With the start of 2026, what better way to kick off the year than by checking out a recently premiered K-Drama that is perfect for fans of both K-Dramas and K-Pop? Curious why? Here’s everything you need to know about Choi Soo Young and Kim Jae Yeong’s “IDOL I“!
“IDOL I“
Casts: Choi Soo Young, Kim Jae Yeong, Jeong Jae Kwang, Choi Hee Jin, Kim Hyun Jin
Synopsis: Maeng Se Na is a top-tier criminal defense attorney whose cool-headed skills land her courtroom victories, and is also a die-hard fan of the most radiant idol on Earth, Do La Ik. When he is arrested as a prime suspect in a murder case, she resolves to take on his case to shield him from an unfortunate fate. However, the angelic idol-singer she so loved turns out to be completely different, devoid of manners, consideration, and morals. The more they seek the truth, the deeper the case before them spirals into a labyrinth, and their mutual wounds and secrets begin to slowly surface. Can Se Na and La Ik truly uncover the truth behind this murder case?
Genre: Law, Mystery, Romantic Comedy
Why “IDOL I” Is The Perfect Show For K-Drama and K-Pop Fans
A Fangirl-Idol Drama Where They Meet as an Attorney and a Murder Suspect
We have watched many K-Dramas that feature K-Pop idols and fangirls, either as love interests or friends. But how often do we see them meet as an attorney and a murder suspect? This is where “IDOL I” sets itself apart, as it presents a unique and refreshing concept that we rarely see in K-Dramas.
As fans, before we become deeply connected to a K-Pop idol, we usually start by liking their songs and concepts. As time goes on, we discover shared interests and feel inspired by their music and personalities. This is exactly why Maeng Se Na became a fan of Do La Ik a decade ago. When she was at her lowest after losing her family, she had no one else and found comfort in the music he wrote. This shows how powerful music can be and how it helps people stand back on their feet.
Now, Do La Ik finds himself as a murder suspect, not just of anyone, but of his own bandmate, who had been with him since the beginning. They considered each other siblings who shared everything and kept no secrets. This hurts him the most, as he cannot understand how he could harm someone who stood by him through thick and thin.
This is where the drama’s dynamic becomes even more interesting. Years later, the two meet again as established individuals, with Maeng Se Na now a popular attorney who never backs down, and Do La Ik someone who needs help, just as he once helped Se Na during her darkest time. Now, it is her turn to become the support that her idol needs.
Fangirling We Can All Relate To
Watching Maeng Se Na as a fangirl feels like looking into a mirror for many K-Pop fans. Like most fans, she genuinely wants the best for her idol. She is supportive, listens to their new songs, streams their music multiple times, buys albums and merchandise, and attends concerts. Fangirling often feels the same for all of us.
Being a huge fan also helps in how Maeng Se Na can prove Do La Ik’s innocence, as she knows everything about him. From his mannerisms to how he acts when he lies, she even jokes that his acting is stiff, meaning he is a bad liar and would not be able to fake something that serious in real life.
The drama also features a fun and familiar K-Drama trope, which is cohabitation! However, since this is not a romance-centric drama, it won’t focus too much on it! The fun side now comes as we watch Se Na try to hide the fact that she is a fangirl by hiding her merchandise, stickers, and anything related to her idol!
While the drama shows the fun side of K-Pop, it also highlights the darker side of the industry. It portrays entertainment companies that see idols as products and overwork them, band members who do not get along but pretend to be close on screen, idols who struggle with bad personalities and hidden pressures, and toxic fans who go overboard with their idols’ privacy
Legal K-Drama That Will Keep You Guessing
Aside from the drama’s unique selling point, it is also interesting to see how the case slowly unfolds as Se Na takes it on. Through her perspective, we get a clearer picture of what really happened, especially since La Ik cannot remember the events of that night because he was drunk. It is heartbreaking to see that his bandmate was murdered, yet no one knows who the real killer is.
As the episodes go by, more details begin to surface, including secrets La Ik wants to keep from his attorney and new characters who are connected to both him and the bandmate who was killed. These revelations keep the story engaging and leave us constantly guessing!
Perfect Main Characters
Sooyoung shines as the strict and determined attorney Maeng Se Na, who will do everything she can to win her case, while also showing her softer side as a fangirl who is always there for her favorite idol. As an idol herself, for those who are not familiar, Sooyoung is a member of the popular K-Pop girl group Girls’ Generation. It is especially fun to watch a real idol portray a fangirl in a K-Drama.
Meanwhile, Kim Jae Yeong is the perfect choice to play Do La Ik. With his visuals, he truly looks like a K-Pop idol, and he can sing as well. Together, Sooyoung and Kim Jae Yeong deliver a one-of-a-kind chemistry that makes us excited to see how their characters’ relationship will develop as the story moves forward.
At this point, you are probably curious about the drama, so let’s all watch “IDOL I” on KOCOWA+, which offers multiple subtitle options, and find out what really happened and whether Do La Ik is truly a murder suspect or not.
