'I DOL I' Breaks Viewership Records as Sooyoung and Kim Jae-yeong Shine

The drama 'I DOL I,' featuring Choi Sooyoung and Kim Jae-yeong, has captured attention by breaking its own viewership records.

In the fifth episode of the Genie TV original drama 'I DOL I,' aired on the 5th, viewers witnessed a shift in Do Ra-ik's (played by Kim Jae-yeong) feelings towards Maeng Se-na (played by Choi Sooyoung). Despite repeated crises, Maeng Se-na stood by Do Ra-ik, and the episode ended with Do Ra-ik choosing Maeng Se-na over Hong Hye-joo (played by Choi Hee-jin), sparking curiosity about future developments. As the relationship between Maeng Se-na and Do Ra-ik deepens, the chemistry between Sooyoung and Kim Jae-young shines, leading to a rise in viewership. The episode, aired on ENA, recorded a nationwide and metropolitan area rating of 3.5% (Nielsen Korea, based on paid households), setting a new personal best and generating buzz.

On this day, Do Ra-ik began to be concerned about Maeng Se-na. His care for her started in earnest, accompanied by the sentiment of not leaving a sick person alone. It didn't stop there. After hearing about Maeng Se-na's story with Gwak Byung-gyun (played by Jung Jae-kwang), Do Ra-ik felt anger on her behalf and experienced inexplicable emotions at her bright smile. As Do Ra-ik became aware of his growing feelings, an awkward tension lingered.

Maeng Se-na also faced Do Ra-ik's painful sincerity. Discovering products he advertised throughout his house, Do Ra-ik opened up about his true feelings. He described himself as a product that looks appealing on the outside but disappoints upon tasting. His words about not knowing how to give or receive love, and having no one left by his side, were painful, and his genuine belief that there would be no disappointment since no one liked him was ominous. However, Maeng Se-na's faith remained steadfast.

A crisis loomed for Maeng Se-na and Do Ra-ik. Choi Jae-hee (played by Park Jung-woo), cornered after being caught giving false testimony for an alibi, claimed that Do Ra-ik had a reason to kill Kang Woo-sung (played by Ahn Woo-yeon). Maeng Se-na, as a member of the law firm 'Cheonun' advising 'Gold Entertainment,' could not be an ally to the opposing client. To protect Do Ra-ik, Maeng Se-na decided to leave Cheonun.

The meeting with Lee Young-bin (played by Choi Geon), who held the key, only added to the bitterness. Despite knowing the truth, Lee Young-bin sided with Choi Jae-hee. When Do Ra-ik asked why he hadn't been told, Lee Young-bin remained silent. Sensing guilt-ridden distrust in Lee Young-bin's wavering eyes, Do Ra-ik stormed out, recalling the beginning of the discord within 'Gold Boys.' The wounds that started from youthful ambition became cracks, and once opened, they continued to widen.

Do Ra-ik's self-reproach led to doubts about Maeng Se-na's faith. In response, Maeng Se-na showed him a tickle tree, conveying absolute trust. Unlike someone who hides within a shell to avoid getting hurt, the tree reveals its inner self and blooms. Comforted by Maeng Se-na, Do Ra-ik silently reaffirmed his belief, "I did not kill Kang Woo-sung." The moment was interrupted by the arrival of Hong Hye-joo. However, Do Ra-ik's decision to hold Maeng Se-na's hand, declaring "This is where I belong," heightened anticipation for the next development.

The conversation between Geum Bo-sang (played by Jung Man-sik) and Jang Han-gu (played by Jo Hyun-sik) surrounding Choi Jae-hee's testimony heightened the tension. What does Choi Jae-hee know about Do Ra-ik, and what is the truth behind the unresolved Kang Woo-sung incident? All eyes are on the unfolding mystery.

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