Sooyoung & Kim Jae-young's 'I Dol I': Can ENA's New Crime Rom-Com Win the Year-End K-Drama Race?

Can a sweet romance truly blossom amidst a chilling crime scene? That's the intriguing question at the heart of ENA's latest drama, 'I Dol I', which just premiered to close out 2025. The series stars Girls' Generation's Sooyoung and actor Kim Jae-young, promising a high-wire act that balances heart-fluttering moments with nail-biting suspense.

A Chemistry-Fueled Pairing

The drama is already generating buzz thanks to its lead actors. Sooyoung has firmly established herself as a versatile actress, shedding her K-pop idol image with nuanced performances in a variety of roles. Opposite her, Kim Jae-young has earned a reputation for his compelling on-screen chemistry in several romance dramas. A key point of interest for viewers will be how these two talents navigate the sharp tonal shifts required by the crime rom-com genre.

ENA's Ambitious Gamble

'I Dol I' represents a significant bet for its network, ENA. Since its breakout success with 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', ENA has been experimenting with diverse programming to solidify its brand identity. Choosing a hybrid genre like 'crime rom-com'—not always an easy formula for success—is a bold move that highlights the channel's content strategy. The performance of this year-end drama could very well influence ENA's programming direction for the near future.