In this edition of our Drama Review, we’re talking about a series that had us completely swooning from start to finish. Blending romance, mystery, and legal drama, let’s dive into the recent hit ‘I Dol I’.
Written by Kim Da-rin and directed by Lee Kwang-young, ‘I Dol I’ tells the story of a fearless lawyer who also happens to be a devoted fangirl of a wildly popular boy group. When her bias suddenly becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, she makes a life-changing decision: to defend him in court and prove his innocence.
Maeng Se-na (Choi Soo-young) is a renowned attorney nicknamed “The Villain’s Lawyer,” a title she earned by taking on criminal cases that no one else dares to touch. She’s fearless, sharp, and incredibly skilled in the courtroom. Outside of work, however, Se-na lives a double life, she’s been a loyal fan of the boy group Gold Boys for over ten years. Her devotion is put to the ultimate test when her favorite member, Do Ra-ik, is accused of murder.
Do Ra-ik (Kim Jae-young), the leader and main vocalist of Gold Boys, has been struggling behind the scenes. Years of harassment from sasaeng fans have left him with severe anxiety and emotional scars. Exhausted by the pressure of idol life, he decides to go solo, only to regret it shortly after and wish to return to the group. Before he gets the chance, tragedy strikes: his best friend and fellow member Woo-seong is found dead in Ra-ik’s home, instantly turning him into the main suspect.
Beyond the Idol
After careful consideration, Se-na agrees to become Ra-ik’s lawyer, but only after forcing herself to separate her fangirl emotions from her professional duty. Determined to focus solely on justice, she keeps her distance while building his defense. Things become even more complicated when she learns that the prosecutor handling the case is Kwak Byung-gyun (Jung Jae-kwang), her high school bully, now infamous for his ruthless courtroom tactics.
The courtroom battles between Se-na and Byung-gyun are intense and gripping. Se-na initially manages to prove that Ra-ik is not the murderer, but instead of closing the case, this revelation sparks a much deeper investigation. Despite mounting evidence pointing elsewhere, the prosecution remains fixated on Ra-ik, refusing to let go of him as the primary suspect. Slowly, it becomes clear that this crime involves far more people, and secrets, than anyone initially believed.
As the legal battle unfolds, Ra-ik is forced to confront his own trauma. Struggling with PTSD and a painful past, he becomes increasingly wary of those around him. His trust in Se-na wavers when he discovers her fangirl side, making him question whether her dedication stems from justice or obsession.
These doubts intensify as romantic feelings begin to surface between them. However, Ra-ik soon learns that Se-na’s motivations run much deeper than fandom. Her unwavering sense of justice is rooted in her own tragic past, her father was wrongfully imprisoned, shaping her lifelong determination to fight for the innocent.
While Se-na and Ra-ik uncover the truth behind their connection, the case grows increasingly complex. With the prosecution stubbornly focused on Ra-ik and evidence pointing toward a much larger conspiracy, the stakes rise, not just for the accused, but for everyone involved.
Uncovering the Truth
‘I Dol I’ seamlessly blends multiple genres, balancing a gripping legal mystery with emotional romance and social commentary. While the drama shines in its suspense and character development, it also offers a surprisingly realistic portrayal of the darker side of idol life, pressure, harassment, and loss of identity.
The characters are layered, flawed, and compelling, making the mystery even more engaging. As the story unfolds, nearly every character becomes a potential suspect, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
If you’re looking for a drama with an intriguing storyline, emotional depth, and well-rounded characters, ‘I Dol I’ is available on Netflix. You can watch the trailer below.
