According to Nielsen Korea on December 30, episode three of IDol I, which aired the previous night, recorded ratings of 2.9% nationwide and 3.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area—its highest figures to date. This marked a significant jump from earlier episodes and stands out as a meaningful achievement amid fierce competition in the Monday–Tuesday drama time slot. Word-of-mouth buzz across online communities and social media has been steadily growing, encouraging more viewers to tune in live.
Much of the credit for the ratings boost goes to the deepening narrative between the leads, Maeng Sena (played by Choi Soo-young) and Do Ra-ik (played by Kim Jae-young). Episode three depicted Sena offering her own home to protect Ra-ik, her beloved idol, after he is cornered as a murder suspect, leading to an intense cohabitation alliance.
In a grim reality where everyone turns their back on him—including his own family—Sena’s promise, I’ll stay by your side until the end, resonated not only with Ra-ik but also with viewers. Choi Soo-young convincingly portrayed a lawyer who is both strong and compassionate, while Kim Jae-young delicately expressed the wounded inner world of a fallen star, elevating the drama’s emotional impact.
The success of IDol I is not limited to its ENA television broadcast. The series is also being released simultaneously on global OTT platforms such as Netflix, allowing audiences to watch anytime and anywhere. This expanded accessibility has played a key role in driving its steady rise in ratings.
Adding to the momentum, the episode’s ending raised new questions about Ra-ik’s movements and introduced a mysterious woman, Hong Hye-joo (played by Choi Hee-jin), pushing the story into a new phase. The balanced mix of investigative suspense and tender romance has heightened anticipation, setting the stage for even stronger viewership in the episodes to come.
Sources: Daum