ENA’s legal thriller Idol I delivered emotionally charged episodes 3-4 on December 29-30, 2025, unraveling idol Do Ra-ik’s traumatic backstory while lawyer Maeng Se-na’s fangirl secret teeters on exposure. Starring Kim Jae-young and Choi Soo-young, this K-drama deepens the murder mystery surrounding Gold Boys member Woo-sung’s death.
Idol I Episode 3-4 Highlights
| Episode | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| Episode 3 | Ra-ik’s childhood trauma revealed; Se-na retrieves stolen shoes |
| Episode 4 | Ex-girlfriend Hye-ju resurfaces; Joon-hee emerges as potential suspect |
| Cliffhanger | Mysterious car crash threatens Se-na and Ra-ik |
Ra-ik’s Heartbreaking Backstory Unfolds
Episode 3 opened with drunk Ra-ik found on the streets by police, leading Se-na to take him home despite concerns about proximity to her client. The next morning, he panicked and fled after seeing her holding a kitchen knife, though she was simply preparing breakfast.
When Ra-ik’s assets were seized due to his mother’s debts taken in his name, he became homeless and vulnerable. Street thugs recognized him as the murder suspect, beat him, and stole his limited-edition shoes. Se-na tracked him via GPS, retrieved the shoes, and found him curled up in despair, admitting suicidal thoughts. Her promise to fight for his innocence finally convinced him to open up about his painful past. For more K-drama recaps, explore TechnoSports.
Ra-ik revealed he was exploited as a child singer by his bar-singer mother, performing in questionable venues for money. During Gold Entertainment training, fellow member Woo-sung became his emotional anchor through bullying and hardship. Their friendship sustained him until going solo left him anxious, lonely, and medication-dependent. He insisted the argument video shown by member Joon-hee was minor, and that he and Woo-sung simply drank and discussed music the night of the murder.
Ex-Girlfriend Complicates the Investigation
At Woo-sung’s funeral, Ra-ik bravely faced mourners and pledged full cooperation with authorities. During prosecution questioning about his movements that night, Se-na noticed Ra-ik flushing—his telltale sign of lying—and confronted him privately. Their conversation was interrupted when Hong Hye-ju, Ra-ik’s rumored ex-girlfriend, appeared and hugged him publicly.
A journalist captured the moment, publishing photos that sparked media frenzy. Ra-ik confronted the reporter, threatening him to protect Hye-ju’s privacy until Se-na intervened with legal threats. He finally confessed to Se-na that he met Hye-ju the night of the murder to end their relationship permanently after she returned from abroad. This revelation devastated Se-na both professionally and personally as a secret fangirl. Discover more celebrity relationship coverage at TechnoSports.
Meanwhile, Hye-ju manipulated Prosecutor Kwak through a fake blind date to learn investigation details. When summoned for questioning, she revealed seeing Gold Boys member Joon-hee near Ra-ik’s house the murder night—widening the suspect pool dramatically.
Emotional Connections Deepen
Despite the complications, Ra-ik impulsively hugged Se-na to thank her for protecting him, freezing her with surprise. When Prosecutor Kwak approached Se-na about their shared school past, Ra-ik protectively stepped between them, showing growing attachment. Se-na shut down the personal conversation, insisting they focus on the case.
In the car afterward, Ra-ik questioned her relationships with both Kwak and investigator Park Chung-jae. Se-na snapped that she’d never date Kwak and that school memories still haunted her. Mid-conversation, she realized the car was malfunctioning—the vehicle swerved violently and crashed off the road, ending episode 4 on a shocking cliffhanger.
Watch Idol I every Monday-Tuesday at 10 PM KST on ENA, streaming globally on Netflix. Episodes 5-6 premiere January 5-6, 2026.
