Behind the polished facade of neon lights, fierce ambition, and the thunderous roar of millions in K-pop lies a world crackling with secrets. Netflix’s upcoming Korean drama series Variety promises to peel back that dazzling curtain, revealing the stormy relationships, harsh sacrifices, and shadowy deals that power South Korea’s largest pop phenomenon.

As the series unpacks K-pop’s hidden struggles, it is the clash of dreams and reality that drives the unfolding drama. 

Variety plunges deep into the high-octane land of K-pop stardom, focusing on Se-eun, an elite entertainment executive who risks all to revive a faltering idol group she once championed. The story not only spotlights her struggle but also weaves in Seung-hui, a devoted fan whose obsession with her favorite star spirals into risky territory. The series explores the glittering stages, backstage power struggles, obsessive fandoms, and personal costs faced by all involved.

The series is notably inspired by the career and controversies surrounding Min Hee Jin, one of K-pop’s most influential creative directors. She gained prominence through her work with SM Entertainment and later founded ADOR under HYBE, launching the popular girl group NewJeans. Drawing from her transformative impact on idol groups, the plot explores how a single visionary can challenge established industry norms. By peeling back the industry’s polished mask, Variety reveals how every K-pop icon’s rise is matched by silent chaos beneath the surface.

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The show’s casting not only lifts its star power but also highlights the generational clash of talents.

Variety features Son Ye-jin as Se-eun, the determined executive, bringing seasoned gravitas from acclaimed projects like Crash Landing on You and Thirty-Nine. Joining her is rising star Jo Yu-ri as Seung-hui, blending acting chops from record-breaking series Squid Game, making her casting an inspired nod to the show’s K-pop theme. Together, they represent two sides of the K-pop dream master and fan turned adversaries. Variety is directed by Kim Yong-hoon, who previously ruled the darkly comedic and critically acclaimed Netflix hit Mask Girl.

After exploring the world of its stars, audiences will want to know when this glittering drama will light up their screens.

Although anticipation is sky-high, the journey to Variety’s debut will require patience. Filming is scheduled between July 2025 and February 2026, pushing the projected Netflix release to late 2026 at the very earliest. A 2027 premiere is more likely, given the streamer’s usual K-drama scheduling.

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Is the world ready for a drama that unravels both the brilliance and the darkness of the idol industry? Let us know in the comments below.