New K-Drama Reveals Harsh Truths of Idol Industry With Poignant Real-Life Stories

Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung is starring in the new K-Drama Idol-I, and it’s stirring major talk for its brutally honest look at the dark side of K-Pop idols’ lives.

The show centers on Sooyoung as a star lawyer defending her favorite idol (played by Kim Jae Yeong) who faces a murder accusation. But fans quickly noticed it goes deeper—showing the harsh reality idols endure with fans and sasaengs.

Netizens praised the drama for not sugarcoating the abuse idols face, especially from obsessive fans.

“Im so glad they bought up this matter, celebrity or not stalking is such a dangerous thing in general that happens to a lot of people and justifying it by saying it was done out of love is the most wrong thing ever !! I love her character so far “
— LOVE on Twitter, December 23, 2025

“In just one chapter they have represented what happens to many idols in Korea, some fans confuse their love with possession. Some scenes have been chilling, what a good actor you are.”
— on Twitter, December 22, 2025

“Not directly related to BTS.. but it shows bitter truth.. This drama scene gave me chills. It shows what idols silently endure from obsessive fans. We often talk about sasaengs like they are just obsessed fans, but scenes like this show the truth. It’s harassment. It’s a real…”
— Team INDIA (Indian BTS ARMY) on Twitter, December 23, 2025

“creative liberties aside, its kinda terrifying how close to reality this is. almost every fandom has stories of obsessive and entitled ‘fans’ like this”
— rae on Twitter, December 23, 2025

A TikTok video has gone viral comparing scenes from the drama to real-life moments idols have faced.

The clips show SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups being grabbed at a concert, NCT’s Taeyong getting called during a live broadcast, and WayV’s Xiaojun being scolded at a fan event.

These comparisons highlight the scary truth about sasaeng fans and idol safety, hitting home for many in the fandom.

The drama and its spotlight on idol harassment is gaining traction fast. Fans and netizens are sharing clips nonstop, applauding Idol-I for showing the bitter truth behind the glitz.