Idol I episodes 1-2 recap: Idol Do Ra-ik wakes up as the prime murder suspect while superfan lawyer Maeng Se-na takes his case

South Korean television series, Idol I premieres its first two episodes on ENA on December 22 and 23, 2025. Written by Kim Da-rin and directed by Lee Kwang-young, the drama stars Kim Jae-young and Choi Soo-young.

The story centers on Maeng Se-na, a brilliant and fearless lawyer known for taking on controversial cases. Secretly, she has been a devoted fan of the idol group Gold Boys for over a decade.

When her favorite member, Do Ra-ik, becomes the prime suspect in a shocking murder, Se-na steps in to defend him, navigating a high-stakes legal battle while uncovering hidden truths behind his public persona.

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Idol I episodes 1-2 recap: A dead bandmate, a prime suspect, and a superfan lawyer

Episode 1 of Idol I begins with lawyer Maeng Se-na winning yet another seemingly unwinnable case. After her courtroom victory, she returns to her law firm, where the win earns her a partnership despite her young age. She has never lost a case, and her flawless record has built her reputation. Because of this, she is given complete autonomy by the firm’s seniors and its owner. At the office, Se-na is known for keeping her distance. She avoids office politics and does not mingle with colleagues. Her no-nonsense attitude and aloof nature set her apart. However, behind this cold exterior, Se-na is a devoted fangirl of the idol Do Ra-ik.

The office hosts a party to celebrate her promotion to partner, but she leaves early, citing a prior appointment. She rushes home, eager to stream Do Ra-ik’s first solo album. Do Ra-ik, a member of the idol group Gold Boys, officially debuts as a solo artist, and Se-na immediately starts streaming the album, liking posts, and engaging with other fans online. She has been a fan of Gold Boys for ten years and has followed Do Ra-ik since before the group’s debut.

Meanwhile, Do Ra-ik heads to his first solo performance. As he enters the venue, he is mobbed by fans and trips over one of them. He quickly recovers and flashes a smile at the fans and media. Once inside, he yells at security, frustrated at being scheduled not as a special performer but as part of a rookie group. His annoyance escalates when a bandmate mocks him, claiming his popularity is undeserved and rooted in sympathy over his past. Do Ra-ik lashes out, and the fight results in another member being injured and rushed to the hospital.

Se-na plans to attend the fansign event, but she is delayed by a case. Do Ra-ik receives threatening messages from sasaeng fans before the fansign, triggering a panic attack. At the event, Se-na mistakes him for a scalper and grabs him, but freezes in shock when she realizes it is Do Ra-ik. He pulls her into hiding and asks her not to reveal his presence to the crowd. Once the fans leave, he enters the venue, leaving Se-na overwhelmed by the encounter.

After the concert, which turns out to be a huge success, Do Ra-ik visits his injured bandmate in the hospital but leaves only food. Later, Woo-sung, the leader of Gold Boys, visits him at home. They discuss the earlier argument, and Do Ra-ik admits he wants to continue with the group rather than pursue a solo career. The two spend the night drinking and talking about the band.

The next morning, Do Ra-ik wakes to find Woo-sung lying in a pool of blood in his living room. He realizes his bandmate is dead and desperately tries to wake him. His housekeeper and manager arrive and witness the scene. This event turns Do Ra-ik’s world upside down, as he becomes the prime suspect in Woo-sung’s murder. Investigators note that no one else entered the apartment after the housekeeper left, placing all suspicion on him. The fandom quickly turns against him, demanding justice.

Se-na hears the news and rushes to the police station, where she finds Do Ra-ik devastated and in tears. Despite her disbelief, she approaches him professionally as his attorney. She questions him about the murder, and he insists that he did not commit it. He admits he does not remember the night clearly because he was drunk, but firmly denies killing Woo-sung. Convinced, Se-na decides to take his case.

The firm’s owner advises her against it, but she points out inconsistencies in the investigation and, exercising her free will, insists on representing him. A paralegal, a fan of Gold Boys, approaches with documents from the previous attorney and urges Se-na to bring justice for Do Ra-ik.

Se-na investigates the stalkers who have repeatedly broken into Do Ra-ik’s apartment. With the help of her investigator, Puck, she tracks them down. At first, they deny involvement, but when threatened with charges and media exposure, they reveal how they gained access, including the door lock password.

Do Ra-ik remains uncertain about the night of the murder, but Se-na encourages him to assert in court that he did not kill Woo-sung. The court proceedings begin, and Se-na dismantles the prosecutor’s case, pointing out that it relies solely on the claim that no one else was present in the apartment. She highlights the recent break-ins and the possibility that rain may have washed away evidence. She also exposes flaws in the investigation and police interrogation. As a result, Do Ra-ik is released from custody and can return home, though the investigation continues.

With no one else to rely on, Se-na escorts Do Ra-ik home. On the way, he sees his posters vandalized, leaving him devastated. Memories of happier times with Woo-sung make it impossible for him to enter his apartment, so he sits outside and drinks alone. The next morning, he wakes up at Se-na’s house, surprised to find himself there. She welcomes him in, leaving the episode on this poignant note.

Se-na recalls the first time she met Do Ra-ik. During her school years, she was bullied because of her father’s crime and had contemplated suicide. On the day she intended to jump into a river, she heard a boy singing and playing guitar. The music pulled her back from the edge. The boy later gave her his iPod filled with songs he had written during difficult times. Those songs gave Se-na the strength to keep going. She threw herself into her studies and years later discovered that the boy had debuted as Do Ra-ik of Gold Boys. Since then, she has been a devoted fan, believing that his music motivated her to become the successful lawyer she is today.

Now, Se-na is torn. She wonders which version of Do Ra-ik is real: the boy who gave her courage, the idol accused of murder, or the man she met angrily berating his fans. Meanwhile, the case is assigned to Prosecutor Kwak Byeong-gyeon, who is backed by a powerful family with political connections. No attorneys are willing to take Do Ra-ik’s case, and even the lawyer from Se-na’s firm withdraws, leaving him to face prosecution alone. His agency also considers terminating his contract as public opinion turns against him.

Shocked by this, Se-na presses him for the truth and receives his firm denial. Convinced, she takes the case despite objections from her firm. She investigates the stalkers and uncovers crucial evidence. In court, she challenges the prosecution’s assumptions, points out flaws in the investigation, and secures Do Ra-ik’s release. With Se-na’s support, he begins to regain some stability, even as the investigation continues.

With no one else to rely on-neither his agency nor his manager-Se-na takes Do Ra-ik home herself. On the way, he sees his posters and advertisements vandalized, leaving him devastated.

When he arrives at his apartment, memories of happier times with Woo-sung-laughing, drinking, and enjoying meals together-make it impossible for him to enter. Overwhelmed, he sits outside and drinks alone.

The next morning, he wakes up to find himself at Se-na's house, surprised and trying to process how he got there. Se-na warmly welcomes him in, leaving the episode on this poignant note. Episode 2 of Idol I ends here.

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Idol I airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 pm KST and is also available for streaming on Netflix.

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty