Mr. Idol

Mr. Idol is a 2011 South Korean drama that focuses on four people who come together influenced by their love and passion for music.

Plot

Being an idol in a K-pop band comes with its ups and downs, but one thing no one tells you is how tough the industry happens to be. Oh Goo-joo is a famous producer who has created one of the most famous idol groups to the date, but due to a star-crossed romance gone wrong, one of her members ends his life and Goo-joo finds her hardwork and dedication spiraling out of control. Unable to cope with the shame, guilt, and loss, Goo-joo leaves the music industry on the account of unfolding events.

Ironically, Goo-joo is inspired to take on the challenge of re-creating an idol group after meeting Lee Yoo-jin, a man who was kicked out of Star Music though he originally trained for years to become a singer. After auditioning and reminding her of the member who had passed not long ago, Goo-joo believes Yoo-jin is fit to be a star and introduces him to a group called Mr. Children consisting of three other individuals surviving through the power of music.

Overall

When I first saw the cover of this movie, I thought the main character who played Lee Yoo-jin was Lee Joon and may or may not have slightly been disappointed that it wasn't him. In general, I wouldn't have clicked on a movie like this if I wasn't interested unless I just wanted to pass the time.

Mr. Idol portrays the pressure K-pop groups face on a daily basis and how things such as being in a relationship or speaking to the public can make or break their image. Although the plot in itself was choppy and half the time I was struggling to understand why everyone was acting like unprofessionals despite how much they've trained for the moment of stardom, there were enjoyable moments with the undertone of romance between Goo-joo and Yoo-jin. It didn't hit you in the face, but it was obvious the chemistry between both producer and idol raised at the climax and was what saved the group in the end.

There's not more to the story than the struggles every individual within Mr. Children seems to face. Each character's lust for the spotlight comes with having to sacrifice many things such as relationships with strict family members, past flings, and the hardships of swallowing their pride.

Like I said, this type of movie isn't something that normally appeals to me, but I did like the dynamic of people coming together to create more music as well as Yoo-jin and Goo-joo's relationship. Both have gone through hardships and both seem to balance the other out. Goo-joo with her pride is dragged through the dirt by Yoo-jin's naivety as well as his patience. Yoo-jin's need for stardom is something Goo-joo has to break him out of since reality isn't that kind to idols.

I'd only recommend this to people who are interested in seeing characters find their silver lining or K-pop fans who are interested in seeing cameos from U-Kiss, Yongguk and Himchan from B.A.P, Brave Girls, and Chocolat.