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Netflix has greenlit "Variety," a new K-pop drama that will star screen icon Son Ye-jin with rising actress-idol Jo Yu-ri in their first project together.
The video streaming platform confirmed the casting and production on Monday, releasing photos from an early script reading in Seoul.
Set in South Korea's glossy but cutthroat idol scene, the drama follows Sae-eun, the hard-driving CEO behind the country's top boy group, and Seung-hee, a fan whose devotion turns dangerous. Netflix promises a sharp look at ambition, power, and obsession inside modern K-pop.
Son Ye-jin takes the role of Sae-eun, a leader willing to risk her company's future to secure a contract renewal as her flagship act approaches the end of its deal. Known worldwide for "Crash Landing on You," the veteran actress returns to the platform after four years and is expected to bring her trademark mix of poise and emotional depth.
Opposite her, Jo Yu-ri portrays Seung-hee, a young woman whose loyalty crosses ethical lines as she tracks her favorite idol's every move. The former IZ*ONE main vocalist earned critical notice with the second and third seasons of "Squid Game" and now tackles her most psychologically demanding part to date.
Writer-director Kim Yong-hoon, who delivered the noir hit "Mask Girl," returns to Netflix to helm the eight-episode series. His flair for bold visuals and slow-burn suspense signals a darker twist on the music-drama formula.
The show is produced by CJ ENM Studios alongside newcomer UNU, reuniting Netflix with the team behind global Korean hits such as "Squid Game." Filming for "Variety" is scheduled to begin in Seoul later this summer, with a worldwide premiere targeted for 2026, though an exact launch date has not been announced.
Analysts note that Korean shows accounted for nearly one-third of Netflix's non-English viewing hours last year, giving the streamer strong incentive to back projects that blend star power with fresh takes on fan culture. With Son Ye-jin's established following and Jo Yu-ri's crossover appeal, "Variety" is already drawing heavy buzz on social media and trade forums.
Additional casting and details on the fictional idol group at the heart of the plot are expected to be shared in the coming weeks. For now, the promise of a showdown between a ruthless executive and a fixated fan has viewers marking their calendars for Netflix's next K-drama milestone.
English (US) · 