After its debut, viewers of the new Korean series Idol I began noticing parallels between the show’s dramatic storyline and real events from the world of fame. The series follows a celebrity and his obsessed fan, leading to intense situations that many fans say mirror true stories.
The show’s first two episodes are available on Netflix and Rakuten Viki, having been released on December 22. It stars Choi Soo Young and Kim Jae Yeong. While the creators have not said the show is based on true events, the specific scenes have sparked widespread discussion online.
The Blurred Line Between Fans and Stalkers
One of the most talked-about parts of Idol I involves the main character, pop star Do Ra Ik, dealing with overbearing fans. In an early scene, he meets fans for an autograph signing. One fan becomes angry when he does not remember her name, despite her years of support. She demands his phone number and complains about him changing it, before throwing a paper at him.
This moment escalates later when the same fans are shown trespassing in Ra Ik’s home. They avoid security cameras, deal with motion sensors, and watch him enter his door password to memorize it. When confronted, the character Ra Ik makes a clear distinction, saying:
“They weren’t fans; they were stalkers. They snuck into my home. I’m the victim.”
The fans, however, justify their actions by claiming it is an act of love. This story has led many viewers to compare the scenes to real-life situations where celebrities’ privacy is invaded by overzealous followers.
Real-World Celebrity Incidents Mirroring the Show
The situations shown in Idol I are not just fiction. Recent years have seen several high-profile incidents that reflect the show’s themes.
In 2023, a fan ran towards singer Ariana Grande during a movie premiere and held her. Earlier in June of the same year, a woman reportedly tried to enter the home of BTS member Jungkook after his return from military service. In another case, a fan physically pulled SEVENTEEN member S.Coups during a concert interaction.
Celebrities have also often spoken about their private contact details, like phone numbers and home addresses, being leaked online. This forces them to change numbers frequently for safety, a detail directly shown through Ra Ik’s experiences in the series.
The Creators’ Stance and Fan Reactions
So far, the team behind Idol I has not commented on whether real events inspired the plot. This has left the interpretation open to viewer speculation. On social media, fans of the show are actively discussing the similarities, pointing out specific scenes they believe are drawn from real celebrity news stories.
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The show presents a satirical look at how celebrities often cannot openly express their true feelings about such invasions without risking their public image. This has resonated with audiences who follow the often-complicated relationship between stars and their fans in real life.
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