Idol: The Coup (2021)

Cast

Hani

As: Kim Je-Na

Ahn Sol-bin

As: Hyun-Ji

Exy

As: Elle

Han So-eun

As: Stella

GREEN

As: Chae Ah

Kwak Si-yang

As: Cha Jae-Hyeok

Kim Min-kyu

As: Seo Ji Han

Cho Jun-young

As: Ray

View All (11)

A Struggle for Dreams and Dignity in the K-Pop Industry

In the heart of Seoul’s bustling entertainment scene, where neon lights and glittering stages collide, lies the gripping drama “IDOL: The Coup”. This 12-episode series delves into the tumultuous lives of a failed K-pop group, Cotton Candy, as they fight tooth and nail to prevent their disbandment. With dreams hanging in the balance, the idols navigate treacherous waters, revealing the harsh realities of an industry that thrives on both talent and heartbreak.

Plot Summary: At the center of this rollercoaster ride is Kim Jenna, the unwavering leader of Cotton Candy. Despite setbacks and misfortune, she clings to the group’s past—a journey that led them from obscurity to the cusp of stardom. With just six months left, Cotton Candy faces a daunting challenge: defy the newly appointed CEO of their company and exit the industry with dignity intact. Their struggle mirrors the real-world issues plaguing K-pop: cutthroat competition, corporate greed, and the fleeting nature of fame.

Characters:

• Kim Je Na (Ahn Hee Yun): The glue that binds Cotton Candy together. Her determination to salvage the group fuels their fight.
• Seo Ji Han (Kim Min Kyu): Leader of the rising boy group “Mars,” Ji Han harbors a soft spot for talent and champions Cotton Candy.
• Cha Jae Hyuk (Kwak Shi Yang): The newly minted CEO of Starpeace Entertainment, the company that birthed Cotton Candy. His decisions will shape their destiny.

Themes Explored:

1. Dreams and Struggle: Coelho’s words echo throughout the drama—“Dreams are for real.” Cotton Candy’s journey epitomizes this truth. Their struggle sharpens them, revealing passion forged in adversity.
2. K-pop Industry Realities: The drama pulls back the curtain on the K-pop machine. It exposes companies chasing profits over artist well-being, the public’s harsh judgment of rookies, and the fickle nature of fame.
3. Friendship and Resilience: Cotton Candy’s bond transcends fame. Their friendship becomes the bedrock of their fight, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Acting and Music:

• Ahn Hee Yun (Kim Je Na) delivers a commendable performance, capturing the desperation and determination of her character.
• Kwak Shi Yang (Cha Jae Hyuk) shines as the conflicted CEO, portraying both ambition and vulnerability.
• The fictional idol music in the series surprises with its quality, resonating with fans.

Verdict: “IDOL: The Coup” isn’t your run-of-the-mill idol drama. It eschews flashiness for substance, weaving a tale of resilience, friendship, and dreams. While some acting falls short, the overall production value makes it a worthwhile watch, especially for multistan K-pop enthusiasts. So grab your popcorn, immerse yourself in the world of Cotton Candy, and witness their coup against fate!