In love with 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'? Dive into these K-dramas exploring Idol life and Korean music industry

Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters brings a fierce twist to idol life, following the story of global superstars Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who are not just performers on stage but also secret demon hunters. While their music keeps fans screaming with joy, their real mission is to battle supernatural forces threatening their world. Their biggest threat? A mysterious rival boy group, The Saja Boys¡ªdemons cleverly disguised as idols.

The animated film features a stellar voice cast, including Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Byung-hun, Ken Jeong, and Daniel Dae Kim. With fans obsessing over plot twists and already buzzing about a possible second season, now is the perfect time to explore K-dramas that pull back the curtain on the glitz, grind, and drama of the K-pop industry.

You're Beautiful

Starring: Jang Keun-suk, Park Shin-hye, Lee Hong-gi

Where to watch: Netflix and Viki

You're Beautiful. Credit: X

Released in 2009, the drama follows A.N.JELL, a fictional pop-rock band that unknowingly welcomes a new member, Go Mi-nam¡ªwho is actually his twin sister, Go Mi-nyeo, disguised as him while he recovers from plastic surgery in the U.S. Despite average ratings during its original run, the show gained a massive cult following through streaming and became a defining K-drama of the Korean Wave.

Dream High

Starring: Suzy, Ok Taec-yeon, Kim Soo-hyun

Where to watch: Netflix and Viki

Dream High. Credit: X

Released in 2011, this teen K-drama hit follows six students at a performing arts school chasing dreams of stardom. Co-produced with JYP Entertainment¡ªone of South Korea's "Big 3" companies¡ªit stars Suzy (Miss A), Taecyeon and Wooyoung (2PM), IU (Lee Ji-eun), and Kim Soo-hyun. The 16-episode series inspired a Japanese stage musical and a sequel, Dream High 2, though with a new cast.

Top Management

Starring: Seo Eun-soo, Ahn Hyo-seop, Cha Eun-woo

Where to watch: YouTube

Top Management. Credit: X

Premiering in 2018, the drama follows Eun-sung, a former idol trainee with precognition powers who becomes manager of rookie boy group S.O.U.L. When a scandal hits, she must help them survive the ruthless K-pop world. Blending fantasy and idol life, the 16-episode series stars Seo Eun-soo, Ahn Hyo-seop, and ASTRO¡¯s Cha Eun-woo. The first three episodes are free on the 1theK YouTube channel.

Reply 1997

Starring: Jung Eun-ji, Seo In-guk, Hoya, Shin So-yul, Eun Ji-won & more

Where to watch: Viki

Reply 1997. Credit: X

This nostalgic drama centers on Sung Shi-won, a die-hard fangirl of first-gen K-pop group H.O.T., and her friends as they reunite and reflect on their youth. With a cast including Apink¡¯s Jung Eun-ji, Seo In-guk, and INFINITE¡¯s Hoya, it explores 1990s K-pop fandom culture and how it laid the groundwork for the industry today.

Idol: The Coup

Starring: Ahn Hee-yeon, Ahn Sol-bin, Han So-eun, Chu So-jung, Kim Ji-won, Kwak Si-yang, Kim Min-kyu

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Idol: The Coup. Credit: X

The series follows Cotton Candy, a struggling five-member girl group longing for one last shot at success before disbandment. Premiering on JTBC in 2021, the 12-episode show realistically portrays the hardships faced by lesser-known idols. EXID¡¯s Hani stars as leader Jenna, with Laboum's Solbin, WJSN's Exy, Kwak Si-yang, and Kim Min-kyu (Produce X 101) in key roles.

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