Making Enemies Is Easy In The Glamorous K-Drama World Of ‘Celebrity’

While celebrity influencers attract thousands—even millions—of followers, the competitive world of social media also makes it easy to acquire enemies, which in the new Korean drama Celebrity leads to murder. The Netflix
NFLX
drama follows influencer Seo A-ri, who must have made at least one enemy, since viewers find out in the first episode that she was murdered. The social media currency that she used to become famous might also be the reason for her death.

A-ri, played by Park Gyu-young, grew up surrounded by luxury, but was forced to live more frugally after her father’s business went bankrupt. When A-ri discovers the world of social media and the power it grants to those who successfully play the game, she decides to reclaim some of her rank and privilege in the world.

Having grown up rich, A-ri has impeccable taste and can discuss designer brands with the best of them. It’s easy to pass for someone who still has money. When she runs into her old school friend Min-hye, played by Jun Hyo-seung, she’s invited back into the world of champagne galas and sparkling jewelry. It’s too tempting to resist and also a bit distracting. The celebrity lifestyle is so alluring it’s easy to ignore the warning signs along her path to success.

Fame might come quickly when wielding the power of social media, but for A-ri, it also proves to be a double-edged sword. Standing in the spotlight she makes an easy target.

The cast of Celebrity also includes Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Dong-gun, and Lee Chung-ah and will feature special appearances by several stars, including actress Seol-in-ah and actor-singer Lee Jun-ho, as well as cameos by Instagram and YouTube influencers with millions of followers. Kang Min-hyuk plays Han Jun-kyung, a third generation conglomerate heir who gets entangled with A-ri. Lee Dong-gun plays Jin Tae-jeon, Ah-ri’s old friend, and also the CEO of a powerful law firm. Lee Chung-ah plays Yoon Shi-yeon, his glamorous wife, a woman A-ri admires and wants to emulate.

Park Gyu-young previously appeared in the dramas Sweet Home, The Devil Judge, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay and Romance Is A Bonus Book. She was recently cast in the second season of Squid Game. Lee Dong-sun was last seen in the dramas Angel’s Last Mission, Where Stars Land and Leverage. Lee Chung-ah had roles in VIP, Awaken and One Dollar Lawyer. Kang Min-hyuk can be seen in the dramas The Heirs, Oh My Ladylord and How To Be Thirty.

Celebrity is directed by Kim Cheol-kyu who directed the dramas Flower of Evil, Mother and Chicago Typewriter. The drama was written by Kim Yi-young and produced by Studio Dragon.