14 Korean Dramas with Idol Themes That Depict the Ups and Downs of a Star's Life, Full of Struggles!

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas with idol themes are indeed interesting to watch. This is because dramas about idols depict the lives of stars that are not well known to the public. Starting from friendships, love, and career, Korean dramas with idol themes will make you understand the joys and sorrows of being an idol.

Not a few Korean dramas with idol themes have successfully achieved high ratings and are not to be missed. Not only depicting the lives of stars, because Korean dramas with idol themes are also played by idols from a girl group or boy group.

Therefore, check out the reviews and synopses of Korean dramas with idol themes below that must be on your wishlist. Check if your idol is starring in a Korean drama with an idol theme as follows.

 

 

 

 

 

1. EXO NEXT DOOR

(credit: imdb.com)

A Korean drama with an idol theme is EXO NEXT DOOR. Released in 2015, this drama tells the story of the lives of the members of the boy group EXO. Featuring comedy, drama, and romance genres, the drama EXO NEXT DOOR successfully captures the attention of fans with its exciting storyline.

Where the members of EXO act alongside the beautiful artist Moon Ga-young who plays Ji Yeon-hee. The story begins when EXO moves into Ji Yeon-hee's neighborhood. She is known as a shy girl. When she feels embarrassed, her cheeks turn red like a tomato. Unexpectedly, Ji Yeon-hee meets the members of EXO who become her neighbors.

Her mother asks her to clean the house that EXO will be staying in. Because she often visits, Ji Yeon-hee's relationship with EXO becomes closer. Until one of them falls in love with Ji Yeon-hee. This drama presents an exciting story of an idol's life behind the scenes with a light romance.

 

 

 

 

 

2. IMITATION

(credit: imdb.com)

The next Korean drama with an idol theme is IMITATION. This drama was released in 2021 and features comedy, music, and romance genres. IMITATION tells the story of an idol's struggle. The main focus is on the character Lee Ma Ha, who tries to achieve her dream of becoming a professional idol known to the public.

She eventually joins the girl group Tea Party, but her career can be said to have not yet reached its peak. In addition, IMITATION stars several famous idols such as some members of ATEEZ, SF9, and I.O.I. This drama will present some interesting facts and complicated relationships among the idols.

 

 

 

 

 

3. DREAM HIGH

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DREAM HIGH is also included in the list of must-watch Korean dramas with an idol theme. This drama was released in 2011 and starred several famous idols such as Bae Suzy, Taecyeon, IU, Wooyoung, and others.

Meanwhile, the synopsis of DREAM HIGH tells the story of students at Kirin High School who aspire to become idols. The ups and downs faced by the students who hope to debut as idols are portrayed. You will also see fierce competition among students to become the best in DREAM HIGH. Nevertheless, this Korean drama will make you more excited to pursue your dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

4. YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL

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The next Korean drama with an idol theme is YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL. This drama was released in 2009 and presents an exciting story about the lives of idols who are members of the music group A.N.JELL. The story begins when A.N.JELL is just starting their career but one of their members suffers an injury.

Until the agency realizes that Mi-Nam actually has a twin sister named Mi-Nyeo. After making an agreement, Mi-Nyeo, the female twin of Mi-Nam, disguises herself as her older brother. She then lives with the other A.N.JELL members in a dormitory where many funny incidents happen among them. Not only that, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL also contains a light romance that will make you emotional.

 

 

 

 

 

5. SALTY IDOL

(credit: imdb.com)

The next Korean drama with an idol theme is SALTY IDOL. This drama is a new one that you shouldn't miss. Especially if you're a K-Pop idol fan, SALTY IDOL is a must-watch on your wishlist. Meanwhile, SALTY IDOL is also played by the famous idol Rocky ASTRO.

Meanwhile, the synopsis of SALTY IDOL tells the daily life of an idol with various problems. The focus is on the boy group named XPierce, which has a new member named Hwi Yeon. As a newcomer, he faces difficulties in becoming a star. Interested in watching?

 

 

 

 

 

6. SO I MARRIED THE ANTI-FAN

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SO I MARRIED THE ANTI-FAN is also one of the best idol-themed Korean dramas that is really fun to watch. It stars Soo Young SNSD and Choi Tae Joon. As the title suggests, SO I MARRIED THE ANTI-FAN tells the story of an idol who falls in love with his anti-fans.

The main focus is on the character Lee Geun Young, a reporter who hates an idol named Whoo Joon. Unexpectedly, they have to work together on a project, which eventually leads to the growth of love between them. The interesting romance between the idol and the hater will keep you entertained while watching SO I MARRIED THE ANTI-FAN.

 

 

 

 

 

7. THE BEST HIT

(credit: imdb.com)

The next idol-themed Korean drama is THE BEST HIT. This drama was released in 2017 and features comedy and romance. The synopsis of THE BEST HIT presents an interesting story about a young man's struggle to become a star. It all starts when a singer from the past enters the present named Yoo Hyun Jae.

Yoo Hyun Jae takes advantage of this situation to find out about his past and his disappearance during the peak of his career. Along with that, he meets Lee Ji Hoon, a young man who dreams of becoming a singer despite his parents' disapproval. He pretends to take a civil service exam while actually preparing to become an idol. A love triangle also occurs between Hyun Jae, Ji Hoon, and Woo Seung.

 

 

 

 

 

8. IDOL: THE COUP

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IDOL: THE COUP can be your reference to know the life of an idol. This Korean drama with an idol theme tells the story of a girl group that is threatened to disband. The focus is on the members of the girl group named Cotton Candy.

Since their debut, this girl group has not been successful and popular. Along with their career on the brink of collapse, the members of Cotton Candy struggle to maintain the girl group. One of them is by participating in a music contest and winning. The ups and downs of the members of Cotton Candy will make you emotional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. THE HEAVENLY IDOL (2023)

(credit: imdb.com)

Rating	6.8 IMDb
Episode	12 episodes
Duration	1 hour 10 minutes
Aired	Viki, Viu, and Vidio
Cast	Kim Min Gue, Gp Bo Gyeol, Lee Jang Woo

This Korean drama about idols includes THE HEAVENLY IDOL. This drama was released in 2023 and features the genres of romance, comedy, and fantasy. THE HEAVENLY IDOL tells the story of an idol from a less popular group named Woo Yeon Woo. Interestingly, within him lies the soul of a Pontifex Rembrary who has amazing powers.

Living inside the idol's body, Pontifex Rembrary inevitably plays the role of a member of the Wild Animal group. However, because he cannot dance and sing, his innocent behavior attracts attention. From there, the Wild Animal group becomes more famous. He adapts to his new life as an idol and Pontifex Rembrary who fights against evil forces.

 

 

10. THE LIAR & HIS LOVER (2017)

(credit: imdb.com)

Rating	6.8 IMDb
Episode	16 episode
Durasi	1 hour 8 minutes
Tayang	iQIYI, WeTV, Viki
Pemain	Lee Hyun Woo, Joy

Korean drama about the next idol is THE LIAR & HIS LOVER. This drama revolves around the romance and music genres, telling a love story intertwined with the world of music. It involves the romance between a music producer and a high school student named Sorim.

Their story begins when Kang Hangyeol and Sorim, who have already graduated, are under the same music label. They had previously met and were attracted to each other. Sorim is known for her beautiful and talented voice, while Hangyeol is a successful music producer who has produced great talents like Crude Play. Kang Hangyeol intends to become Sorim's music producer. However, everything is not easy when many people are also interested in Sorim and her talented friends.

 

 

11. TOP MANAGEMENT (2018)

(credit: imdb.com)

Rating	7.0 IMDb
Episode	16 episode
Durasi	30 minutes
Tayang	Youtube 1theK
Pemain	Seo Eun Soo, Ahn Hyo Seop, Cha Eun Woo, A.Mond, Jung Yoo Ahn

TOP MANAGEMENT is also one of the Korean dramas about idols that you don't want to miss. This Korean drama features the romance and comedy genres with a main focus on a boy group called S.O.U.L. The group is currently going through a tough time and struggling to survive in the music industry.

On the other hand, they are assisted by a manager named Eun Sung, who has a special ability to see the future. From here, viewers are taken to see the struggles of the group and their manager facing the challenges of the entertainment industry.

 

 

12. PART TIME IDOL (2017)

(credit: imdb.com)

Rating	6.6 IMDb
Episode	5 episode
Durasi	32 minutes
Streaming	Netflix
Cast	Kim Min Kyo, Kwon Hyun Bin, Hwang Seung Eon, Kim Hee Jung, Lee Su Hyun, Kwon Young Deuk

The next Korean drama about idols is PART TIME IDOL. This drama was released in 2017 and features music and comedy genres. The story focuses on an entertainment agency that intends to create a new group after a producer took a long hiatus.

This producer already has several trainees who will debut in the new idol group. These trainees are required to undergo special training within the group to debut as new idols in the music industry.

 

 

13. LET ME BE YOUR KNIGHT (2021)

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Rating	7.4 IMDb
Episode	12 episodes
Durasi	1 hour 10 minutes
Streaming	iQIYI, Viki
Cast	Jung In Sun, Lee Jun Young

The next Korean drama about idols is LET ME BE YOUR KNIGHT. This drama was released in 2021 and features music, romance, and comedy genres. LET ME BE YOUR KNIGHT tells the story of the leader of a band called LUNA, Yoon Tae In, who suffers from sleepwalking.

This situation requires him to receive treatment in order to recover from this habit. Eventually, Yoon Tae In is treated by a doctor named Sun Ju. It is from here that their story begins and they become close to each other.

 

 

14. MY BUCKET LIST (2021)

(credit: mydramalist.com)

Rating	7.3 mydramalist
Episode	10 episode
Durasi	20 minutes
Tayang	Viki, WeTV
Pemain	Kim So Hye, Na In Woo

Korean drama about another idol, MY BUCKET LIST. This drama was released in 2021 and tells the story of a prospective idol and singer. Kang Hansol is a prospective idol from a talented agency but suffers from stage fright. Meanwhile, Ra Ri is in a painful situation as her boyfriend passed away and wants to fulfill his bucket list.

They meet each other and Kang Hansol helps Ra Ri fulfill each item on the list. Their time together grows their attraction towards each other. Both of them have complicated problems, but they heal each other.

That's the exciting Korean drama about idols that you must watch. What do you think, KLovers?

 

 

(kpl/gen/nlw)