Scandal Makers (2023) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Jae-in reveals that she is Hyeon-soo's daughter from his first love relationship. She arrives with her son Ki-dong to inform Hyeon-soo that he is the grandfather. Initially skeptical, Hyeon-soo requests a DNA test to verify her claim, which later confirms their biological connection.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the story, Jae-in sent personal letters to Hyeon-soo's radio show hinting that she was searching for her father.

• jae-in
• ki-dong
• daughter
• grandfather
• paternity
• dna test

After Jae-in arrives claiming Hyeon-soo is her father, a DNA test is conducted at a testing facility. The results come back positive, confirming the biological relationship between Hyeon-soo and Ki-dong, validating Jae-in's claim that she is his daughter.

Foreshadowing: Hyeon-soo asks for proof before accepting the shocking revelation, setting up the DNA test as the definitive answer.

• dna test
• paternity
• proof
• biological relationship
• family confirmation

Hyeon-soo fears that the paternity scandal will destroy his career and harm Jae-in's dreams of becoming a singer. As a former teen idol now working as a radio DJ, he understands how public perception can make or break a career, and he worries that the truth will expose them to cruel media scrutiny.

Foreshadowing: His concerns about reputation are established early as he navigates his post-fame life.

• scandal
• career
• reputation
• fame
• public scrutiny
• media

Park Sang-yoon is Ki-dong's father and Jae-in's ex-boyfriend. He learns about Jae-in's rising fame through news outlets and tracks her down to meet her and Hyeon-soo. His appearance adds tension because he initially misreads the situation between Jae-in and Hyeon-soo.

Foreshadowing: The timeline shows Sang-yoon locates Jae-in specifically because of her growing public visibility.

• park sang-yoon
• ki-dong father
• ex-boyfriend
• jae-in love interest

When Sang-yoon arrives and sees Jae-in with the older Hyeon-soo, he assumes they are in a romantic relationship rather than understanding the true family connection. This misunderstanding creates unnecessary tension between the characters before the actual family dynamics are clarified.

Foreshadowing: The misread moment adds a layer of conflict that complicates the fragile trust between family members.

• misunderstanding
• romantic assumption
• relationship confusion
• tension

During Jae-in's public performance, Ki-dong disappears, triggering a frantic search. This crisis jolts Hyeon-soo into recognizing his deep paternal instinct and care for both his daughter and grandson. The fear and urgency of that moment forces him to confront how much these new family members mean to him.

Foreshadowing: The missing child becomes the catalyst that transforms Hyeon-soo's relationship with his family.

• ki-dong missing
• recital
• search
• child disappearance
• family crisis

After Ki-dong's disappearance, news about Hyeon-soo's daughter and grandson leaks to the media, threatening his career. However, his choice to take responsibility for his family earns him cautious public support. A separate scandal involving a film star assaulting a journalist further complicates the media landscape, making his situation seem less severe by comparison.

Foreshadowing: The leaked news creates immediate pressure but also opens the path to redemption.

• media
• public reaction
• news leak
• scandal
• public support
• reputation

Ki-dong's kindergarten teacher encourages Hyeon-soo to present himself as a responsible, caring older man rather than maintaining his flashy, image-obsessed approach. With her guidance, he adopts a steadier, more mature demeanor. The public responds warmly to this authentic shift toward honesty and responsibility.

Foreshadowing: The teacher's belief that compassion can coexist with a public career motivates his transformation.

• image change
• public persona
• maturity
• responsibility
• teacher guidance
• transformation

The kindergarten teacher serves as Hyeon-soo's advocate and moral compass. She believes that a compassionate, responsible public persona can coexist with honesty. Her encouragement helps Hyeon-soo pivot away from his fear-driven approach and embrace his new family role, which ultimately wins public trust.

Foreshadowing: The teacher appears after the media backlash to guide his character transformation.

• kindergarten teacher
• mentor
• advocate
• moral compass
• guidance
• support

At the Christmas recital, the relationship between Hyeon-soo, Jae-in, and Ki-dong is healed and deepened. Sang-yoon also reconciles with Jae-in and Ki-dong, rekindling their love. The moment unites the family against ongoing public scrutiny and signals a hopeful new chapter.

Foreshadowing: The Christmas performance serves as the emotional culmination of the family's healing journey.

• christmas recital
• reconciliation
• family unity
• healing
• new chapter
• performance

Yes, Jae-in achieves her dream of performing on stage. Her rising visibility as a singer initially complicates the family situation but ultimately leads to reconciliation. The family learns to balance her career ambitions with their collective responsibility, supporting her dreams while staying united.

Foreshadowing: Jae-in's dream of singing is established early when she expresses her desire to perform on stage.

• jae-in singing career
• performance
• singer dream
• stage
• ambition
• career support

Hyeon-soo's new mature, responsible persona helps rebuild his career. His radio appearances and public interactions reflect the calmer identity, earning public trust. The shift demonstrates that he can redefine his legacy without erasing his past, ultimately revitalizing his professional standing.

Foreshadowing: The story shows his career declining initially before the image transformation leads to recovery.

• career recovery
• radio career
• public image
• reputation rebuild
• fame
• transformation

Jae-in, using the name Hwang Jeong-nam, sends intimate life stories to Hyeon-soo's radio show because she is searching for her father. Her messages describe her daily struggles as a single mother and her plan to meet her father, hinting at the past relationship that could reunite their family.

Foreshadowing: These letters establish the mystery of her parentage before she physically arrives at Hyeon-soo's door.

• radio letters
• jeong-nam
• single mother
• search for father
• personal stories