calamariexpert

Kind of sad that it's only 12 episodes. I'm really enjoying it.

Yup. Both episode 1 and 2 have an epilogue - when she was a student she wanted to join his dance group to learn to dance, and he was secretly nice to her. But there's a big gap between that time, and her time as a trainee, that'll probably be explored later.

I'm hoping she gets a redemption arc. She's a popular idol in real life. She probably wouldn't take the role if she's only a mean villain.

He's famous and has a public image to uphold. She's a nobody, and super embarrassed by what she's doing to survive.

She probably doesn't want to hurt his image (dating rumours or sugar daddy rumours) - or get him in trouble with his fans/agency, so she's pretending they have no relationship. (Male and female idols in Korea rarely mix after debut b/c of rumours).

Look at the scene where they're on set - she's the lowliest newbie who has to bow and pander to everyone, he's the king on high.

And I'm guessing maybe there was a split in their past friendship that they'll heal later.

Still 9.8 rating at Viki, from 2,783 ratings. Second episode was really good.

This drama is rated 9.8 on Viki (with 2,604 ratings).

You're right. The more I learn about them, the more I see their style is casual and easy, kind of like Big Bang. Chanwoo just posted a video of his dressing room, and it's basically every movie video, concert, performance outfit he ever wore - they have plenty of nice clothes to wear. And Donghyuk looks much nicer in ep. 7.

I'm really liking the group collaborations - especially seeing the more reserved, quiet idols making friends with other groups in episode 7. Instead of Kingdom: Legendary War (and all the ensuing fanwars on social media), it should be rebranded as Kingdom: K-pop Brotherhood instead. Episode 7 is only partially subtitled so far, but Bobby and Donghuk (Ikon), Taeyang and Hwiyoung (SF9), and Sunwoo and Juyeon (the Boyz) are so charming and cute in their respective group units. Stray Kids, Ateez, and BTOB are a riot as always. There's a lot of commentary over at the mnet kingdom subreddit and respective group subreddits too.

Hwiyoung and Chani (Shax) are from SF9. You can see them in this Stealer performance from Kingdom:Legendary War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T858iPjxvoU. Chani is in the tan leather coat. Hwiyoung is in the black leather coat and grey shirt.

Probably Seonghwa, San, or Jongho from Ateez? They're the 3 Ateez members in the drama who have recently had pink/red hair (The 4th Ateez member in the drama, Yunho, has black hair I think). All of Ateez is currently in Kingdom: Legendary War - here's one of their performances from that show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uDitNeFO-I

16 episodes of Yeo Jin Goo in a suit (!!) and IU as beautiful and sharp as ever. Stories of life and death, kind of remind me of the Grim Reaper's tea room in Goblin. Pretty visual palette, lovely OST, interesting stories. I fast forwarded through the slower parts. Brief scary parts when the ghosts pop out. Overall, I enjoyed it a lot. The cameo at the end was awesome.

I so wish I could see SF9's Taeyang dancing in Imitation...

Thanks! I'm also watching Imitation just to see more of San and Seongwha.

So it's a business decision, ah.

I wonder if it's because of their busy schedules. 4 of the cast members are from Ateez, practising/filming for Kingdom:Legendary War, promoting their new album, filming this drama, etc. Then there are the other actors from other groups with their own schedules. Also, if it's not all pre-filmed, they may leave more room for the plot to be altered due to audience reactions. Plus, covid protocols? Maybe some of them are also in part-time school/university studies? If anyone has more info other than my shot-in-the-dark guesses, please add to this.

I find their reactions add to my enjoyment of the performances. For BTOB's "Back Door" I liked the reactions almost as much as the performance itself - Jaeyoon (SF9) wanting to tear off his own shirt, Inseong (SF9) trying to dissuade him, Ju-ne (Ikon) looking over with a huge smile, Jinhwan (Ikon) and his level headed assessments, Stray Kids dancing along, Zuho (SF9) covering his mouth, The Boyz screaming with excitement, Bang Chan (Stray Kids) out of his mind with happiness, Felix (Stray Kids) with his happy eyes, Wooyoung (Ateez) surprised at Changsub's solo lyrics, etc.
And the full version (without reactions) is posted by m-net is the youtube version to stream for the global count for each group.

Is it just me, or does Ikon need a better styling team?

You hear stories of female trainees competing against each other to secure a spot on a debuting group, so it's nice that Omega-3/Tea Party, in spite of their many problems, don't have the infighting problem.

- I actually like that the FL isn't the stereotypically bubbly, optimistic, carefree, naive teenage girl that's in so many other dramas. She's seriously determined, physically tired (from those 5 am - 11 pm living on her own, going to school, attending trainee classes all evening), very practical about her chances, but hardworking enough to still try at it.
- I had some trouble telling the guys apart due to their hairstyles covering them down to their eyes (I'm used to SF9's Hwi Young having his hair up from Kingdom).
- I didn't understand the CEO's machinations about Director Ji and Chief Kim, enforcing a breach of contract or sending money to those parents. (I think this comment is vague enough not to require a spoiler tag.)
- Seeing the drama's mixed gender friendships pre-debut, it makes me wonder if, after debuting in the real world, idols still maintain their mixed-gender friendships from before.

I totally agree, dramas need more women in supportive friendships, especially if their scenes pass the Bechdel test.