Kim Jaeyeong, the lead of 'Idol I', delivered a heartfelt comment on the series finale.
In Jini TV original drama "Idol I", Kim Jaeyeong embodied Doraik itself, handling a wide range of emotions from the glamorous aspects of a top star to the extreme situation of being a murder suspect. He gave a meticulous character performance that dramatized the desperate struggle contrasted with his stage aura, and especially revealed Doraik's three-dimensional side—cold on the outside but childlike and pure on the inside—through a dense emotional line that left viewers both thrilled and deeply moved.
At the end of the drama, Kim Jaeyeong said, "I was happy to live 2025 as Doraik," expressing his affectionate feelings for the work.
Below is the full Q&A with Kim Jaeyeong.
Q1. I'm curious how you feel about finishing 'Idol I' safely.
'Idol I' is a work that gave me a lot of joy. I was able to finish safely because of all the staff and the director, the fellow actors I performed with, and my partner, actor Choi Sooyoung, who played Maeng Sena. Thank you sincerely for creating a happy time.
Q2. Was there a motivation or reason you decided to take on the role of Doraik, a top star with an irresistible aura?
Doraik has significant appeal as an idol band, but above all I was drawn to the fact that the character openly displays childlike purity. The emotional range is large and varied, offering many aspects to show as an actor, and I was very attracted by the chance to portray even the external appearance of being an idol band.
Q3. What part did you pay the most attention to while preparing the Doraik character?
Because I was encountering the job of being an idol for the first time, I felt a lot of pressure. There were many scenes requiring actual singing and instrument play, so I worked hard to show that part naturally. I also gave a lot of thought to how to convey authentically the rapid emotional changes that occur when he is suspected as a suspect following Wooseong's death early in the drama.
Q4. The name Doraik is unique—what did you think when you first heard it? Can you point out Doraik's unique charms?
At first, the name felt unfamiliar and fun, so I thought it would be memorable. Doraik seems ticked off and immature on the surface, but in fact he is a warm person who wants to protect the people around him more than anyone. His methods can be a bit reckless and frustrating at times, but his efforts to find someone who truly believes in him and his way of protecting those around him are very attractive.
Q5. If you have a most memorable scene or line, what is it? I'm also curious about the parts you were most satisfied and disappointed with while acting.
'Idol I' is a work in which several genres are flexibly mixed, so there were many challenging moments to face as an actor. Especially because the character's emotional line is so broad, I think I fiercely debated how to convey that depth most truthfully to viewers. The process of finely adjusting and refining the emotional level was sometimes difficult, but it became the greatest reward. I poured all my passion into every scene, so there isn't a single scene that's not precious, making it really hard to pick just one great scene. (laughs)
Q6. Your stage manner was a hot topic because it could have convinced people you were an actual idol. Is there a secret?
I referred to many stage videos, but above all the staff made the stage truly great. In particular, my partner actor Choi Sooyoung gave me many tips based on her actual experience, and thanks to our "Goldboys" members doing so well, we were able to pull it off.
Q7. It's said you were the mood maker on set—how was the chemistry with fellow actors, including Choi Sooyoung, who played Maeng Sena?
Not only me, but actor Choi Sooyoung and the director were humorous and full of energy. The other actors were also bright, so we shared ideas and joked and communicated throughout filming. It was a really enjoyable set.
Q8. What will Doraik mean to Kim Jaeyeong?
I jokingly said it would be my "last idol role," and I really think that might be the case (laughs). I also always felt some sadness that this work would end. It was so special and precious to me that every passing moment felt like an unforgettable gift. Living 2025 under the name 'Doraik', I learned a lot as an actor and as a person and enjoyed more happiness than I deserved.
Q9. What did you gain from playing Doraik?
Above all, it's "confidence." I felt a lot of pressure having to also perform instrument acting as the center of an idol band, but after finishing filming that burden turned into joy. I feel I have grown to the next level.
Q10. How many points would you give for the sync rate between the character and your real self?
Since I played the character, I feel there are many similarities. There were many difficult parts, but I deeply understood much of the worries and situations Doraik experiences.
Q11. You're continuing a relentless pace with your next work, "So I Can Be Nervous"—how do you feel about continuing to work hard? If you have plans for activities in the remaining 2026, what are they?
I'm so happy just to have a next project. This year I'll be meeting you in a new light through the drama "So I Can Be Nervous," and I plan to give my best in filming the movie "The Outlaws 5." I'll keep running hard without rest, so please watch over me.
Q12. Lastly, please say a word to the fans who loved 'Idol I' and Doraik.
'Idol I' is a precious work that left me with good memories and good people. I was truly happy to receive so much love, and I thank everyone who watched and empathized with it. If fans are having a hard time, don't forget the phrase "this too shall pass," and I hope you find the courage to achieve everything you want to do. Thank you!
[Photo] Provided by KT Studio Jini.
[OSEN]