Celebrity is a 2023 Korean drama series that revolves around the dark and glamorous world of social media influencers. Seo Ah-ri, a humble door-to-door saleswoman, becomes an online celebrity after joining the influential Gabin Society. However, as she rises to fame, she also uncovers the secrets, scandals, and crimes that lurk behind the scenes of the influencer industry. The series ends with a shocking twist that reveals the true identity of the mysterious _bbbfamous account, which has been helping and manipulating Ah-ri throughout her journey.
Celebrity (2023) – Cast
- Park Gyu-young as Seo Ah-ri
- Kang Min-hyuk as Han Joon-kyung
- Lee Chung-ah as Yoon Shi-hyeon
- Lee Dong-gun as Jin Tae-jeon
- Jun Hyo-seong as Oh Min-hye
Celebrity (2023) K-Drama Review
Celebrity is a thrilling and captivating series that offers a glimpse into the world of social media influencers. The series showcases the glamor and glitz of being an online celebrity but also exposes the dark and ugly side of fame. The series features an intriguing plot, a surprising twist, an engaging cast, and a satisfying ending. The series also delivers a message about the importance of being true to oneself and finding happiness in what matters most in life.
While it delivers a cautionary message about the pursuit of fame, it has drawbacks in its storytelling, with shifting timelines occasionally causing disorientation. The rushed revelation of _bbbfamous’s identity also leaves questions unanswered. Despite these narrative shortcomings, Celebrity remains a noteworthy addition to the K-drama landscape, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a potential second season. It prompts reflection on the impact of social media on our lives and earns a rating of 9.5 out of 10 for its compelling narrative.
Celebrity (2023) K-Drama Plot – How It All Began?
The series starts with Ah-ri going live to expose the truth of the influencer world and share the cheat code to stardom. She alleges her murder and vows to unveil the killer’s name by the broadcast’s end. She then begins narrating her story through flashbacks, starting with her encounter with her old schoolmate Oh Min-hye, a famous influencer who invited her to a celebrity party. At the party, she met Han Joon-kyung, a wealthy bachelor and CEO of a beauty company who was instantly smitten with her. She also met Yoon Shi-hyeon, the wife of a prominent lawyer Tae-jeon and the “big sister” of the influencer world.
Ah-ri accepted Shi-hyeon’s guidance and started shaping her online persona as a beauty and lifestyle influencer. With assistance from the mysterious account _bbbfamous she received tips and guidance on gaining followers and popularity. She also received support from Joon-kyung, who became her boyfriend and sponsor. However, not everything is as perfect as it seems. Ah-ri faces jealousy and hatred from other influencers, especially Min-hye and her group of friends known as the Gabin Society. The Gabin Society consists of Min-hye, Chae-hee, Angela, Ji-na, and Yoo-rang, who are all famous influencers and celebrities. They pretend to be friends with Ah-ri, but secretly plot to sabotage her and ruin her reputation. Ah-ri also noticed that _bbbfamous actively controlled her choices and actions, not just offering assistance.
The Downfall
Ah-ri also discovers the dark and dirty secrets behind the influencer industry. She learns that many influencers are involved in various scandals and crimes, such as drug abuse, prostitution, adultery, blackmail, bribery, and murder. She also finds out that Tae-jeon, her mentor Shi- Hyeon’s husband and the head of a powerful law firm is the mastermind behind many of these illegal activities. In later episodes, it is revealed that Tae-jeon is Chae-hee’s brother.
Tae-jeon tries to frame Ah-ri for the death of a club employee at a party at the Aragon Club due to a drug overdose. While it was Chae-hee for whom the death happened. In fact, Ah-ri did not even do anything. She was just there at the party in their circle. She soon started to receive online hate, which started to take a deep mental toll on her. She also found out that it was Min-hye who leaked the club incident to the media.
Ah-ri and Joon-kyung try to stop Tae-jeon, but in vain, and in the meantime, Joon-kyung meets with a devastating car accident that shatters Ah-ri from the inside. All of this prompted Ah-ri to contemplate suicide, and soon authorities found her car in the sea but could not find her body.
Celebrity (2023) K-Drama’s Mysteries Unfold: Ending Explained
The climax of Celebrity centers around Ah-ri’s explosive livestream. Promising to expose the truth behind the influencer industry, Ah-ri unveils the dark secrets and manipulations of influencers, leaving the Gabin Society and Tae-jeon scrambling to locate her. However, a shocking revelation unfolds: the live stream is not conducted by Ah-ri herself but by her best friend, Yoon Jeong-Sun, along with her brother Doo-sung by using AI deepfake technology.
This revelation exposes the industry’s underbelly, brings justice to a tragic incident, and eventually unmasks the true identity of _bbbfamous. It culminates in a confrontation with the individual responsible for Ah-ri’s downfall.
Initially assisting Ah-ri by sharing Seoul e-celebrities’ controversial secrets to boost her rise and counter sabotage, _bbbfamous gradually becomes controlling, demanding instant responses while hiding their identity, citing fandom as their motive. Ah-ri’s suspicions lead her to request _bbbfamous’s identity, upsetting them. In retaliation, _bbbfamous provides Min-hye and Chae-hee with information to undermine Ah-ri, orchestrating her downfall through fake conversations and hate accounts.
Ah-ri confronts _bbbfamous, discovering her as Lee Seon-yeong alias Lee Eun-Chae, a regular spa worker who resented influencers for their seemingly perfect lives on social media. She was also diagnosed to be clinically depressed. Initially aiding Ah-ri, Eun-Chae eventually turned to cyberbullying. Confrontation pushes Eun-Chae to attempt suicide, resulting in minor injuries and impending consequences. With time Ah-ri and Joon-kyung reunited with Ah-ri, leaving the troublesome glamor world for good.
Celebrity (2023) – Ah-ri and Joon-kyung’s Relationship
In a pivotal twist, it was revealed that Joon-kyung had survived the accident and had undergone surgery. He had been working behind the scenes to gather evidence against Tae-jeon and bring justice to the situation. This revelation marked a significant turning point for Ah-ri and Joon-kyung’s relationship.
The ending of Celebrity hinted at a renewed connection between Ah-ri and Joon-kyung, with the potential for a deeper romantic relationship. Their reunion, coupled with their shared commitment to seeking justice and exposing the truth, hinted at a promising future for the two characters. It left viewers with a sense of closure and hope for the possibilities that lay ahead for Ah-ri and Joon-kyung as they navigated the complexities of their lives in the influencer world.
The Movie Culture Synopsis
Celebrity will keep you hooked from start to finish. The series combines mystery, thriller, drama, romance, and comedy to create a compelling story that explores the influencer world. The series has a fast-paced narrative that keeps you guessing what will happen next. The series boasts a captivating visual style that captures the beauty and luxury of Seoul.
