Kim Jae-young Shines in IDOL I Kdrama on Viu

IDOL I

Get ready—IDOL I just dropped on Viu, and this Korean drama is already shaping up to be one of the most gripping K-dramas of 2026. Choi Soo Young/Sooyoung (Girls’ Generation) plays a brilliant criminal lawyer hiding an obsessive secret: she’s been a devoted fan of Do Ra-ik (Kim Jae Yeong), the charismatic idol of the chart-topping K-pop group Gold Boys.

Then comes the twist—her idol is accused of murder. Now she must defend him, even as her heart wavers between fangirl devotion and growing doubt. Episodes 1–6 are available now, with new episodes airing Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Don’t miss out—binge the available episodes before the mystery deepens.

What Happens in IDOL I?

In IDOL I, Maeng Se-na is the “Villain’s Lawyer”—she takes cases no one else wants and she always wins.

But her professional reputation hides a personal obsession: for the past decade, she’s been a devoted fan of Do Ra-ik, the visual and vocal powerhouse of Gold Boys.

When a member of Gold Boys is found dead in Ra-ik’s apartment, Ra-ik becomes the prime suspect. Se-na jumps at the chance to defend him, convinced of his innocence.

But as the investigation deepens, Se-na uncovers truths about Ra-ik that shatter her idol image.

The man she’s loved from afar might not be who she thought he was. Each episode tests her—emotionally, professionally, and romantically. Secrets surface, connections deepen, and Se-na must decide: does she defend the idol she loves, or the truth she’s discovering?

This is not your typical legal drama. It’s messy, emotional, and full of real stakes.

Cast & Characters: The Heart of the Show

Choi Sooyoung as Maeng Se-na

Girls’ Generation member Sooyoung brings authenticity and vulnerability to Maeng Se-na, a sharp, confident, and ruthless criminal lawyer whose carefully built walls start to crumble when Ra-ik walks into her life.

Her performance captures the tug-of-war between professional judgment and emotional obsession beautifully, and fans can also catch her playful side in the latest episode 784 of hit K variety show Running Man 2026, making this the perfect moment to watch her in both Korea’s most popular variety series and this intense new Kdrama.

Kim Jae-young as Do Ra-ik

An idol caught in a nightmare. Ra-ik seems charming and perfect on stage, but Kim Jae Yeong reveals layers of complexity—vulnerability, fear, and secrets that make viewers question everything they see. His chemistry with Sooyoung is electric.

Jung Jae-kwang as Kwak Byeong Gyun

The tenacious prosecutor who believes Ra-ik is guilty. His scenes with Se-na crackle with tension as they battle in and out of court.

Choi Hee-jin as Hong Hye Ju

Ra-ik’s ex-girlfriend. Her sudden return in Episode 4 changes everything, forcing Se-na to confront uncomfortable emotions and dangerous questions about who Ra-ik really is.

Kim Hyun-jin as Park Chung Jae

A private investigator who helps Se-na dig for the truth, bringing new perspectives and plot twists.

Together, these actors create a web of emotional complexity that makes IDOL I impossible to stop watching.

Episode Highlights: What You Need to Know

Episode 1 – “An Unexpected Variation”

Se-na lives a double life. By day, she’s a ruthless lawyer defending criminals. By night, she’s a devoted fan of Do Ra-ik. When they finally meet—not how she imagined—her secret life can’t stay hidden. The stage is set for chaos.

Episode 2 – “Sound And Fury”

Ra-ik is arrested for murder. He claims obsessive fans are framing him. Se-na, caught between the idol she adored and the suspect before her, faces a truth she never wanted to see. Doubt creeps in.

Episode 3 – “I Can’t Stop For Death”

Ra-ik spirals into despair, his memories fading, his will to live faltering. Se-na, believing her instincts over evidence, races to save him before it’s too late. Their connection deepens—but at what cost?

Episode 4 – “Pandora’s Box”

Ra-ik’s ex-girlfriend suddenly returns. Se-na witnesses a connection between them she can’t ignore, stirring unfamiliar pain. Just as emotions reach a breaking point, a mysterious accident changes everything—raising new questions about who really orchestrated the murder.

Episode 5 – “Beneath the Tickling Tree”

While caring for Se-na after the crash, Ra-ik begins to feel something he can’t ignore. Meanwhile, Se-na realizes the accident was planned. The mystery deepens as someone deliberately tried to harm her. Trust fractures as paranoia sets in.

Episode 6 – “A Blatant Lie”

As the investigation deepens, new truths about the victim emerge. Se-na and Ra-ik grow closer through the storm—until Ra-ik uncovers a secret she’s kept buried in her heart. The revelation changes everything between them.

What’s Coming Next?

Episodes 7–8: January 13-14, 2026

The investigation reaches a critical turning point. New suspects emerge. Ra-ik’s past becomes impossible to hide.

Episodes 9–10: January 20-21, 2026

Secrets unravel. Alliances shift. The truth about the murder gets closer.

Episodes 11–12 (Finale): January 27-28, 2026

The mystery is solved. The romantic comedy reaches its climax. All questions answered.

Total Episodes: 12 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Viu)

Why IDOL I is a Must-Watch K-Drama

If you love best Korean dramas, romantic love Korean drama, or just good Korean series to watch, IDOL I delivers on all fronts:

Fresh Premise: Unlike typical legal dramas, IDOL I focuses on character drama, fandom obsession, and the messy collision of professional duty and personal desire. It’s timely, relevant, and genuinely entertaining.

Powerhouse Chemistry: Choi Soo Young and Kim Jae Yeong have electric on-screen chemistry that makes every scene feel authentic and emotionally charged.

Real Stakes: This isn’t just about proving innocence—it’s about confronting disillusionment, hidden truths, and what happens when your hero isn’t who you thought.

Smart Mystery: The murder investigation unfolds with unexpected twists. Just when you think you know what happened, a new clue changes everything.

Award-Worthy Production: Director Lee Kwang-young (known for Call It Love) brings cinematic direction to every scene, balancing humor with genuine emotional depth.

Binge-Worthy Pacing: At around 60 minutes per episode, each installment feels complete yet leaves you desperate for the next.

What Viewers Are Saying

Fans are calling IDOL I a “perfect blend of romance, mystery, and character drama” and “the K-drama that sneaked up on everyone.” Many praise the chemistry between Choi Soo Young and Kim Jae Yeong, the emotional honesty of Se-na’s character, and the unpredictability of the murder investigation.

One comment: “You don’t just watch a lawyer defend her idol—you feel her internal conflict, her obsession, her doubt.” With IMDB ratings at 7.8/10 and rising viewership, IDOL I is shaping up to be one of the best Asian dramas on Viu this year.

Q&A: Everything You Need to Know

When did IDOL I start airing?
The show premiered on December 22, 2025. Episodes 1–6 are available now on Viu.

How many episodes are there, and when do new ones air?

12 episodes total. New episodes drop Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Viu. Episodes 7–8 air January 13-14, 2026.

What genre is IDOL I?
It’s a Korean drama combining legal thriller, romance, comedy, and mystery elements.

Who are the leads?

Choi Soo Young (Girls’ Generation member) as Se-na and Kim Jae Yeong as Do Ra-ik deliver career-defining performances.

Should I watch episodes 1–6 before the new episodes drop?
Absolutely. Those early episodes introduce characters, establish the mystery, and set the emotional foundation. You’ll want full context and investment before new episodes arrive.

Where can I watch IDOL I?
Exclusively on Viu with multiple subtitle options (English, Chinese, Indonesian, and more).