If you’re a superfan, get out your lightstick and fanfic – Netflix’s Idol I is the manifestation of many fans’ dreams. Well, almost. If that dream includes being a serious, topnotch lawyer, meeting your favorite celebrity because you have to defend them in a murder investigation. Idol I features an attorney by day, K-pop stan by night, Maeng Se-na (Choi Soo-young, Run On), who has to prove the innocence of her favorite idol, Do Ra-ik (Kim Jae-young, The Judge from Hell), even when no one believes him.
As a murder mystery with a heavy helping of romance and legal drama, Idol I certainly accomplishes its goal of making viewers anticipate every interaction between the main pairing while keeping eyes peeled for evidence. It’s a mystery where it seems like Ra-ik must be the culprit; he is the only one with the opportunity, and perhaps a motive as well. When it’s hard to pin the blame on anyone else, it always makes for an exciting and seemingly unsolvable case.
One other thing this show does exceptionally well is showcase fan culture. There are many things to love about it; though it can be solitary, at the same time it can be a way to connect with people with the same interests. It can lift spirits on the worst days and be at the core of all of your best ones. There have not been as many dramas that focus on the relationship between an artist and their fans, and that makes Idol I that much more compelling. After the success of Kpop Demon Hunters, it’s clear the people yearn for media and storylines that highlight bands and specifically K-pop, a huge sector of fan culture. Still, there is a flip side to what being a fan means.
The series exposes a lot of the issues within the entertainment industry, including stalker fans, toxic parasocial relationships, mental health, internet hate, and the pressure of being in the spotlight. These topics are important, and it’s even better that they are addressed in a unique plotline that ties investigative drama with a creative setting.
The show is certainly not without flaws. At times, the pacing can be unsteady and it’s never too difficult to predict what happens next. It’s a testament to the acting that viewers consistently come back week after week, but towards the end of the show, aspects of the story can get repetitive. Yours truly loves when there are quiet moments between the main couple, or scenes in which the world feels silent. It is the perfect canvas to focus on the main characters and what drives them. Idol I has some of these moments, along with a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry in South Korea.
The writing does a seamless job at making what might seem a far-fetched fan fantasy on paper feel realistic and believable. The leads have chemistry: it’s not fiery and explosive, it’s soft and delicate, and it definitely helps the storyline move forward. That being said, it would be nice to see more aspects of the mystery threaded through each episode. A few more red herrings and a bigger cast of suspicious characters could really round out this whodunnit.
If you’re on the fence about this one, Idol I does have a unique premise that many dramas haven’t yet spotlighted. It’s about the idol life in the digital age, fan communities, and the world of law. The show blends mystery with romance and comedy in a gripping way. The main cast, including the supporting actors, do a great job – specifically Choi Hee-jin shines as Ra-ik’s ex, Hong Hye-joo. It might not necessarily be the standout show of the year, but Idol I is fun and fresh, and it’s worth a real try.
