In the last couple of years, we have received many K-Dramas that spotlight the life of a K-Pop idol. However fictional these themed dramas might be, they still hold levels of truth as they brilliantly showcase the realities of the life of a K-Pop idol. Some series with their various subplot or central storyline often shows the struggles that many idols face. From the quest to debut to the interpersonal conflict that arises from their desires and decisions, as well as the consistent hard work and sacrifices they have to put in and make in others to continue living their dreams. These stories, serve as a glimpse into the realities of the idol world, and for many fans, they are a true eye-opener, and perhaps they also help reflame their love for their favorite idols as well. This year, there have also been very interesting series about the idol world that brilliantly spotlights the aforementioned points and so much more. Funny, emotional, cute, and all-around entertaining, here are the K-Dramas about K-Pop idols released so far in 2022. Please note that this article will be updated as more of the themed series airs.
1. “Broke Rookie Star”
“Broke Rookie Star” shows an element of the K-Pop world that has not been explored or told in this themed drama. “What is the life of the members of a group who are not as popular as their fellow members like?” This question is perhaps answered in a brilliant but comical way in this series. The drama tells the story of HwiYeon (played by ASTRO’s Rocky), an idol who due to his late debut with his group, is not as popular as his other members, and in a quest to make money and survive, he has to take up odd jobs. However comical this series is (thanks in a huge part to Rocky, whose incredible acting and reactions were simply a joy to watch), it also doesn’t lose its central purpose, which is to spotlight the humanity of an idol. Like everyone else, there is a quest for survival, a desire to achieve set goals, and happiness. Filled with various emotional moments, many might be able to relate to HwiYeon, his story, his struggles, his perseverance, and his ultimate triumph. Rocky performance in this series also earned him the award for Best Actor at the 8th edition of the Seoul Webfest.
2. “Miracle”
Starring SF9’s Chani, SF9’s HwiYoung, and Kang MinAh, “Miracle” tells the story of young people on a path to achieve their desires amidst the struggles that they may face in the process. With 3 significant characters with distinct storylines but a binding thread that connects them together, each of these characters’ stories is fully fleshed out and brilliantly told in the series. Luis (played by Chani) a renowned global superstar who has to start from scratch after he is framed for Tax evasion by his former agency, Lee SooRin (played by Kang MinAh) a fangirl of Luis, whose dream to become an idol comes to a halt after she gets in an accident and develops tinnitus, and Min SiWoo (played by HwiYoung), a nerd who decides to become a successful idol and live the dream of his friend (crush) after they were both involved in an accident. Throughout the course of the series, we get to see their character bloom and despite their limitations and conflicts, they develop a strong bond that makes the series a wholesome viewing experience. P.S, while watching this series, in some scenes, you might not be able to let go of the fact that you are watching HwiYoung and Chani interact and not their characters, but that is fine, that is what makes it so much funnier.
3. “Mimicus”
Starring Yoo YoungJae, woo!ah!’s Nana, Jo YuRi, Kim YoonWoo, Oh JaeWoong, “Mimicus” tells the story of teenagers in an art school, who are trying to make it in the entertainment industry. With various interesting subplots in the series, its central storyline revolves around two young boys Han YouSung a talented student who despite his hard work is yet to find his break and Ji SooBin, a popular idol trainee and the son of the CEO of an agency. Due to their similarities both in appearance and personality, Han YouSung is tagged as a mimic of Ji SooBin, however, as their stories unfold, we see that the roles are actually reversed and there has been a powerful figure behind all the strange occurrences in Han YouSung’s life. A story about friendships, perseverance, and discovering one’s true self, it also spotlights the struggles many idols face and how the exterior happiness they may show is just a front that hides the pain and sadness they may be going through.
4. “Sh**ting Stars”
Starring Lee SungKyoung, Kim YoungDae, Yoon JongHoon, Kim YoonHye, Girl’s Day SoJin, and CNBLUE’s Lee JungShin, “Sh**ting Stars” tells the story of the real life of the workers of an entertainment agency. The romance drama highlights the hard work and sacrifices that the staff of an entertainment agency inputs in other to make celebrities shine. In a comical way, it also shows off some of the real behaviors and personalities of many celebrities when the cameras are turned off. With a storyline filled with so many interesting subplots and various celebrity cameos, the series doesn’t necessarily capture the dark side of the entertainment industry, but it does give off a fun and beautiful view of the world through the love story between Oh HanByeol (played by Lee SungKyoung) a PR manager and Gong TaeSong (played by Kim YoungDae) a global superstar.
BONUS
“The World You Are Missing”
Starring woo!ah!’s Nana, CIX’s HyunSuk, EPEX’s Keum, the upcoming youth romance drama tells the story of a popular idol who despite her fame, receives a ton of negative comments online. In other to block these comments from her mind, she finds comfort in the world of web novels. One day, her life is taken for a spin as she falls into the world of a novel and gets entangled in its mysteries while also finding the true meaning of life and love.
“The Girl Downstairs”
Starring Suzy and Yang SeJong, the series tells the story of a college student Lee WonJoon, who moves into a shared house with a former famous idol, Lee DooNa. Intrigued by her mysterious life and choices, he is unrelentingly swept into her world, as his curiosity gets the better of him. Which of these series have you watched? Let us know in the comments section below. 8 K-Dramas About The Entertainment Industry KDRAMA STORIES|Jun 23, 2022 9 K-Dramas About K-Pop Idols In 2021 KDRAMA STORIES|Jan 4, 2022
