Top K-Dramas About K-Pop and the Lives of Idols

K-pop is sensational, all things stylish and larger than life, but the flip side is a tough scene that’s all about extreme hard work, image building, and survival of the fittest. That’s often the side of the story narrated by K-dramas. They show how K-pop idols struggle, how they live, and all the drama that goes behind the scenes when the cameras aren’t rolling. At the same time, they make dreams feel within reach– it could be a dream of becoming an idol or falling for one, or getting swept up in an impossible romance. We’ve rounded up some quintessential K-dramas that capture all of these experiences.

You’re Beautiful (2009)

When her twin brother, Ko Mi-nam, a K-pop idol, is injured, Ko Mi-nyeo (Park Shin-hye), an introverted, devout young woman, is compelled to pretend she’s Mi-nam and join his band for a month. She accepts the challenge, desperate to find their mother, who’s been missing for years, and starts living with the band members—leader Hwang Tae-kyung (Jang Keun-suk), bassist Kang Shin-woo (Jung Yong-hwa of CN Blue), and drummer Jeremy (Lee Hong-gi of F.T. Island).

But things prove to be a handful for Mi-nyeo, especially keeping her secret hidden, highlighting the intense scrutiny and pressure of living in the public eye. Meanwhile, Tae-kyung initially threatens her after learning the truth, but later softens up. At the same time, Shin-woo and Jeremy grow attached to Mi-nyeo, oblivious to her secret. It’s a love story rich in emotional depth, with a beautiful OST that cemented You’re Beautiful in K-drama history as a cult classic.

Dream High (2011)

This iconic series brought together an unforgettable cast, including Bae Suzy, Kim Soo-hyun, Ok Taec-yeon (of 2PM), Hahm Eun-jung, Jang Woo-young, and IU, as six aspiring K-pop idols from Kirin High School. Their dreams become a learning curve in discovering their strengths, weaknesses, and each other through the highs and lows of adolescence. Romance blossoms, friendships are forged, and the pursuit of stardom becomes a journey of self-discovery.

Such an insightful narrative, memorable characters, amazing songs, and behind-the-scenes look at the competitive K-pop world made Dream High not only a global hit but also a cultural item, earning prestigious awards, including the Special Award for Foreign Drama at the International Drama Festival in Tokyo (2011) and the Golden Rose at the Rose d’Or festival in Lucerne, Switzerland (2012).

Reply 1997 (2012)

Reply 1997 is pure nostalgia. Jung Eun-ji shines as Sung Shi-won, a high school student crazy about H.O.T, the iconic boy band from the ’90s K-pop scene. Alongside her five closest friends, including Seo In-guk’s Yoon Yoon-jae, Shi-won’s life was one of friendship, first love, and idol worship in 1997.  Years later, in 2012, Shi-won and her friends reunite, reminiscing about those days, when two of them surprise the rest, declaring they are getting married.

The show is a love letter to the 1990s—capturing the era’s music, fashion, and fan culture—with an authentic portrayal of first-generation K-pop idol groups like H.O.T and Sechs Kies—and became a pop culture hit, reigniting interest in the pioneers of K-pop.

EXO Next Door (2015)

In the quaint neighborhood of Ji Yeon-hee (Mun Ka-young), a shy young woman, things are pretty normal until new tenants move next door. To Yeon-hee’s surprise, they are Chanyeol, D.O., Baekhyun, and Sehun—the members of the K-pop sensation EXO. As they settle into their new home, Yeon-hee becomes a part-time worker there and recognizes Chanyeol as “Chan,” her lost childhood friend. Despite a rocky start, when the truth is revealed, Yeon-hee reunites with him while also getting entangled in complex emotions, particularly with D.O., who seems to be falling for her.

EXO Next Door was a massive hit in Korea, amassing millions of views thanks to a perfect mix of romance, comedy, and K-pop charm. It’s worth watching for newcomers to K-drama as well as longtime fans looking to revisit a feel-good K-drama.

Top Management (2018)

Starring Seo Eun-soo, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Cha Eun-woo, the plot follows the inside world of K-pop idols. Yoo Eun-sung (Seo Eun-soo) is a former girl idol trainee who can foresee the future and becomes the manager of S.O.U.L, a struggling boy idol group.

The episodes reveal the realities of the K-pop industry—the rigid selection process, the tireless efforts of the staff, and the idols’ daily struggles, which are far removed from the glamor of their performances. Top Management captures the lives of those who strive to make it big in the K-pop industry, and people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to bring their talents to the forefront.

So I Married an Anti-fan (2021)

This drama highlights the harsh world of entertainment, where image is everything and authenticity is hard to maintain. K-pop sensation Hoo Joon (Choi Tae-joon) and magazine reporter Lee Geun-young (Choi Soo-young of Girls’ Generation) collide at a club that drags their lives into a mess. Geun-young accidentally vomits on Joon, which gets her fired, and she turns into his “anti-fan.” A producer seizes the opportunity, offering Joon and Geun-young a reality show where they’ll cohabitate as star and anti-fan. As shooting starts, they gradually discover a side of each other that challenges their initial perceptions—and sparks a romance.