?”

A flashback shows Baek Seol as a child witnessing Moon kill someone. In the present, Baek Seol confronts Moon, saying she has discovered everything, but Moon asks if she has any evidence. Baek Seol is actually Moon’s stepdaughter from her husband’s first relationship. Moon receives a threatening letter saying, “I will destroy you, you will die, and I will kill you today.” When staff say a woman gave the letter, Moon first suspects Baek Seol. After ruling her out, Moon meets another woman, an ex-employee whom Moon had fired and treated very badly.

At the same time, Moon’s daughter approaches award-winning actor Jin Ho and asks about his connection to her mother. An old man then approaches Moon, asking her to come into a room, but she tells him their contract is over. This reveals that the old man significantly helped grow Moon’s business. He warns Moon that once the drama airs, she won’t leave him, and he’ll kill her. Meanwhile, Moon’s husband is angry about the old man’s presence.

Moon’s husband beats her, saying they’ve won a lot but will be caught by the police tomorrow. The film’s hero, Jin Ho, intervenes and pushes Moon’s husband away. A scene cut reveals a close connection between the drama’s director, Na Hyun Woo, and Baek Seol. Meanwhile, Jin Ho comforts Moon, making Moon’s daughter angry. She tells Moon that Jin Ho has signed with another entertainment company and confesses she loves jin ho to mother. Moon, who also loves Jin Ho, responds, “I can’t do without him.”

Scandal (2024) episode 1 delivers an intriguing start with a Jeong Entertainment party, introducing key characters, including the villainous CEO Moon. The tension rises as Baek Seol confronts Moon over past crimes and familial betrayals, revealed through flashbacks. Multiple subplots emerge: Moon receives a threatening letter, suspects Baek Seol, and clashes with an ex-employee. Moon's strained relationships with her daughter and husband add complexity. The plot thickens as Moon's daughter questions actor Jin Ho's connection to Moon, an old associate threatens Moon, and a rooftop confrontation ends with Moon's death, her body found with the ominous letter, promising a thrilling series.

Ending Explained

Mother and daughter fight over actor Jin Ho. Angry, Moon goes to the rooftop and answers a call, asking if it’s Jin Ho, while someone stands behind her. The award function starts with everyone except CEO Moon. Baek Seol and Moon’s daughter watch Jin Ho. Meanwhile, CEO Moon is found dead outside. The function continues inside, unaware of her death. A police officer discovers the threatening letter in Moon’s hand, ending the first episode.

Scandal (2024) episode 1 Review

Scandal (2024) episode 1 delivers an intriguing start with a party hosted by Jeong Entertainment, introducing the main players, including the villainous CEO Moon. The tension escalates as Baek Seol confronts Moon over past crimes and familial betrayals. Flashbacks reveal Moon’s dark deeds, setting a complex stage for the story. The episode effectively intertwines multiple subplots: Moon receiving a threatening letter, suspecting Baek Seol, and clashing with an ex-employee. Moon’s strained relationships with her daughter and husband add layers to her character.

The plot thickens as Moon’s daughter questions actor Jin Ho’s connection to Moon, and an old associate threatens Moon’s life. The episode’s climax is gripping: Moon is beaten by her husband, Jin Ho intervenes, and a rooftop confrontation leaves Moon dead, her body discovered with the ominous letter.

The drama’s intricate storytelling, intense character dynamics, and cliffhanger ending promise a thrilling series ahead, captivating viewers with its blend of mystery and family drama.