THE [email protected], set in the world of Korean entertainment production, stars Korean idols of course, as well as other Japanese and Thai hopefuls. Like the original game, the drama follows a group of young women as they embark on a career in the entertainment industry, and depicts their sweat and tears, their hopes and dreams.
Suji is a marathon athlete content with spending her life in second place. But after her twin Suah, Korea's top celebrity, passes away in an accident, Suji has lost the light in her life. Just like that, a year goes by. Suji has stopped running, working part-time jobs instead.
Suji goes to Suah's shrine the day after the first anniversary of her death to avoid seeing anyone, only to unexpectedly run into none other than the man who created Red Queen -Korea's top producer, Shinhyuk Kang. After hearing Suji say she no longer runs, he makes a suggestion. "Become an idol," he says, telling Suji to take Sua's place and fulfill her dream.
The ten girls come to 825 Entertainment, ready to become idols. But Shinhyuk announces something unexpected. They will be going through a “mock test” of sorts, and the girls have just one week to prepare! They only met yesterday; how are they supposed to become a team?
The girls start off the Survival Competition by splitting into two teams, the Debut Team and the Rookie Team. The 1st mission is announced, and the Debut Team, led by Youngjoo, has everything down pat from the song selection to the outfits. The Rookie Team, on the other hand, can’t get it together
The girls are up for an unexpected dance battle, and the loser cleans the dance studio. Suji shocks the girls as she feels the rhythm and dances her best. She is a bit rough around the edges, but Youngjoo notices that Suji has talent, causing feelings of jealousy and tension to sprout.
It’s the big day, the day the girls show their performances to the world. Everyone is looking forward to the broadcast, but the comment section only talks about the relationship between Suji and Suah. The other girls are green with envy, and at the amount of attention Suji is getting, Youngjoo senses a rival.
Youngjoo is wearing out the Debut Team with her oppressive tactics - especially Taeri, who gets a whirlwind of abuse from Youngjoo. The trainee life isn’t easy, but it’s driving her to extremes! (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Jiseul is sick so the Rookie Team decides to help out with her part time jobs. Mint realizes that Jiseul has been practicing hard despite her financial difficulties and feels bad. But Jiseul’s pride is hurt by their actions and tells them not to feel sorry for her. At last, the second mission begins. (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Suji learns from a reporter that Suah was seen at a hotel with Shinhyuk Kang just before she died. Her faith in Shinhyuk wavers and her suspicions about him grow... (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Debut Team tries to find Jane who has disappeared. Not wanting to create anymore trouble, they search for her whereabouts without telling Youngjoo. Meanwhile, an unexpected guest drops by at 825 Entertainment.(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Rookie Team keeps Mint’s spot empty so that she can come back anytime. Suji believes that Mint will return and Youngjoo can’t believe her naiveness.(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Taeri collapses on stage and is rushed to the hospital. The girls are concerned and tries to show their support, telling her to feel better soon so that they can perform together again. (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Taeri had suddenly disappeared from the hospital while being treated. Suji and Shinhyuk wander around looking for her...only to find her in an unexpected place...! Taeri confesses her pent-up emotions and makes an important decision. However that irreparably hurts Youngjoo...!(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The girls are granted a few days on holiday. Individually spending their time, Sori attends her highschool reunion. However the advice from her friends asking her why she is preparing for an idol singer debut near her 30s becomes a spear that pierces through her heart...! (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The girls are planning a Christmas party, but to Jiseul who constantly has to work part-time jobs, Christmas is the busiest time of the year. Jiseul’s Secret Santa has planned a surprise for her, but Jiseul finds out and becomes furious. (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yeeun and Jeewon were best friends who always auditioned together. But the good memories they shared have shattered and they have met again as enemies. They decide to compete against each other in the next mission, and only one of them will get to remain with the Real Girl Project.(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For the fourth mission, each team must shoot a music video. The Rookie Team is slowly growing through Suji’s leadership and preparation for the shoot is going smoothly for them. However, the Debut Team has selected a new leader - Sori.(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
A day before the music video shoot, Haseo receives a phone call. The secret she’s been trying so hard to keep is about to be exposed. (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Rookie Team is positive Jeewon is the one that stole their clothes for the shoot. Yeeun can't forget Jeewon's past betrayal and goes on the offensive. This causes the conflict between the two teams to explode!(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yeeun sees Jeewon's true feelings through the Debut Team's music video, with a script talking about two friends who shared the same dream. But it's too late to turn back, and it's not that easy for the two to reach out to each other... (C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Shinhyuk drives through the rain and saves Suji at the last minute from being run over. He ends up telling Suji the truth about Suah's death. Shinhyuk is full of regret and Suji is shattered by his confession. The next day, the girls are back from their trip, but a shocking scandal awaits them, throwing 825 Entertainment into turmoil!(C) BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc & IMX, Inc.
The girls don’t know what to think about all the rumors regarding Shinhyuk and Suji. The scandal is spreading quickly and threatens the very existence of 825 Entertainment and Real Girls Project.(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Unable to get through to Haseo's grandfather, the girls return to 825. They start planning everything for their final mission, including Haseo's parts. Since they are unsure of whether this will be their last performance, Suji and Youngjoo come up with an idea!(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The girls learn the truth behind Mr. Kang's departure from 825! They do their best to promote their final performance, but everyone is giving them the cold shoulder…(C)BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.“&”IMX,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
