Episode 8 of the K-drama Idol I aired on January 13, 2026, and is available to watch now on Netflix and in South Korea on tvN. This pivotal episode features Do Ra-ik and lawyer Maeng Se-na deepening their investigation into a bandmate’s suspicious accident, leading them to a dramatic confrontation with their agency’s CEO. Viewers see significant development in the central relationship as long-hidden personal histories and a life-changing connection from the past are finally revealed.
Key Plot Points from Idol I Episode 8
The main event of Episode 8 is the fallout from Jae-hee’s car crash. Police and prosecutors are ready to close the case, labeling it a suicide after a confession note and murder weapon were found in his car. However, both Ra-ik and Se-na are convinced he was framed. Ra-ik seeks out Se-na, who finds him outside her house in the rain, and the two join forces to investigate.
Their investigation takes several key turns:
- They visit the crash site and conclude the accident’s circumstances are suspicious.
- At the hotel where Jae-hee stayed, a receptionist who is a Gold Boys fan confirms he was acting strangely and saw no visitors.
- A hotel steward later reveals he overheard Jae-hee having a heated phone call with someone he addressed as “CEO,” directly contradicting CEO Geum’s statement to police.
- Ra-ik and Se-na share a moment after getting locked in a park at night, where they finally talk about their first meeting years ago.
The episode ends with Ra-ik and Se-na confronting CEO Geum at the Goldie Entertainment office. Ra-ik directly asks why both Woo-seung and Jae-hee spoke to the CEO last before their deaths. CEO Geum cryptically warns that the full truth about Woo-seung will be painful but agrees to reveal what he knows.
The Shared Past of Ra-ik and Se-na
A major emotional core of Episode 8 is the full revelation of how Ra-ik and Se-na first met, a connection both had kept secret. While locked in the park, Se-na confesses she is no longer his fan. This prompts Ra-ik to recall the day he gave her his cap by a lake, recognizing her as the same person.
Ra-ik shares his memory: “I remember seeing you standing on the Han River bridge and following you because I sensed you were in distress. I recall watching you step into the water and rushing after you to stop you.”
In that shared moment from their youth, both were at their lowest point. Ra-ik was struggling with family pressures, and Se-na was in profound grief after her father’s death in prison. Ra-ik sang to comfort her, which was the first time he realized the power of his voice to help others. Se-na reveals that his music gave her the strength to keep living, which is why she became his most devoted fan. This conversation allows them to apologize for their secrets and thank each other, fundamentally changing their relationship.
Other Major Characters and Developments
- Prosecutor Kwak Byung-kyun: Facing career pressure, he quietly re-opens the investigation after discovering Jae-hee had a non-local drug in his system. His personal history with Se-na is also explored, linked to his father’s role in her father’s case.
- CEO Geum: The agency head appears increasingly unsettled. He is already planning Ra-ik’s comeback album despite the recent tragedies and instructs his team to handle all related matters with extreme caution.
- The Investigation: Official channels are moving to close the case based on Jae-hee’s alleged confession. However, the new evidence of the phone call and the questionable crash details point toward a cover-up.
How to Watch Idol I Episode 8
New episodes of Idol I are released twice weekly. Episode 8 premiered on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 PM Korean Standard Time (KST) on the Korean channel tvN. For international viewers, the episode is available for streaming globally on Netflix. The series follows a typical K-drama schedule, with new episodes airing every Monday and Tuesday.
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Fan Reactions to the Latest Episodes
After Episodes 7 and 8, discussion among viewers has focused on the chemistry between the lead actors and the unfolding mystery. Many fans expressed relief that the conflict over Se-na’s fandom was resolved quickly, allowing the story to progress. The revelation of the leads’ shared past has been a major talking point, with audiences appreciating the emotional depth it adds to their partnership. Speculation is high about CEO Geum’s true role, with many believing he is involved in a cover-up but may not be the primary villain.
The intense corporate pressure within the K-pop industry, illustrated by CEO Geum’s swift plans for a comeback and the scrutiny of band contracts, has also been noted as a compelling and realistic element of the drama’s backdrop.
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