Choi Soo-young Chooses Kim Jae-young Amidst Fan Loyalty and Doubt in 'Idol Eye'

Choi Soo-young from 'Idol Eye' has chosen Kim Jae-young amidst fan loyalty and doubt. Kim Jae-young, born in 1987 and known as a model-turned-actor and friend of Byun Woo-seok, expressed at the pre-broadcast press conference that this might be his last idol role as he approaches 40. He also shared his aspirations to emulate the popularity of Byun Woo-seok, who caused a sensation with 'Seonjae Eopgo Ttuiyeo'.

The second episode of Genie TV's original drama 'Idol Eye', released on the 23rd, depicted the special bond between Maeng Se-na (played by Choi Soo-young) and Do Ra-ik (played by Kim Jae-young) that has continued from the past. Maeng Se-na chose to trust Do Ra-ik, who was her savior during hellish times. The evolving relationship between the two, who became partners in proving innocence, piqued viewers' curiosity. The ratings for the second episode aired on ENA rose to 2.3% nationwide and in the metropolitan area (Nielsen Korea, based on paid households), up from the first episode's modest 1.9% on the 22nd, as positive buzz spread on social media.

Maeng Se-na was shocked by Do Ra-ik's unexpected side. Instead of the shining 'favorite', she faced a precarious murder suspect. Despite trying to reason with him, she couldn't console Do Ra-ik, who denied reality. The shock didn't end there. Do Ra-ik's unstable psyche turned into hatred towards 'sasaeng' fans, leading to sharp remarks against fans. The unbelievable reality left Maeng Se-na in panic.

Maeng Se-na's fandom began in her hellish past. Labeled as the 'murderer's daughter', she had no one to turn to for help. Do Ra-ik's song, which she encountered then, became her resolve to live. Meeting Do Ra-ik again after time had passed felt like destiny. As the 'rookie' Gold Boys took the stage without any welcome, Maeng Se-na's sole support was poignant.

Remembering all these moments, Maeng Se-na was even more confused. However, there was one thing she was certain of: the strong intuition of a 'fan' who had watched over him for a long time. His acting skills couldn't possibly convey the earnestness of his plea of innocence.

Do Ra-ik's position was becoming more precarious. With an arrest warrant issued and the revelation that the prosecutor in charge of the case was 'Crown Prince' Gwak Byeong-gyun (played by Jung Jae-kwang), even his lawyer abandoned the case. It didn't stop there. Fans and members, whom he believed to be closest, also doubted him. The media joined in, pushing Do Ra-ik further into a corner. Maeng Se-na, offering to be his lawyer with one condition, was his last lifeline.

Maeng Se-na's pressure hit the mark, and Do Ra-ik eventually appointed her as his lawyer. Maeng Se-na pursued the 'sasaeng' and gradually approached evidence of innocence. Despite the revelation of her past with the perpetrator 'Gwak Byeong-gyun', who made her school days hell, Maeng Se-na remained resolute and rational, even hypothesizing that Do Ra-ik could be the culprit. However, Do Ra-ik was shrinking under the storm of crises. Knowing he wasn't the culprit, yet unable to fully trust himself, was heartbreaking. Maeng Se-na, assuring him "Don't bow your head," became a source of comfort. Only then did Do Ra-ik defend himself, and Maeng Se-na dismantled the prosecution's claims of guilt with evidence of 'third-party entry' and 'trace marks'.

However, it was just one step. Do Ra-ik's situation remained dire, and the label of 'murderer' he faced was even more painful. Collapsing in sorrow at a place filled with memories of Kang Woo-sung, Do Ra-ik awoke in an unfamiliar house. The person who appeared before him was none other than Maeng Se-na. The unpredictable ending of the two, now truly on the same side as lawyer and client, left viewers curious about their future.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr