Fans of the K-drama Idol I are eager to watch Episode 8, which promises major fallout after a huge secret was exposed. The series follows a lawyer who must defend her favorite K-pop idol from a murder charge. The show’s weekly release schedule means new episodes arrive often, and viewers want to know exactly when and where to watch the next part of the story.
Idol I Episode 8 Release Date and Global Streaming Times
Episode 8 of Idol I released on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The show follows the Korean broadcast schedule, airing on the ENA channel in South Korea at 10:00 PM KST every Monday and Tuesday. For international audiences, the episode is available to stream on Netflix soon after the Korean broadcast.
Because the release follows the Korean schedule, the exact time the episode appears on Netflix varies by region. The release typically happens in the morning or afternoon for viewers in the Americas and Europe.
Key release times for Episode 8 around the world included:
- United States (ET): 10:00 AM on January 13
- United Kingdom: 3:00 PM on January 13
- India: 6:30 PM IST on January 13
- Australia: 2:00 AM on January 14
Where to Watch Idol I Online
Netflix is the primary streaming service for Idol I for most international viewers. The platform holds the global streaming rights and releases new episodes weekly alongside the Korean TV broadcast.
Depending on your location, the series may also be available on other platforms due to regional licensing agreements. Other services that may carry the drama include Rakuten Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Viu. It is best to check which platform has the rights in your specific country.
Recap of Idol I Episodes 5 and 6: The Big Secret Revealed
The story reached a critical point in Episodes 5 and 6, setting the stage for the drama in Episode 8. Maeng Se-na’s car accident was discovered to be deliberate sabotage by obsessive fans of Do Ra-ik. Meanwhile, suspicion in the murder case turned toward Gold Boys drummer Choi Jae-hee, who was seen near Ra-ik’s home on the night of the crime.
A major subplot involved a secret contract that suggested Ra-ik was planning to leave his band. This was presented as a motive for the murder. However, it was revealed that the contract and payment were orchestrated by Ra-ik’s mother, not by Ra-ik himself. The group’s CEO confirmed he trusted Ra-ik and would testify for him.
The most shocking moment came at the end of Episode 6. While looking for rice in Se-na’s home, Ra-ik discovered a box filled with Gold Boys merchandise, including items with his own face on them. This revealed that his lawyer, Maeng Se-na, has been his devoted fan for years, a fact she kept hidden. The episode ended with Ra-ik heartbroken and demanding an explanation, leaving their professional relationship in serious doubt.
At a press conference for the show, actor Kim Jae-young, who plays Do Ra-ik, reflected on the role. He mentioned that the story goes back ten years and he thought of band idols from past generations while acting. He also noted, โIโll be forty next year. I donโt think Iโll be able to play an idol in dramas anymoreโ.
What to Expect in Idol I Episode 8
Episode 8 deals directly with the fallout from Se-na’s exposed secret. Feeling betrayed, Do Ra-ik ends their attorney-client relationship and fires her. This leaves Se-na devastated, and she is seen getting rid of all her Gold Boys fan merchandise.
The murder investigation continues to intensify. Choi Jae-hee goes missing, leading to a search by both the authorities and his band members. He is eventually found, but scenes show Ra-ik rushing through a hospital, suggesting Jae-hee may be in serious danger. Additionally, Se-na is warned by her boss at the law firm not to fully trust the CEO of Goldie Entertainment, adding another layer of doubt to the case.
Idol I Episode Count and Remaining Schedule
Idol I has a total of 12 episodes. The drama releases two episodes each week. With Episode 8 now available, four episodes remain in the season.
The remaining release schedule for the first season is:
- Episode 9: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Episode 10: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Episode 11: Monday, January 26, 2026
- Episode 12: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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Main Cast of the K-Drama Idol I
The series stars Choi Soo-young as the lawyer Maeng Se-na. Choi Soo-young is also a singer, well-known as a member of the group Girls’ Generation. Kim Jae-young plays the idol Do Ra-ik, who is accused of murder.
The supporting cast includes:
- Jung Jae-kwang as Prosecutor Kwak Byung-gyun
- Kim Hyun-jin as private investigator Park Chung-jae
- Choi Hee-jin as Hong Hye-joo, Ra-ik’s ex-lover
- Park Jeong-woo as Choi Jae-hee, the drummer of Gold Boys
The show is written by Kim Da-rin and directed by Lee Kwang-young.
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