Idol I - When will episodes 3-4 release and what to expect

The South Korean television series Idol I premiered its episodes 1 and 2 on ENA on December 22 and 23, 2025. The show airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 pm KST, with episodes 3 and 4 scheduled for December 29 and 30. Created by writer Kim Da-rin and director Lee Kwang-young, Idol I stars Kim Jae-young and Choi Soo-young in the lead roles.

The story follows Maeng Se-na, a brilliant lawyer known for taking on controversial cases. Despite her cold and unapproachable demeanor, she is a decade-long devoted fan of the idol group Gold Boys. When her favorite member, Do Ra-ik, is suddenly accused of murder, Se-na steps forward to defend him, determined to uncover the truth.

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What to expect in the upcoming episode of Idol I:

In the next episode of Idol I, Maeng Se-na reassures Do Ra-ik that she will defend him as his attorney until the very end. Her friend Park is skeptical, questioning whether her motivation comes solely from her role as his lawyer.

As the investigation unfolds with new developments, Do Ra-ik struggles to cope with the mounting pressure while attending his bandmate’s funeral. Se-na grows increasingly concerned, sensing that he is hiding something, and urges him to share the truth. Do Ra-ik questions whether she will truly believe him, and Se-na promises to stand by him no matter what.

Amid emotional turmoil, Do Ra-ik begins trying to recall the events of that fateful night. Viewers can expect a tense episode filled with emotional confrontations, new clues in the investigation, and the deepening bond between lawyer and idol as they face the challenges ahead together.

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Idol I episodes 1-2 recap: A shocking murder puts Do Ra-ik in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons

Lawyer Maeng Se-na is renowned for never losing a case. After winning yet another impossible case, she earns a partnership at her firm despite her young age. Known for her aloof, no-nonsense demeanor, Se-na keeps her distance from colleagues—but secretly, she is a devoted fan of Do Ra-ik, a member of the idol group Gold Boys who has just debuted as a solo artist.

Se-na rushes home to stream his new album, engaging online with fellow fans. She has followed Do Ra-ik for over ten years, ever since a chance encounter in her school days when his music pulled her back from attempting suicide. His songs gave her strength and motivation to succeed, shaping her into the lawyer she has become.

Meanwhile, Do Ra-ik prepares for his first solo performance. Mobbed by fans, harassed by sasaengs, and frustrated by being treated as a rookie performer, he lashes out at security and bandmates. An argument with a bandmate escalates into a fight, leaving another member injured and hospitalized. Despite the chaos, the concert is a success.

Se-na attends the fansign event, where she mistakes a flustered and panicked Do Ra-ik for a scalper. Shocked when she realizes it is her idol, she is pulled into hiding by him to avoid the crowd. Overwhelmed by the encounter, she remains frozen, processing the reality of meeting the man behind her admiration.

Backstage, tensions within Gold Boys surface. Do Ra-ik admits to wanting to continue with the band rather than pursue a solo career. He shares a night of drinking and conversation with leader Woo-sung. The next morning, he discovers Woo-sung dead in his apartment, making him the prime suspect in the murder. Investigators note that no one else entered the apartment after the housekeeper left, and the public quickly turns against him.

Shocked, Se-na rushes to the police station and finds Do Ra-ik devastated. Despite her disbelief, she approaches him professionally and secures his firm denial of the murder. Convinced of his innocence, she decides to take the case. Her firm warns her against it, but she insists, citing inconsistencies in the investigation and her free will as a partner.

Se-na and her investigator, Puck, track down the stalkers who have repeatedly broken into Do Ra-ik’s apartment. Initially denying involvement, they confess when threatened with charges and media exposure, revealing how they gained access, including the door lock password. Armed with this evidence, Se-na challenges the prosecution in court, pointing out the possibility of other intruders, flaws in police interrogation, and the impact of recent heavy rain on the crime scene. Do Ra-ik is released from custody, though the investigation continues.

With nowhere else to turn, Se-na escorts Do Ra-ik home. He is devastated by vandalized posters and memories of happier times with Woo-sung. Unable to enter his apartment, he sits outside drinking alone. The next morning, he wakes up at Se-na’s home, surprised but comforted by her presence.

Se-na reflects on her history with Do Ra-ik—the boy whose music saved her life and inspired her to succeed. Now, she grapples with the complex reality before her: the idol she idolized, the man she met angrily berating his fans, and the accused murderer in the headlines.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Kwak Byeong-gyeon, backed by a powerful, politically connected family, takes on Do Ra-ik’s case. With no other attorneys willing to step in, and even the firm’s previous lawyer withdrawing, Se-na becomes his sole hope. As public opinion turns hostile and his agency considers terminating his contract, Se-na stands resolute, determined to prove his innocence and deliver justice.

Episodes 1 and 2 set the stage for a tense legal battle, exploring the contrast between idol personas and real personalities, the weight of public perception, and the unwavering loyalty of a fan-turned-lawyer fighting for the truth.

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Idol I is available for streaming on Netflix.

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty