Exclusive: Korean stars Choi Soo-young, Kim Jae-young on fans, passion and India
In an exclusive chat with India Today, leads Choi Soo-young and Kim Jae-young reflected on why the show resonated so much with Indian audiences. While Jae-young spoke candidly about portraying the loneliness and trauma behind idol stardom as Do Raek, Soo-young talks about fans as emotional beings through her role as Sena, a secret fan-advocate. Both actors credited India’s emotional storytelling sensibility for really “getting” IDOL I, and described the response as heartfelt, thoughtful, and deeply touching.
As Korean content deepens its footprint in India, K-drama IDOL has emerged as an unlikely favourite, garnering a following for its honest portrayal of idol culture, fans and the emotional impact of visibility. Already in Netflix Global’s top 10 in the non-English category, the series’ growing Indian fan base has reacted not only to the romance, but also to the quiet damage caused by the series’ fandom, fame and consistent visibility.
At the center of this resonance are its two protagonists: Choi Soo-young, who plays Seona, a dedicated lawyer living a secret life as a lawyer, and Kim Jae-young, who plays Do Raek, an idol who is slowly collapsing under the weight of being endlessly consumed. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, both the actors opened up about restraint, responsibility and why India’s response feels particularly meaningful.
on bollywood and india
The impact of IDOL I in India has surprised and impressed both the actors. “I thank everyone in India from the bottom of my heart for the love you have shown IDOL I,” says Jae-Young. “Indian cinema has always impressed me because emotions are expressed so openly through song and movement. When I watch Bollywood movies, it feels like I’m watching a musical, and that emotional clarity really stays with you.”
He adds, “When I think of India, I imagine a country of immense scale, strong emotions and incredible food. If I was ever given the chance, I would really love to come here.”
Soo-Young explains how Indian fans connect deeply rather than fleetingly. She says, “Sometimes I see videos where fans have beautifully edited our scenes and set them to Indian music. In those moments, I really feel how finely our emotions are being captured.” “Of all the projects I have done, this is the first time that I have received such a strong response from India, which makes it feel even more special.”
Pros and cons of idol culture
Do Ryuk may be a chart-topping idol, but Jae-young says the role is rooted in loneliness rather than fame. “He’s someone who cherishes very small, simple happiness. And because I also live as a public figure, I understand that tendency very well, the need to preserve small moments that feel real,” Jae-young said.
Soo-young’s army stands at the opposite end of the ideal equation but with similar emotional weight. Having lived life on both sides of the idol ecosystem, Soo-young was particularly sensitive to how fans were portrayed. “I knew that there were parts of a fan’s emotional world that I could never fully understand,” she admits. “But since I’ve spent so many years getting to know fans’ emotions intimately, I had full hopes that this drama wouldn’t hurt them.”
She adds, “Even though Raek doesn’t love Cena romantically, it was very important to me that his feelings towards the fans be restored. I put a lot of thought into making sure the story didn’t dismiss or invalidate the fans.” This awareness deepened during filming. “I realized how much emotional labor fans do, reading between the lines of official statements, worrying, waiting, trying to feel sincerity even when warmth is lost in formal communication. That load felt heavier than I ever imagined.”
on-screen chemistry
Reflecting on their on-screen bond, Kim Jae-young says that Soo-young “did an excellent job in portraying the Meng army and the idea of a ‘hidden fan,'” adding that her performance made his “heart skip a beat during acting and while watching the broadcast.” He credits their easy-going nature and openness on set for making communication easier, noting that filming felt enjoyable throughout and naturally translated into strong chemistry.
Soo-young echoes this sentiment and admits that at first she didn’t expect their relationship to be so smooth. “As we moved from reading the script to filming, our rhythms and emotional rhythms became one,” she says, adding that Jae-young’s effortless warmth made Ryuk instantly lovable. From Cena’s perspective, “he just had to love her.”
on their performance
Some of the most devastating scenes in IDOL I occur without dialogue. “When someone is really shocked or very angry, they don’t explain themselves,” says Jae-young. “Those emotions show up first in the eyes. So, I didn’t try to ‘show’ anything, I really focused on getting to that emotional state and letting it come out naturally.”
Restraint was equally important for Soo-Young. “There is something deeply human about loving something in secret, especially when your profession demands authority and seriousness.”
Episode 6 became one of the most debated moments of the show, particularly Raik’s reaction upon finding out he was a fan of Cena. “That scene was very difficult for me,” admits Jae-young. “At one point I even thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be easier if she was a fan?’ But Raek wants to be liked for who he really is, not because of circumstances, expectations or professional reasons.
He adds, “Because they have to endure trauma from sasaeng (obsessive fans who invade privacy in Korean) fans, their reaction is a mixture of fear, confusion, and misunderstanding. It’s not rejection, it’s self-protection.”
Soo-young highlights the same episode for a different reason. “The billboard scene, where Cena anonymously consoles Raek, was inspired by real fan culture. It was comforting because he’s a fan, and because he is Cena. Emotionally, it was overwhelming, but it’s a moment I’m very proud of.”
Obsessive fan versus being a part of the fandom
If IDOL I leaves audiences with one lasting idea, it’s that fandom, especially quiet fandom, can be deeply healthy. “I really believe that’s the greatest strength of the Force,” says Soo-young. “People who know clearly what they like, they understand themselves better. Having something that you can immerse yourself in gives you a way to keep going, even when life gets tough.”
That belief reshaped his perspective as an artist. “Seeing Cena start his morning with fan activities reminded me that a star can shape someone’s entire day, for better or worse. Being an artist who takes responsibility for that impact might be the best way to give back.”
IDOL Why did I get a house in India?
By rejecting melodrama and choosing emotional honesty, IDOL I has tapped into something universal, a quiet understanding between the watcher and the watched. Jae-young says, “Instead of displaying emotions, I focused on believing that the situation was real.” And as Soo-young reflects, “Loving something deeply can be joy but it can also be survival.”
Idol I is currently streaming in India on Channel K, Netflix and Viki.
