Welcome to ‘IDOL I’ — the 2025–26 ENA legal thriller that poses a gripping question: How far would you go to prove your favorite idol’s innocence, even when the evidence says otherwise?
Starring the phenomenal Choi Soo-young and the captivating Kim Jae-yeong, the series delivers a tense, emotional rollercoaster that blends high-stakes courtroom drama with the powerful, personal pull of K-pop fandom.
Starring: Choi Soo-young, Kim Jae-yeong
Director: Lee Gwang-young
Writer: Kim Da-rin
Episodes:12
Network: ENA
Where to Watch: Genie TV, Netflix, VIKI, Amazon Prime
The Plot
A Lawyer, an Idol, and a Shocking Truth
Maeng Se-na (Choi Soo-young) is a renowned lawyer with an impeccable track record. Sharp and fiercely professional, she is known for her composure and precision in the courtroom—but beneath her steely exterior lies the heart of a devoted fan.
Her secret indulgence? Do Ra-ik (Kim Jae-yeong), the main vocalist of the popular boy group Gold Boys.
When Ra-ik is suddenly arrested and charged with the brutal murder of his fellow bandmate, the scandal erupts across the entertainment world. The evidence appears damning, public opinion turns viciously hostile, and even his own agency abandons him.
Desperate and isolated, Ra-ik’s path ultimately crosses with Se-na’s.
What follows is a gripping battle both inside and outside the courtroom. Se-na must navigate her conflicting roles as an objective legal counsel and a passionate fan while unraveling a web of secrets, betrayal, and hidden truths within the K-pop industry. But as she digs deeper, she uncovers something far more devastating than she ever anticipated—a shocking truth about the man she idolized that forces her to question everything, including her own heart.
The Characters
Maeng Se-na (played by Choi Soo-young)
Choi Soo-young delivers a powerhouse performance as the ambitious lawyer whose world is turned upside down when her bias becomes her client. She masterfully portrays Se-na’s internal conflict, balancing razor-sharp legal strategy with the vulnerable, fangirling heart she has kept hidden. Her journey from devoted fan to reluctant truth-seeker forms the emotional core of the series.
Do Ra-ik (played by Kim Jae-yeong)
Kim Jae-yeong shines as the beloved idol whose perfect image shatters overnight. As Ra-ik, he navigates the terror of being accused, the isolation of public condemnation, and the fragile hope placed in a lawyer who may believe in him for reasons beyond the case. But as secrets unravel, his character reveals layers of complexity that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Why This Drama is Your Next Binge-Watch
- A Fresh and Timely Premise – ‘IDOL I’ taps into the cultural phenomenon of K-pop fandom with a thrilling legal twist. It’s the story every fan has secretly wondered about: What if your bias needed you not just as a fan, but as their only hope for justice?
- Courtroom Thrills Meet Emotional Depth – The series balances intense legal procedural elements with deeply personal stakes. Each episode delivers gripping testimony, shocking revelations, and the emotional turmoil of watching someone you admire fight for their life while hiding secrets you never imagined.
- Stellar Performances with Electric Chemistry – Choi Soo-young and Kim Jae-yeong create a dynamic that is both intellectually charged and quietly romantic. Their evolving relationship—from strangers to client and lawyer, and then to something more complicated—is handled with nuance, making every shared glance and tense conversation count.
- A Glimpse Behind the Idol Curtain – The drama doesn’t shy away from exploring the pressures, politics, and dark underbelly of the entertainment world. From ruthless contracts to toxic fan culture and the loneliness of stardom, it offers a thought-provoking look at the true price of fame.
A Deeper Look : The Themes That Linger
Beyond the murder mystery and legal battles, ‘IDOL I’ explores powerful themes of truth, loyalty, and the dangers of idealizing public figures. It asks whether we can ever truly know the people we admire from afar and challenges viewers to consider what happens when the object of our affection turns out to be someone—or something—entirely unexpected.
The drama also delves into the ethics of legal representation when personal feelings are involved and highlights the quiet courage required to seek justice, even when it means confronting uncomfortable truths.
The Final Verdict
A Must-Watch Legal Thriller That Will Leave You Breathless
‘IDOL I’ is more than just a courtroom drama; it’s a love letter to fandom, a critique of the systems that exploit it, and a deeply human story about two people finding strength in each other when it matters most. With its compelling premise, stellar cast, and perfect blend of tension and tenderness, it’s easily one of the most unique and unforgettable K-dramas of the year.
Your bias needs you. But are you ready for the truth?
Written by Trisha Deka
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