The one who makes stars, the one who chases them, and the variety of desires surrounding them.
Netflix has confirmed the production of a new original series, Variety, starring Son Ye Jin and Jo Yu Rii in leading roles.
Set in the world of K-pop, the series follows the ambitions, struggles, and complex relationships of people behind and around the spotlight.
Variety is the latest work from director and writer Kim Yong Hoon, who previously received praise for his direction in Netflix’s Masked Girl and the crime film Beasts Clawing at Straws. Known for his strong storytelling, Kim is expected to once again deliver a drama with deep characters and intense emotion.
This time, he turns his focus to the entertainment world, where things may look glamorous on the surface, but darker desires often lie underneath.
In Variety, Son Ye Jin plays Se Eun, a top entertainment executive known for her skills in planning and producing idols. Some even say her role is inspired by Min Hee Jin, the ex-ADOR CEO and NewJeans producer.
She is the one behind Korea’s most successful idol group and is now doing everything she can to renew their contract. Se Eun is smart and determined, but also willing to make cold, risky decisions to achieve her goals. This role is Son Ye Jin’s first appearance in a drama after Thirty-Nine, which aired in 2022.
She is widely recognized for her work in Crash Landing on You, Something in the Rain, and Classic.
Jo Yu Ri plays Seung Hee, a passionate fan who follows her favorite idol no matter the cost. Her love turns into obsession, and she doesn’t care what she has to do to get close to the person she admires. She started as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE and later moved into acting. Jo Yu Ri, who had her breakout moment in Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3, now takes on her next major acting challenge.
In Variety, she takes on a bold and emotional role that shows a new side of her as an actress.
The drama also features a strong supporting cast made up of veteran actors and new faces. These characters include people who work with or around Se Eun and Seung Hee. Plus will dive into the inner workings of the K-pop world, revealing the stories of idols, managers, executives, and conflicted fans. Their stories will highlight the pressures, temptations, and personal struggles that exist behind the stage lights.
It focuses on the emotions and ambitions of people trying to survive and succeed in a world built on fame.
Netflix has not announced the exact release date yet, but it is already drawing attention. With Son Ye Jin’s return and Variety being Jo Yu Ri’s next project after Squid Game, the series is expected to be a big part of Netflix’s K-drama lineup.
Written and directed by Kim Yong Hoon, and starring Son Ye Jin and Jo Yu Ri, Variety will be released only on Netflix.