90

You can only pick one: Idol drama

You can only pick one, and boy the pressure is on. The DB team will answer a new prompt in each post, and you’re invited to do the same in the comments. Ready to play?
 

You can only pick one idol drama

 
missvictrix: Can anyone say Imitation? This delightful, silly, and low rent idol drama gave me everything I was sorely missing from dramaland, and it made me feel like I was visiting the dramaland that existed many moons ago. Take a mediocre script, tropey character setups, and mix it with a cast of youngsters and idols (ATEEZ shout-out!) that threw their all into this story, and you get a completely enjoyable ride. Jun was the highlight for me, playing the pitch perfect tsundere hero that could pout and pine and flip on his charisma switch with the best of them. Also, when someone like me who customarily ignores OSTs was playing this one long after I watched the drama, you know it’s gotta be good.

mistyisles: This one’s hard, because I have a pretty big soft spot for idol dramas. The first titles to come to mind were Imitation and You’re Beautiful, but I think in the end I have to go with Shut Up: Flower Boy Band. That show helped me through what was at the time a bit of a rough patch in my life, those characters and their music will probably stick with me forever, and just thinking about it gets me feeling super nostalgic. Plus, in a very roundabout way, it helped draw me to DAY6 and their music — which helped me through an even rougher life patch that, ironically and painfully, fits right in with the story of Shut Up. Full circle. In a nutshell, Shut Up still fills me with raw, cathartic emotions a decade later.

DaebakGrits: It’s a bit tough for me to only pick one idol drama because my choice changes depending on whether I prioritize the story or the OST. Ultimately, I think I’m going to go with So I Married an Anti-Fan, because as much as I loved the bangin’ OST for Imitation, So I Married an Anti-Fan was full of a lot of the tropes that I eat up with excessive abandon, like peanut M&Ms. I mean, it’s an enemies to lovers (my fave!) contract relationship (oh, yes!) with a bit of a Cinderella story thrown in, too (don’t mind if I do!). Plus, Choi Soo-young is one of my favorite K-drama actresses, and I’ve got to show my loyalty! Overall, it’s not the greatest drama to grace our screens — mostly due to the secondary leads and their twisted side-story — but the main plot about a K-pop star having to play nice (and fall in love with) with his most public anti-fan was fun and cute. I’m a sucker for fun and cute.

solstices: Shut Up: Flower Boy Band, without a doubt. The backbone of idol dramas is the team camaraderie, and this drama delivered in spades, giving us a heart-stirring underdog story grounded in the poignant loneliness of adolescence. The boys of Eye Candy may be stray dogs trying to find a place in life where they belong, but they have a family in one another — held together by a shared love of music. Needless to say, the music is great; “Wake Up” is such an energizing jam, and the groovy melody of “Jaywalking” still lives in my head rent-free. But the music also underscores the boys’ emotional journey, reflecting their inner monologues and spilling forth such raw sincerity. It was visceral, it was cathartic, and it was utterly moving. How fitting, then, that music brought to me this drama, made me stay, and lingers with me long after the concluding act.

Unit: For obvious reasons, my pick is Dream High. Kim Soo-hyun as a village bumpkin aside, I liked the story of earnest youngsters reaching for their dreams of becoming superstars, and I enjoyed watching the characters grow up, compete, and build friendships along the way. Typical of idol dramas, the best part about Dream High remains the OST, which I still listen to. All I need is to hear the intro to the main title track, and I’m already humming along, ready to belt out my “I dream high…” to anyone who cares to listen. My audience is mostly me, though. Lol.

 
RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , ,

90

Required fields are marked *

Haha, so this isn't generally my genre, but I actually rewatched the 2012 Tooniverse three-episode Kim So-hyun drama Ma Boy this morning for a blog post, and it holds up surprisingly well. Despite it having a pretty terrible message about making it as an idol, it's cute and funny genderbender fun! And it's also baby Kim So-hyun, so really, what's not to like??

4
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wait, no, I change my answer, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL—

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

It hard to say because so many established actors are former idols if you look far enough back, including Hyeri, Jung Ryo-won, Yoon Doo-joon. I believe Seo Hyun-jn and Jang Nara started out as singers though I don't know if they were exactly idols. Does the 'Lets Eat!' series qualify as an idol drama?

4
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think they meant the theme of the drama is idol not the actors. Kim Soo-Hyun never was an idol.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Seo Hyun Jin was only an idol for a year or two before her group disbanded, I believe.

If Let's Eat qualifies as an idol drama bc of Dujun and Seo Hyun Jin, it would definitely be one of my favorites.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have two Imitation and The liar and his lover. They were both early watches in my K drama journey and have stuck with me.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'll be honest, most of the idol dramas I started I didn't wind up finishing. So I Married an Anti-Fan in particular inspired near-violent levels of rage in me, specifically the male lead, who was a Go Jun-Pyo-level bully and the (as already mentioned) insufferable second leads.

I pushed through the latter end of You're Beautiful out of respect for its cultural status, and reckon I'll give Imitation another try at some point, though.

This all being said, being the diehard rom-com lover that I am, I was surprised to find that my two favourite idol dramas pretty heavily sideline the romance in favour of focusing on the friendship and relationships between the band/group members.

It took me a while to watch SUFBB, because I couldn't get past that scene, but once I finally did, what I found was beautifully sincere story of a group wayward teens, coming to terms with grief, and overcoming others' prejudice, and their own shortcomings to achieve their dreams. Also, Sung Joon! And L pleasantly surprising me!

The other one for me is probably a little less critically acclaimed, but Idol: The Coup was another surprisingly cracky watch that focused on the (mostly) charmingly flawed members of Cotton Candy as they fight for their dream against the seeming inevitability of disbandment. Hani was as likeable as always in the role of the leader of the group, fighting tooth and nail to keep everyone's head above water, and her chemistry with Kwak Si-Yang was more sizzling than it had any right to be.

9
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, forget to mention, but Coup's soundtrack is also a series of bops- with 'Honest' still being a go-to listen for me when I need a lil' pick-me-up.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Idol drama means music and I really liked Dream High and You're Beautiful OST. I don't really remember the OST in Shut Up Flower Boys or in Imitation.

Entertainer was pretty good for the idol band parts.

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Reply 1997.
Loving this idol chasing coming of age story.

7
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Dream High was my second kdrama I ever watched, and it introduced me to Suzy, Taecyeon/2PM, IU, and Park Hye Run dramas! The soundtrack is amazing, and I was in college at the time so the themes about hardwork, competition, friendship, and romance resonated. I also remember Suzy's character Hye Mi having a great arc - she starts starting off as very unlikeable but she learns to appreciate everyone around her.

Also shoutout to Let Me Be Your Knight for having great fake songs!

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm amazed that anyone would mention the cast of Dream High (a drama which I liked and recommend) and compliment Suzy (who I have avoided since) and not include male lead, young Kim Soo Hyun, who provided such an impressive performance despite being the only actor main character that was not already a singer.
After watching Dream High, I followed KSH to You Who Came From The Stars, which became my all time number one favorite and the one drama I would want with me if stuck on a deserted island (heh) -- with internet.

BTW, I've depended on Dramabeans for years and greatly miss Javabeans and Girl Friday but wonder why they still don't include an EDIT function for the comments, like most other sites.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Without any doubt, thought, or pause, WHAT'S UP.

5
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

@mindy @saturtledaisy and I watched the first two episodes of this recently, and wow, it's WILD.

3
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

It is, and it gets wilder! I just love it!

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

What's Up was so good! JJS was so good in this role!

Like Monstar, I didn't think them as an idol drama because it's just one idol who returned to school or college. The rest of the casting are students. It's not really about how is the idol life.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I still count it an idol drama. There was one idol who came to school secretly, and one student who became an idol.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

DAESUNG! Sorry (notsorry) that will forever be my reaction when anyone mentions What's Up :D:D:D

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You're Beautiful was the first one that came to mind. I watched it way back when it was airing live, and I remember checking the sub status on Viki several times a day, looking for that 100% to show up. It's all kinds of tropey, and requires a substantial amount of suspension of belief, but my love for it still lingers.

5
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Touch Your Heart.

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

.. (embarassedly admit) that her very first recognition that TwDrama and KDrama are on different genre by watching Skip Beat.
Siwon is good enough, but Donghae is ... lets forget that he once try his hand in acting.

1
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Donghae is in a new drama this year 😄 I was *surprised* to see his casting news but I will totally watch it.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

SKIP BEAT, as in the Manga? Is it an adaptation or completely different story?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

yes it is. the year is (was?) 2010.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm still not sure what qualifies as an idol drama. Obviously My Mister or Weak Hero Class 1 are not idol dramas, because the lead actors were establishing themselves as actors separate from their music careers. Right? Is Semantic Error an idol drama? Because I think the whole reason that the two leads agreed to be in a BL was for exposure for their music, right? I love that show enough to rewatch it. Or should I just look for any drama with "flower boy" in the title for a hint about whether it's an idol drama?

5
13
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah, right? What is an idol drama anyway?

2
10
reply

Required fields are marked *

what i gather from taiwanese idol dramas; when they say idol drama, it is a drama that the main casts are idols. and the word idol here is used quite freely as not only singers and member of boy/girlbands are categorized here, but also models, be it magazines, catwalks or tv ad. well, pretty much we call them influencers nowadays.
also when they say idol drama, it really is most likely that it is a light weight drama, and the idol casts' character would be similar with their own stage persona as an idol.

if moon lovers doesnt have so much death, it would be considered an idol drama.

1
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

I find it unfair.

An idol who acts is an actor too. I don't understand the way to put the actors higher than the idols.

Of course, there are a lot of web dramas with idols whose quality is not the best. But it's the case with young actors too.

But it doesn't mean it's a generality. There are idols who are good at acting and should be respected for it.

1
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well. Thats what i see on TwDrama and JDrama 🤷‍♀️. And as i triggered by being called unfair, i ended up actually googling "idol drama meaning" and found out that im not in that much unfairness.
It is not my fault that Kdrama has a different meaning of "idol drama" from the taiwanese and japanese counterpart.

https://www.viki.com/categories/country/all/genre/idol-drama

1

To be honest @nilsche this is my understanding of an Idol drama also and when I saw this post go up, I was confused because to me Korea doesn't make Idol Dramas.

3

Also no shade, I low key love Taiwanese idol dramas despite them being unrepentant trash. For various complex reasons including Covid they haven't made one for a while. I miss them.

1

@leetennant so it is not me who cannot find Twdramas anymore, but they actually havnt produce any?!

I too miss them. (I only realize it when i clickn on that viki list i provided that the TwDrama i mostly watch are idol dramas, and i havent watch a new one in recent years :(( )

1

I made a joke that Aaron Yan took them with him when he left and while that obviously didn't happen the timing just about works.
@nilsche

1

And there is a stigma attached to an "idol" actor, which I don't get. They are new actors so of course they are not always going to be great, but we see the whole process of learning rather than an actor, who goes to school or has training privately. I actually have more respect for their courage to put themselves in the ring.
Thankfully Junho, at least, is now respected as an actor.

2

A drama about idol's life : music, training, etc.

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I keep seeing the term used in other ways, but I prefer your more restrictive definition.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

too_much_tv. "not sure what qualifies as an idol drama". <- From all the examples that the Dramabeans recappers gave above, an "idol drama" would be a drama that has a plot about idols and the music industry -- which usually contains some actual idol actors in the main cast to attract fan-viewers and for the convincing performances.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@nilsche explained the source of my confusion, above. I couldn't figure out the classification based on the VIki.com tagging system, but that's apparently because they tag Korean dramas *with* idols in them as idol dramas (but not all of them?) but idol dramas from other countries are *about* idols. I have seen Korean dramas that are about idols though! Like (I had to google for the title!) "You're Beautiful" by Park Shin-Hye. I just usually don't watch those....

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

DREAM HIGH!!!!!! I still have the OST on my Ipod. I unapologetically love that drama without abandon. Suzy pooping in a shack with perfect pitch is hilarious, plus IU was so adorable. Then add on Kim Soo Hyun. In addition two out of five members of 2pm, what is not to love. I forgot to add Uhm Ki Joon as a good guy. Winning was all over this drama.

10
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Of course @missvictrix because
No Limitation Love Imitation
No Invitation Watch Imitation

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So we can only pick one! Well, I loved Shut Up Flower Boy Band. Dream High and You're Beautiful were fun! But, if I have to choose an idol drama it would be High End Crush. A story of a pop agency head with an array of pop star characters including Monsta X. So, you have fake idols and real idols wrapped up in a comical send up of the industry. Still on my watch list is Imitation and I Married an Anti-Fan. Given the recommendations, I think they will be next up on my playlist.

6
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

High-end Crush was so ridiculous but fun. Jung Il-woo 💖.

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

A truly ridiculous, handsome and fun Jung Il-woo! Such a fast moving plot I didn't have a chance to get bored!!!! Such surprisingly clever comedy writing for such a swift, simple plot.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

If Shut Up: Flower Boy Band is an idol drama then Shut Up: Flower Boy Band but I don't really seem to think of it as one.
(It is technically, yes in part, and it does that part pretty well to be honest, but like any good drama it's also many other things; it's also a coming of age drama, and it's also a drama about grief and loss and finding your way forward, and it's also about music and and memory, and much more besides.)

Kdramaland rarely, like practically never, probably never, except for SUFBB if we're counting it, does the idol drama (idol drama here meaning a drama ABOUT the Korean phenomenon of "pop idols" as the main focus, not dramas acted by idols turned actors lmfao) in a way that actually truly satisfies me since I have far too many thoughts, feelings and opinions about, and know too much about, kpop and everything related to it, and Korea isn't self aware yet enough to give them the idol drama I want, and as such the last idol drama I watched (Imitation), I hate watched and it drove me up the wall, so I've been avoiding any others for the time being lest I get too incensed... lol.

(So I Married an Anti Fan is a trash love, but I wouldn't pick it if I could only pick one LMAO it was just wildly entertaining for me in all it's trainwreck glory.)

4
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

@sicarius I was wondering if I could draw on your expertise to ask what you would think a satisfying kdrama about kpop would focus on. The exploitation of the idols and the sordidness of the industry? Or the somewhat strange fan culture? Or the creativity of the music vs. the business considerations of the agencies? Imitation kind of touched on these, while others have done so with fan culture, while of course pulling back on any truly harsh critique. Is that the part of Imitation that you hate watched?

I feel its well nigh impossible to get a truly deep critique of the industry from within the industry. Its like the innumerable films from Hollywood about Hollywood. They focus on various negative aspects of the industry--the sexual exploitation of women, the way the industry's harsh capitalism damages creativity, the contrast between Hollywood fantasy and fan's reality, etc. etc. But they can hardly reject the film industry as a whole, unless they are just producing a totally amateur film which at most a few movie buffs would see.

I don't think its lack of self-awareness, then, that's preventing an idol kdrama that captures the depth of exploitation in the industry. In fact, I've been struck by how many kdramas have negative idol stories embedded in them--there's an acute self awareness. There's just an unwillingness to confront the system directly. Maybe that's partially defensible--because for all its flaws, the system and its artists have produced music that millions enjoy. (Want to stress in saying this, I'm not defending the exploitative aspects of the industry)

However, I would be interested to read more on what you are thinking here--if you have time, of course, to respond!

1
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

One other thing, I know that my assumption here that there is a common industry behind both kpop and kdramas simplifies the actual business arrangements, but the really close ties between kpop and kdramas is something that I think is somewhat unique in global entertainment. Of course, from the beginning of sound in Hollywood, with Al Jolson, on through Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Elvis Presley onto today--Ice Cube, Will Smith, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah you have successful singers becoming movie stars. But I have the impression that the U.S. music business has retained a separation from t.v. and Hollywood in a way that Korea, with agencies that handle both kdrama/movie and kpop stars do not. (I could be totally wrong here, though.)

And while many U.S. pop songs have originated as movie songs, and a few from t.v. shows, the whole phenomenon of the OST seems much more common with Kdramas. I would never think to say about U.S. pop songs that "I'm listening to The Bear OST" (to cite a recent U.S. t.v. show that I find really interesting).

And to this day, perhaps showing my U.S. background, or maybe just showing that I'm an old guy) if I hear a song I like on a kdrama, I go look up the song. I don't put the "OST" on my playlist!

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh boy... Haha.
Well, I don't have time today. I will try get back to this, both parts, over the weekend, if I can.

2
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks! Needless to say, don't spend too much time on this, and if you can't get back to it, no problem at all!
Its just something I'm really interested in and would appreciate hearing from you about--if not in this instance, maybe in another Dramabeans context.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

👍

2

I would probably choose Shut Up for all the reasons already mentioned (and that unforgettable cameo of Lee Minki).

I also quite liked Monstar, with young Kang Haneul.

And You Are Beautiful is just a classic! It was also my first kdrama OST on my mp3 player.

7
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, I didn't even think of Monstar! 😩

That drama is SO GOOD! I listen to the performances all the time - I was there was a crisp studio recording of that The Wind is Blowing duet from the first episode, because it still takes my breath away

7
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Somehow I also managed to forget all about Monstar.

It was a perfect short(-ish) drama. Surprisingly grounded for an idol drama, a little bit more contemplative and melancholic too compared to many other coming-of-age tales. And while idol dramas are almost always synonymous with underdog story, this one felt more raw and intense, which I really really like.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Monstar which ran on Mnet and tvN back in 2013. Junhyung (when they were still called Beast)! Hyunsik and Minhyuk and Sungjae and Changsub from BtoB! Park Hyo Shin! A wee little Kang Haneul! Soooooo many cameos by now well-established stars, and such amazing music throughout. Nine thumbs up!

The original Dream High also continues to have a big chunk of my drama-watching heart. Sadly, dramas with a major music influence like these just aren't made anymore... 🥺

8
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

What?! Park Hyo Shin is in a drama. This I have to watch.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I forgot to mention Monstar!!
It was a bit dragging, but all the performances were really good. Secondary characters were better (or at least I enjoyed them more) than main couple, in my opinion.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hands down, "You're Beautiful" it was the drama that got me into watching kdramas and I just love secret gender swaps

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am TORN between You’re Beautiful and Dream High, which are both very entertaining though perhaps not in the way they are intended to be 😅

I might have to give it to Dream High for having a lovely farm boy/musical genius but it’s a tough call.

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Uhh...trick question, right? DREAM HIGH, of course. My first introduction to idol music and many of the stars of that drama. Nothing gets me like coming of age stories, but then you mix it with underdog groug, found family, and cute romance...shesh. I still watch this every year.
But I have not seen SHUT UP, which I have heard so many good things about (just not available in my area). And does THE BEST HIT count? The best fish-out-water story and YOON SHI YOON ate that part up. I am giggling thinking about it.
I agree about IMITATION. And like that, MIMICUS was one that really surprised me at how much I enjoyed it. I still have fuzzy feelings about it.

5
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have just started The Best Hit and I guess it can figure in both recent posts: idol drama and cameos

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

The Best Hit totally counts, since it's about idols AND has actual idols and almost-idols playing - guess what? - idols)))

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mimicus was a very good webdrama as there were multiple themes and the YP did their parts really well.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved A LIAR AND HIS LOVER. But IMITATION is a very close second.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have such a soft spot for Lee Hyun Woo.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm going to sing my choice, (I) Dream Hiiiiiigh...
And my reason? I haven't even watched any other idol drama! :D

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Maybe it's because I entered the k-pop world way earlier than my venture into k-dramaland, this genre is generally not for me. Either the story would feel too ridiculous (and I have extensive list of comparison to make) to get myself invested into, or it would follow the "real life" too closely to be comfortable to watch.

But if I have to pick one, I'll go for the oldies Dream High, one of my gateway k-dramas. It has satisfying storytelling, touching friendship and romantic relationship, some cool songs and dance sequences, and sprinkled with real 2nd gen idols inside (complete with some cringey acting too, which I could remember fondly now). Also, a great introduction to the wonder of Kim Soo-hyun.

5
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree.
Funnily enough, Best Love which was not directly about an idol, showed a lot of in-depth real-life difficulties of an ex-idol's life.

3
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yep, in a way, the female lead's struggle in Best Love felt so much more real (a little bit uglier and pathetic at times, and definitely not as easy to swallow) than most of idol dramas that came afterwards. Recent idol dramas felt very polished(?) somehow, like it's trying to sell pretty dreams. Which, tbh, the real life counterpart has done enough times already.

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Exactly.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have not watched any of dramas that Beanies chose as their favorites. I'm afraid I can only pick The Best Hit (if it can be considered as an idol drama). I enjoyed that series a lot, I was really hooked, my loved Yoon Shi Yoon was amazing there, and the OST is one of my favorites ever (Light in the Sky is in my
TOP of drama songs).

Another series I enjoyed was Age of Youth 2. It wasn't centered in idols but part of the plot was about a fallen idol (or wannabe idol). Their final performance was a touching scene.

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Age of Youth 2! I remember that scene.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I would say Imitation if not for the female lead being very annoying. but the sis-mance was nice.
The Best Hit was very touching tho

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love Dream High, Shut Up Flower Boy Band, and What's Up for different reasons, but if I have to choose just one then I'm going with You're Beautiful. It was my very first Kdrama and it will always be super special to me.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Top Management-- Ahn Hyo Seop and Cha Eun Woo were delightful in this gem of a web drama.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I guess the first K-drama I ever watched was an idol drama, though I didn't realize it. 'Dating Agency Cyrano' 2013, Sooyoung was still in the middle of her Girl's Generation years, not that I knew who Girl's Generation was at the time.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Dream High, of course! I also have fond memories of Monster.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I want to say Top Star Yoo Baek but technically the main lead WAS an idol, so I don't know if it counts. 🥺
Dream High is a iconic and it gives me nostalgia as a kpop fan, but they totally destroyed my ship. Taec was supposed to be end game!
I Picked Up a Star on the Road is hilarious but I don't even remember if there was singing?

So I pick The Best Hit.
I still listen to Hyun Jae's song and the OST is awesome with all the 2nd gen idols in it. The storyline was cute and YSY was hilarious as always. I love this show. Tabong!
(Isn't it funny that my username is tabong but I had a difficult time remembering The Best Hit when I saw the question? LOL 🤦‍♀️).

3
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agreed, I remembered The best hit after I had submitted my answers and then thought posting three options when it should have been only one, was taking liberties. I am so glad you mentioned this one as it had the BTS of the hard work that goes into being an idol in the modern day timeline and life after fame for the woman. It was also really funny.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You're right. I think we got a realistic view of trainee's life from both POVs the one's that seem to have a "bright future" (near debut) with Bona, and the one's that give their all for years but don't have too much luck with Min Jae (if we ignore the happy ending of course).

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

The Best Hit was my choice too.
The OST is great, starting from the catchy intro song ("I have something to say, something to tell..."). Really, I love all the songs in this OST, even the nineties style "Say It" which Hyun Jae sings in the contest to win a cellphone XDD

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agreed. The OST rocks.
I have watched the show a few times so I even remember a little of Say It's choreography. 😆 Love the 90's vibe.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I would have to say "The Greatest Love" which was fun and so cute, and had the best ost song "Dugeun Dugeun (Thump Thump)."

Runner up would be "One More Happy Ending," which followed the lives of the girl group members after they retired from the idol group.

2
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I still listen to that song! ☺️

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me too!

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've stopped watching idol dramas several years ago, only checking out the first few eps if I liked the cast, so I probably can't speak for the more recent ones but the one I think encapsulates my era of idol dramas and that will always hold a special place in my heart is You're Beautiful. First drama that introduced me to SLS and started/propagated a lot of the classic tropes we see today. There are tons of better dramas out there, even a few like Shut Up: Flower Boy Band and Idol: The Coup that are pretty much better in every aspect (better written, acted, etc.) but it feels like a classic that became a gateway to kdramas for many.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Vampire Idol!

A sit-com that I wished could have gotten a proper ending....

Idol training, dorm life with vampires?
The story was wild!

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The cancellation of this show is my villain origin story.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I guess I don’t watch idol dramas cos other than Dream High, i’ve never seen all the other dramas mentioned. So DH wins by default 😂

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I can't believe no one mentioned Heartstrings! This drama still has some of the best OSTs ever!!! in dramaland. Of course, I watched it because of You're Beautiful, but it stands on its own. Not the best acting and script but I loved the attitude of characters towards achieving their dreams and how they made the little to no storyline matter to me, and the OSTs.... I confess that I still have them on my playlists, and I watched this drama in 2013. That says a lot.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

They weren't idols in Heartstrings but musician students in college. But Heartstring's OST was great!

1
reply

Required fields are marked *