Idol turns murder suspect in Kdrama 'I DOL I,' debuts with 1.9 pct ratings

연합뉴스 / 2025-12-23 12:32:54

▲ This composite still of Genie TV original series "I DOL I' is provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 23 (Yonhap) -- A new television series portraying an idol accused of murder and his devoted fan-turned-lawyer got off to a modest start in the ratings.

According to Nielsen Korea on Tuesday, the first episode of Genie TV original series "I DOL I," aired Sunday on ENA, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 1.9 percent.

The premiere depicted star lawyer Maeng Se-na (played by Choi Soo-young) meeting Doraik (Kim Jae-young), a member of the idol group Gold Boys and her longtime favorite idol, in a visitation room for defense attorneys.

While Doraik shines on stage, he suffers from panic disorder brought on by invasive fans and internal conflicts within his group.

After drinking with group leader Kang Woo-sung (Ahn Woo-yeon), Doraik wakes up beside Kang’s dead body and becomes a murder suspect.

Maeng, who has long named Doraik as her “ultimate bias,” is now placed in the position of defending him and proving his innocence.

The drama adds intrigue by recasting the idol-fan dynamic into a new relationship between suspect and lawyer.

The series has drawn attention as Choi, a member of Girls’ Generation, plays an avid idol fan. She said the role reminded her often of her own fans, describing them as “people who trust me 100 percent no matter what happens.”