Do Ra-ik finally remembers Se-na with the red cap he gave her, and they thank each other for being each other’s comfort on that day.
In IDOL I episode 8, which aired on January 13, Jae-hee leaves a suicide note confessing that he was the real murderer of Woo-seong. Meanwhile, Do Ra-ik and Maeng Se-na share a heartfelt conversation, recalling the first time they met when he gave her his red cap and reflecting on how they’ve supported each other through pain that day.
Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for the series. Continue reading at your own discretion.
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IDOL I Episode 8 Recap: Choi Jae-hee Ends Up in a Coma
Fortunately, Choi Jae-hee is alive but remains in a coma. A suicide note on his phone reveals, “The real person who killed Kang Woo-seong wasn’t Do Ra-ik. It was me… My death is entirely my own doing. I will atone with my life.”
Se-na tells the police that Jae-hee had left her a voice message asking for help and recounted that on the night of Woo-seong’s death, he called again at dawn, but the call was cut off by a knock on his car.
Later, Se-na visits his apartment, but Chung-jae says there’s no need since she’s no longer Ra-ik’s lawyer. That night, when she finds Ra-ik in the streets, he collapses upon seeing her, so she takes him in and cares for him through the night.
Forest of Wishes
After waking up, Do Ra-ik tells Se-na he didn’t know where to go and ended up at her house. While everyone assumes Jae-hee is the murderer, Ra-ik can’t believe it. Se-na explains that the police found a knife, likely the murder weapon, and a suicide note in Jae-hee’s car. They see these as decisive evidence. Despite this, Ra-ik stays doubtful and asks Se-na if she believes it. She remains silent.
Determined to find the truth, Ra-ik asks Se-na to help him investigate Jae-hee’s actions. They visit the places he stayed and learn he rarely left his room, leaving all his belongings behind.
Ra-ik figures out why Jae-hee went there—at the Chun-hyang festival site, where Gold Boys had their first stage. He tells Se-na it was their happiest day. Then, Ra-ik takes her to their secret spot, the Forest of Wishes, where the group used to write down their wishes.
Jae-hee had recently left one there: “Woo-seong, Ra-ik, Jae-hee, Young-bin. Forever One.” He also recalls that Jae-hee once told him he goes there whenever things get tough, helping him feel at ease. Before leaving, Ra-ik adds his own wish: “May everyone I love be happy in my memories.”
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The Story Behind the Red Cap in IDOL I Episode 8
Ra-ik and Se-na then talk after they are locked up. He brings up her throwing away his merchandise and asks why she liked him so much, collecting his items since his debut. She says back that there’s no reason for liking someone.
Ra-ik then talks about the red cap he gave her before, remembering how seeing her struggling as a child reminded him of his own pain. “That was the first time I ever felt like my heart actually reached someone,” he says, admitting that comforting her made him feel he could make a difference, even for a brief moment.
Se-na then shares what happened to her—her father’s imprisonment and eventual suicide, her mother’s death from shock, and how she was suddenly left completely alone. She tells Ra-ik that seeing him sing that day gave her hope and a reason to keep living. That’s how she made it all the way to where she is now, thanks to Ra-ik.
Deeply moved, Ra-ik thanks her sincerely: “For being the one who cheered the loudest when I shined. For staying by my side when things were hard. For not forgetting me and watching over me. I truly thank you.”
Ra-ik and Se-na Confront CEO Geum
Later, a staff member calls them back to the hotel and says they overheard Jae-hee arguing with someone he called the CEO, warning them not to come or interfere.
Suspicious of CEO Geum, Se-na recalls what her boss said about Woo-seong secretly tampering with Gold Boys’ contract and realizes the CEO knew about it. She shares this with Ra-ik, noting that the CEO may have lied to the police to protect the situation.
The episode ends with Ra-ik and Se-na confronting the CEO to uncover the truth, but he warns Ra-ik that it might hurt him the most.
IDOL I Episode 8 Review
Episode 8 marks a turning point in IDOL I. Jae-hee’s suicide attempt and confession come as a shock, especially since someone knocked on his car just before the incident.
Amid the tension, the episode shines as Ra-ik finally remembers Se-na and realizes why she became his fan, recognizing the support and comfort they’ve shared over the years.
Meanwhile, the hints about CEO Geum and the contract add suspense, keeping viewers on edge. This episode balances mystery and emotion perfectly, making me feel both invested in the story and connected to the characters.
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Catch Maeng Se-Na as she works to prove her idol Do Ra-Ik’s innocence in IDOL I, airing every Monday and Tuesday on Netflix and Rakuten Viki.
Source: Studio Genie, ASTORY
