Are you curious about the actors in the hit Korean drama IDOL: The Coup? You are not alone. Many fans are searching for the idol i kdrama cast because this show is unique. Unlike other shows, this drama hired actual real-life K-pop idols to play the characters.
This show tells the emotional story of a girl group called “Cotton Candy” that is struggling to survive. It also features a famous boy group called “Mars.”
Here is the deep info on the cast, their characters, and who they are in real life.
1. The Girl Group: “Cotton Candy”
Cotton Candy is the main group in the drama. They have been active for 6 years but are considered “failed idols.”
Ahn Hee-yeon (Hani) as Kim Je-na
- The Character: Je-na is the leader of Cotton Candy. She is very responsible and desperate. She produces songs and runs around trying to get gigs to stop the group from disbanding.
- Real Life Info: You might know her as Hani. She is a member of the famous girl group EXID. In real life, Hani knows what it feels like to struggle, as EXID nearly disbanded before their song “Up & Down” went viral.
Ahn Sol-bin (Solbin) as Hyun-ji
- The Character: Hyun-ji is the main dancer and rapper. She is the troublemaker of the group. She often acts out and drinks because she is frustrated with their failure.
- Real Life Info: Solbin is a member of the girl group LABOUM. She is known for being funny and energetic on variety shows.
Han So-eun as Stella
- The Character: Stella is the “visual” (the best-looking member) and sub-vocalist. She is gentle and kind, but she suffers from anxiety and a dark past.
- Real Life Info: Han So-eun is the only member of Cotton Candy who is not a K-pop idol in real life. She is a professional actress who appeared in dramas like 18 Again.
Chu So-jung (Exy) as El
- The Character: El is the main vocalist. She has a cold personality and falls into a deep depression. She is tired of losing and fights often with the leader, Je-na.
- Real Life Info: Exy is the leader and rapper of the group WJSN (Cosmic Girls). Even though she is a rapper in real life, she played a vocalist in the idol i kdrama cast.
Kim Ji-won (Green) as Chae-ah
- The Character: Chae-ah is the lead dancer. She is famous for having famous parents, not for her talent. She often feels insecure.
- Real Life Info: Green is a member of the group REDSQUARE (which later re-debuted as IRRIS).
2. The Boy Group: “Mars”
In the drama, Mars is the most popular boy group in the world. They are under the same company as Cotton Candy.
Kim Min-kyu as Seo Ji-han
- The Character: Ji-han is the leader of Mars. He is incredibly famous but feels empty inside. He wants to make real music, not just be a product. He develops a connection with Je-na.
- Real Life Info: Kim Min-kyu became famous on the survival show Produce X 101. He has also acted in Pop Out Boy!.
Jo Joon-young as Ray
- The Character: Ray is the main vocalist. He is smart and good at handling fans, but he can be calculating.
- Real Life Info: Jo Joon-young is a rising actor under SM Entertainment.
Hong Eun-ki as Yool
- The Character: Yool is the main dancer. He is the friendly “mood maker” of the group who tries to keep everyone happy.
- Real Life Info: Hong Eun-ki was a member of the project group RAINZ. He is an amazing dancer in real life.
Baek Seo-hoo as Tae-young
- The Character: Tae-young looks nice, but he has a sharp tongue. He is not afraid to say mean things.
- Real Life Info: He is an actor who also appeared in the drama Color Rush.
Lee Eun-sang as Dan
- The Character: Dan is the “maknae” (youngest member). He looks innocent, but he notices everything happening in the group.
- Real Life Info: Lee Eun-sang was a member of X1 and is currently in the group YOUNITE.
3. The Company: Starpeace Entertainment
Every K-pop drama needs a villain or a boss.
Kwak Si-yang as CEO Cha Jae-hyuk
- The Character: He is the cold, scary CEO. He treats idols like products. His main goal is to disband Cotton Candy because they don’t make money.
- Real Life Info: Kwak Si-yang is a famous actor known for Lovers of the Red Sky and Alice.
Jung Woong-in as Ma Jin-woo
- The Character: The founder of the company. He is like a father figure to Cotton Candy, but he has made mistakes in the past.
Why is the Cast Special?
When you look at the idol i kdrama cast, you realize why the show feels so real. Because 90% of the main cast are actual singers, the performances look professional. They actually sing and dance in the show.
Hani (EXID), Solbin (LABOUM), and Exy (WJSN) brought their real-life pain and happiness into the acting. This makes IDOL: The Coup a must-watch for anyone who loves K-pop.
