Netflix is turning the K‑pop spotlight on itself with its intense new K‑drama Variety, promising a gripping peek behind the curtain of one of the world’s most glamorous and demanding entertainment industries.
Here’s what you need to know before the series likely drops in late 2026 or early 2027.
1. Variety explores the tension between fans and K-pop executives
Variety explores the high-stakes tension between the faces of K‑pop: industry executives and devoted fans. Son Ye‑jin stars as Sae‑eun, a brilliant exec determined to reinvent a declining idol group.
Opposite her is Jo Yu‑ri as Seung‑hee, an obsessive fan whose fierce loyalty spirals into dangerous territory. Expect an emotionally charged narrative where ambition, fandom, and fame collide
2. You’ll love the star-studded cast
Son Ye‑jin, beloved for Crash Landing on You, embodies Sae‑eun with intelligence and icy resolve, perfect for a character who sacrifices all to protect her idols’ legacy.
Her acclaimed filmography, which includes iconic romance films like The Classic and A Moment to Remember, showcases her versatility.
She has also demonstrated her range in a variety of other genres, from the action-packed adventure of The Pirates to the historical drama of The Last Princess.
Jo Yu-ri, a former K-pop idol and now a breakout actor, is known for her role as player 222 in Squid Game Seasons 2 & 3, where she delivers Seung-hee’s raw, unsettling passion with insider understanding.
Beyond her work on Squid Game, Jo Yu-ri’s acting credits include the 2022 web series Mimicus, where she played Oh Ro-si, a cameo appearance as Si-eun in season 2 of Work Later, Drink Now, and an upcoming role as Seung-hui in the series Variety.
Both are directed by Kim Yong‑hoon, writer/director of Mask Girl and Beasts Clawing at Straws, known for stark storytelling and emotional grit.
3. Variety uncovers the hidden side of the K-pop industry
Expect a stylish look at the industry’s glossy exterior, paired with harsh truths. As the drama unfolds, Variety peels back the shiny veneer to expose the physical and emotional toll behind every performance, contract, and fan frenzy.
The story hinges on power struggles within agencies, emotionally charged fan behaviour, and the ruthless logic of K‑pop success.
4. The release date is set for late 2016
Production begins in July 2025 and continues through February 2026. While expectations once pointed to a late‑2026 premiere, Netflix’s historical scheduling suggests a more likely premiere in 2027.
Filming, editing, and marketing all point toward that timeframe, so mark your calendar.
5. Variety isn’t like any K-pop series you’ve watched before
What sets Variety apart is its unique lens on the K‑pop industry. Unlike typical idol-centric dramas, it shifts the focus to the behind-the-scenes world of executives and the intense dynamics of fan culture, offering a fresh and insider perspective.
The series also stands out for its portrayal of complex female leads, powerful women navigating ambition, control, and vulnerability both within the industry and fandom.
With director Kim Yong-hoon at the helm, known for his emotionally raw and visually gripping storytelling, Variety promises a departure from standard K‑drama formulas, delivering a bold and layered narrative.