This review may contain spoilers
A brave look that falls short of its darkest potential.
"My Idol" starts with a necessary and courageous premise: to expose the harsh and dehumanizing reality behind the K-pop industry. The drama successfully portrays how these artists are treated as disposable commercial products, subjected to constant pressure, obsessive fans, depression, and the complete erosion of their mental health under the relentless public eye. This exploration is the series' greatest achievement, reminding us that behind the glamour are vulnerable human beings.
The structure that combines this social critique with a murder mystery works well initially. The crime investigation serves as an effective vehicle for both protagonists, helping Maeng Se Na uncover the true face of the industry from a fan's perspective, revealing the tragic consequences of this system. However, it is precisely in the development where the drama loses some of its initial bite.
While it started strong with a raw perspective, it ended up embracing a conventional romantic cliché: the protagonist ends up with the idol. While this isn't inherently bad, and the romance is entertaining, this resolution softens the sharp impact of the critique it had so effectively established, diluting its disruptive potential in favor of a more "safe" ending.
The biggest point of frustration, however, lies in the subplots that were left unfinished and had enormous potential:
Kang Woo Seong, his relationship with the protagonist hinted at a deeper layer. It would have been revolutionary and realistic to explore the taboo of homosexuality in the K-pop industry, a practically invisible topic that would have added a layer of brutal tragedy and truth. Hong Hye Joo, reducing her complexity to a simple diagnosis of "emotional instability" was a poor choice. Her character deserved a deeper dissection of her traumas and motivations. Prosecutor Kwak Byung Gyun, his arc of paternal pressure and guilt for convicting innocent people was fascinating, but it was resolved hastily, without delving into the psychological and moral impact of his actions.
Conclusion: "My Idol" is an entertaining and romantic drama that deserves credit for exposing the darker side of the Korean entertainment industry. It works perfectly as light entertainment with a touch of mystery. However, it can't shake the feeling of missed opportunity. By opting for a more conventional path and not delving deeper into its bolder subplots, it remains a good idea that could have been exceptional. Recommended viewing for those seeking entertainment, but with the caveat that its social commentary, while present, isn't as incisive as it initially promises.
The structure that combines this social critique with a murder mystery works well initially. The crime investigation serves as an effective vehicle for both protagonists, helping Maeng Se Na uncover the true face of the industry from a fan's perspective, revealing the tragic consequences of this system. However, it is precisely in the development where the drama loses some of its initial bite.
While it started strong with a raw perspective, it ended up embracing a conventional romantic cliché: the protagonist ends up with the idol. While this isn't inherently bad, and the romance is entertaining, this resolution softens the sharp impact of the critique it had so effectively established, diluting its disruptive potential in favor of a more "safe" ending.
The biggest point of frustration, however, lies in the subplots that were left unfinished and had enormous potential:
Kang Woo Seong, his relationship with the protagonist hinted at a deeper layer. It would have been revolutionary and realistic to explore the taboo of homosexuality in the K-pop industry, a practically invisible topic that would have added a layer of brutal tragedy and truth. Hong Hye Joo, reducing her complexity to a simple diagnosis of "emotional instability" was a poor choice. Her character deserved a deeper dissection of her traumas and motivations. Prosecutor Kwak Byung Gyun, his arc of paternal pressure and guilt for convicting innocent people was fascinating, but it was resolved hastily, without delving into the psychological and moral impact of his actions.
Conclusion: "My Idol" is an entertaining and romantic drama that deserves credit for exposing the darker side of the Korean entertainment industry. It works perfectly as light entertainment with a touch of mystery. However, it can't shake the feeling of missed opportunity. By opting for a more conventional path and not delving deeper into its bolder subplots, it remains a good idea that could have been exceptional. Recommended viewing for those seeking entertainment, but with the caveat that its social commentary, while present, isn't as incisive as it initially promises.
Was this review helpful to you?
