The central relationship in the hit K-drama Idol I faces its biggest test as Episode 7 arrives this week. After a shocking discovery at the end of Episode 6, the bond between idol Do Ra-ik and his lawyer Maeng Se-na is fractured, changing the entire direction of the murder case. Fans are eager to see if their professional partnership and growing personal connection can survive this new crisis.
Idol I Episode 7 Release Date and Time for Global Viewers
Idol I Episode 7 will be released on Monday, January 12, 2026. Following the show’s weekly schedule, Episode 8 will follow on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The new episode airs first on Korean television at 10:00 PM Korea Standard Time (KST). For international viewers watching on Netflix, the episode is expected to drop at corresponding local times. Based on the pattern from previous weeks, this typically translates to the following times on Monday, January 12:
- United States (ET): 10:00 AM
- United States (PT): 7:00 AM
- Brazil: 12:00 PM
- United Kingdom: 3:00 PM
- Central European Time: 4:00 PM
- India Standard Time: 8:30 PM
- Australia (AEDT): 2:00 AM (on Tuesday, January 13)
- New Zealand: 4:00 AM (on Tuesday, January 13)
It is important to note that Netflix holds international licensing rights for Idol I, which means episodes are added according to the Korean broadcast schedule rather than in a global batch release. Viewers should check their local Netflix service at the times listed above.
A Complete Recap of the Idol I Episode 6 Cliffhanger
The story reached a critical turning point in Episode 6, setting the stage for the coming conflict. Ra-ik, who has begun to trust and rely on Se-na more than anyone else, was in a positive frame of mind. He even stood up to his ex-girlfriend, Hong Hye-ju, telling her that Se-na was the only person he could count on.
However, his investigation into his bandmate’s murder took new twists. His mother admitted to signing a contract with a rival agency behind his back, motivated by financial need. Later, Se-na discovered this same agency had initially been approached by the deceased leader, Kang Woo-seong, who had promised to bring the entire Gold Boys group with him. This added a complex new layer of possible motive and betrayal.
The emotional core of the episode, however, was the developing relationship between the lawyer and her client. Ra-ik opened up to Se-na about his feelings of isolation, confessing that fans love his idol persona, not his real self. To cheer her up after a difficult day, he decided to prepare a surprise meal. While searching her attic for ingredients, he stumbled upon a hidden box. Inside, he found years of collected merchandiseโsoft toys, banners, printed cushionsโall dedicated to him. Ra-ik was left stunned, realizing Se-na is not just his attorney but also his most devoted fan, a truth she had kept from him. The episode ended with a devastated Ra-ik confronting Se-na, demanding an explanation as she returned home.
What to Expect in Idol I Episode 7
Episode 7 deals directly with the fallout from this major secret. Se-na will try to explain her side of the story to Ra-ik and her reasons for hiding her fandom. Feeling deeply betrayed, Ra-ik is expected to fire her from his legal case. This leaves Se-na heartbroken and overwhelmed. Early reports suggest a scene where she is seen discarding all the Gold Boys merchandise she collected over the years.
“The Idol I episode 7 is surely going to come with a lot of twists and turns,” notes one preview.
Meanwhile, the murder investigation continues to intensify. The drummer Choi Jae-hee, who had accused Ra-ik during a police interrogation, was seen packing his bags and leaving his location unknown at the end of Episode 6. His disappearance will prompt a search. Furthermore, Se-na receives a warning that Mr. Geum, the agency CEO who offered to help Ra-ik, may not be trustworthy. This suggests he could be hiding crucial details about the night of the murder.
While Se-na deals with being fired, her close friend and private investigator, Park Chung-jae, is expected to stay by her side for support. At the same time, Hye-ju will warn Se-na to stay away from Ra-ik. The upcoming episode promises high emotions as the two central characters are pulled apart while the mystery around them deepens.
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Where to Watch All Episodes of Idol I
For viewers in South Korea, Idol I airs on the ENA channel and is also available on Genie TV. For audiences around the world, the series is available for streaming with a subscription on Netflix. The drama is also streaming on Viki.
The series features Choi Soo-young of Girls’ Generation as the talented lawyer Maeng Se-na, and Kim Jae-young as the idol Do Ra-ik. The supporting cast includes Jung Jae-kwang as prosecutor Kwak Byung-gyun, Kim Hyun-jin as investigator Park Chung-jae, and Choi Hee-jin as Hong Hye-ju.
Idol I is planned for a total of 12 episodes, with the finale scheduled for January 27, 2026. New episodes are released twice a week, every Monday and Tuesday.
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