A new K-drama brings together K-pop fandom and crime-solving. Idol I will start on December 22, 2025. The show tells the story of a top lawyer who is also a secret superfan of a boy band. Her two worlds meet when her favorite idol becomes a murder suspect.
Choi Soo-young and Kim Jae-yeong play the main roles. The series will air on Korean television and stream for a global audience on Netflix.
Idol I Episode 1 Release Date and Schedule
The first episode of Idol I is scheduled for release on Monday, December 22, 2025. The show will follow a regular weekly broadcast schedule.
In South Korea, the drama will air on the ENA and Genie TV networks. New episodes are scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00.
For viewers around the world, Netflix is the primary streaming platform. The service typically adds new episodes shortly after they air in Korea. Two new episodes are expected each week. If the reported total of twelve episodes is correct, the season is likely to finish around January 27, 2026.
- Drama: Idol I
- Episode 1 Release Date: December 22, 2025
- Broadcast Schedule: Every Monday & Tuesday at 22:00 (KST)
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
- Expected Episode Count: 12
- Projected Finale: Around January 27, 2026
Where to Watch Idol I Online
Global viewers can watch Idol I with subtitles on Netflix. The show’s page is already active on the platform, confirming its arrival. In many regions, the drama will also be available on Rakuten Viki, another popular service for Korean content. A subscription is required to watch on Viki.
The series carries a mature rating. On Viki, the show is rated 16+. On Netflix, it is rated 13+. This suggests the story will deal with mature themes related to the crime plot.
The Story: A Lawyer’s Secret Life as a Fangirl
The plot of Idol I mixes legal drama, romance, and comedy.
Choi Soo-young plays Maeng Se-na, a skilled criminal lawyer known for taking on difficult cases others avoid. She has a big secret: for over a decade, she has been a devoted fan of the idol group Gold Boys.
Her favorite member is Do Ra-ik, played by Kim Jae-yeong. He is the main vocalist and visual of the group. When Do Ra-ik is suddenly accused of murder, Maeng Se-na decides to represent him. She hides her identity as his fan to take the case.
“It happens when I’m with Ms. Maeng, I become myself,” Ra-ik says in the trailer.
The series will follow Se-na as she works to prove his innocence. At the same time, she discovers new sides to her idol as they spend more time together.
Meet the Main Cast and Supporting Characters
The drama is led by two well-known actors. Choi Soo-young plays lawyer and fangirl Maeng Se-na. Choi is a singer and actress, originally from the famous group Girls’ Generation. She has successfully moved into acting with roles in dramas like So I Married the Anti-fan and Tell Me Your Wish.
Playing the idol Do Ra-ik is actor Kim Jae-yeong. He is known for his roles in historical and modern dramas such as Love in the Moonlight and The Guardians. At a recent press conference, Kim Jae-yeong mentioned the significance of this role, noting, “I’m approaching 40, so this could be my last idol role”.
The supporting cast includes several familiar faces:
- Choi Hee-jin as Hong Hye-ju
- Kim Hyun-jin as Park Chung-jae, a private investigator
- Jeong Jae-kwang as Kwak Byeong-gyeon, a prosecutor
- Kim Won-hae as Cheon Gwang-su
The series is directed by Lee Gwang-young and written by Kim Da-rin.
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What We Know from the Idol I Trailer
A trailer for the drama is available online. It shows Maeng Se-na excitedly buying a ticket to a Gold Boys concert. The scene quickly changes to show her meeting Do Ra-ik in a serious legal setting.
The teaser highlights the conflict between Se-na’s professional duty and her personal feelings as a fan. In one emotional scene, she encourages a distressed Ra-ik by saying, “No matter what, don’t give up”.
The trailer hints at a growing connection between the lawyer and the idol as they work through the case together.
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