K-drama fans are on the edge of their seats as ENA’s legal thriller Idol I continues to deliver jaw-dropping twists. After the emotional upheaval in episodes 7 and 8, the upcoming installments promise to unravel deeper secrets while testing the fragile bond between idol Do Ra-ik and his superfan-turned-lawyer Maeng Se-na.
The show has brilliantly balanced courtroom drama with genuine emotional storytelling, and episodes 9 and 10 look set to raise the stakes even higher. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming next.
Idol I Episodes 9-10 Release Information
| Episode | Release Date | Time (KST) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 9 | January 19, 2026 | 10:00 PM | ENA / Netflix |
| Episode 10 | January 20, 2026 | 10:00 PM | ENA / Netflix |
Idol I follows a weekly release schedule, dropping new episodes every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM KST on ENA and globally on Netflix.
What Happened in Episodes 7-8?
The drama intensified when Ra-ik discovered Se-na’s secret fandom, shattering the trust between them. Despite Se-na’s heartfelt explanation that she took his case to defend him as a person—not just as an idol—Ra-ik fired her and walked away wounded.
Things took a darker turn when former manager Jae-hee seemingly confessed to killing Woo-sang before suffering a suspicious car accident. However, Se-na received a crucial voice note from Jae-hee suggesting someone else may have been present the night of the murder. Together, Ra-ik and Se-na began investigating inconsistencies in the confession, leading them to confront Goldie Entertainment’s CEO.
The emotional core deepened when Ra-ik and Se-na shared their painful pasts—his struggles as a trainee, her loss of both parents. These vulnerable moments brought them closer, with Ra-ik retrieving the hat he’d once given Se-na when they first met.
What to Expect Next
The preview for episodes 9 and 10 hints at major developments. Ra-ik and Se-na continue their investigation as the other Gold Boys members are summoned for questioning, where they firmly defend their leader’s innocence. Meanwhile, Ra-ik’s ex-girlfriend Hye-ju asks for reconciliation, complicating matters.
Most intriguingly, Ra-ik admits he’s developing feelings for Se-na at the worst possible time. The preview shows him confessing that these emotions don’t make sense given their circumstances, yet he cannot ignore them. Expect tension as romance blooms amid legal chaos and murder investigations.
The CEO’s cryptic warning that the truth about Woo-sang will “hurt deeply” suggests shocking revelations ahead. Could there be connections between the victim’s death and Gold Boys’ past that Ra-ik doesn’t know about? The show has expertly planted breadcrumbs pointing to a larger conspiracy within the entertainment industry.
For more insights on how K-dramas are evolving the legal thriller genre, check out our comprehensive guide to Korean entertainment trends.
Why Idol I Stands Out
This series brilliantly tackles the dark side of idol culture—obsessive fandom, corporate manipulation, and the humanity hidden beneath celebrity personas. Kim Jae-young and Choi Soo-young (Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung) deliver nuanced performances that ground the heightened drama in genuine emotion.
The show also explores parasocial relationships thoughtfully. Se-na’s journey from fan to professional advocate forces both characters to confront uncomfortable truths about boundaries, trust, and seeing each other as real people rather than projections.
As the investigation deepens and feelings intensify, episodes 9 and 10 promise to be unmissable. Will Ra-ik and Se-na uncover the real killer? Can they navigate their growing connection while fighting for justice? Tune in to find out.
