Imitation may put us under stress because one episode per week is really not enough to satiate our craving.
The latest episode also gave us a glimpse of the forged coordinated relationship an established top-tier group has with its fandom. We also saw the struggle of a budding girlgroup like Tea Party and a yet-to-find-a-niche boygroup like Sparkling. At the same time, the fame of the top K-Pop group as presented by SHAX is not at all all-bliss albeit the prestige.
abbyinhallyuland watches Imitation on iQiyi
Episode Recaps: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | Finale
Imitation Episode 3 Key Moments
“You accused me of being only a copycat. I only do the best I can in the situation I’ve been handed.”
Accepting Ma-ha’s impromptu dance collaboration, Ryeok moved to the beat in synergy with her. La Lima is obviously not happy at the thought of being always rejected by Ryeok, but easily allowing Ma-ha with her intention.
After Idols On Air, Ma-ha rushes to return the limited-edition jacket gifted by SHAX’s fandom. Unfortunately, their interaction was caught by the girls from the upper echelon of the fan club.
Ma-ha gets the bulk of hate comments online, but Ryeok acts fast to protect her by penning an explanation letter to clear the misunderstanding.
Meanwhile, Yujin meets Ma-ha and relays their latest comeback situation and how he wants to give his best shot for it.
“Our song. Our own identity.”
Rounding up the girls, Ji-hak prepared food and announces he already sent the girls’ first paycheck. He also relays the first step they need to do for their upcoming debut which is to pick the song.
However, among the songs submitted, the girls were unable to connect. Suddenly, an idea strikes Ma-ha, and they dig the box holding the single they weren’t able to perform on stage.
Reaching out to the music producer, Ammonite who was impressed with the girls’ diligence, they work together to revive the song for Tea Party’s launch date.
While revamping the track, Ma-ha again bumps with Ryeok at the studio. She takes the opportunity to clarify the alternating cold and warm treatment she is getting from him to which he can’t answer as well.
“You copied La Lima boldly, but you’re scared to sing your song. If you’re going to be like that, forget living and just copy her.”
Emotions plus nerves probably affected Ma-ha’s condition and she had a hard time when it was her time to record the song. Ryeok taunts her to forget her dream and be forever a copycat if she can even pull off her song.
Up for the challenge, Ma-ha asked to do it from the top not minding Ryeok’s sneer. And she definitely hit the notes she kept missing.
Things are also going well on Yu-jin as he was chosen to be the center for their upcoming promotion. That definitely raised a higher level of animosity for Hyun-o.
Feeding the girls with ramyun, they stop slurping the noodles when Ji-hak dropped the news of their debut stage on Music Arena for three minutes. The CEO who has connections everywhere also secures a team of top-notch stylists to work on the girls’ concept.
On the day of Music Arena filming, Tea Party, Sparkling, and SHAX meet outside with Ryeok, Yu-jin and Ma-ha’s meaningful stares.
Imitation Episode 3 Musings
I bloomed late loving K-Pop, but it does not mean it is less special. My exposure as Hellokpop’s editor has led me to be up to date with the K-Pop scene. So, I know the hard work endured by the groups to propel their beginning and consistently thrive in the fierce competition of the industry.
After episode 3, I found myself hunting the manhwa version because of my impatience. *chuckles But I’m sure it will help me understand the drama adaptation well.
Imitation presented three driving key points so far: the featured K-Pop group’s stories of varying dreams, experience and popularity, the love story between Ma-ha and Ryeok, and the persons and conflicts that will impact their romance.
Now, that I’m reading the webtoon, I feel sad that the series will only run a dozen episodes because the original work is honestly hard to put down. It was a great choice to pick Lee Jun Young who both have the idol and acting chops to breathe life to Kwon Ryeok. I can’t wait for his transition when love bug finally hits his system. Similarly, Jung Ji So is an apt choice for Ma-ha because her character’s emotion and confidence transition are what makes her character shines.
This series is growing in me because the characters pictured have put sensible weight on their development. It is suiting up efficiently to the sincere storytelling set in the backdrop of the K-Pop world. Notably, this feat is uncommon for youth series that mostly depend on the feel-good appeal.
Catch up on the latest episode of Imitation on KBS. International fans can watch it on iQiyi.
Photos Credit To: KBS | Screencap from iQiyi
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