Netflix Announces 'Variety': A Gritty New Drama Exposing the K-Pop Industry

Netflix just gave the green light to Variety, a gritty new Korean drama that’s set to dive headfirst into the dazzling yet ruthless world of K-pop. Starring the ever-talented Son Ye-jin alongside rising star and idol-turned-actor Jo Yu-ri, the show promises to peel back the shiny surface and reveal the high-stakes pressures, fierce ambitions, and tangled relationships that power one of the world’s most intense entertainment industries.

A Story of Power, Obsession, and the Cost of Fame

At the center of Variety is Sae-eun (Son Ye-jin), a powerful entertainment exec steering Korea’s hottest idol group. She’s sharp, fiercely protective, and locked in a constant battle to keep control in an industry where one wrong move can mean disaster. Opposite her is Seung-hee (Jo Yu-ri), a devoted fan whose obsession with the idols runs deep, sparking tension and drama that drives much of the story’s emotional weight.

By exploring both the executive’s cutthroat decisions and the fan’s consuming passion, Variety aims to give viewers a fresh, nuanced look at stardom, showing not just the glitz but the grind behind the scenes.

Star Power Meets Sharp Storytelling

Son Ye-jin needs no introduction; she’s known for bringing depth and strength to every role, and here she embodies Sae-eun with a mix of intellect and emotional complexity. Jo Yu-ri, fresh off her breakthrough in Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3, brings raw energy and intensity as Seung-hee, blurring the lines between admiration and obsession in a way that’s both compelling and chilling.

Behind the camera, director and writer Kim Yong-hoon, known for Mask Girl and Beasts Clawing at Straws, shifts gears from crime noir to the electrifying, pressure-packed world of K-pop. Expect slick visuals and a sharp narrative style that contrasts the industry’s glamour with its darker realities.

Netflix’s Production Timeline and What to Expect

Filming is set to start in July 2025, running through early 2026, with the show expected to debut sometime later that year. Adding to Netflix’s growing collection of diverse and boundary-pushing Korean dramas, Variety promises to stand out by offering a stylish, insider’s look at one of the most fascinating cultural phenomena of our time.

If you’re curious about the power struggles, personal sacrifices, and intense emotional bonds that define the K-pop machine, Variety is shaping up to be must-watch TV.