ATEEZ’s first appearance in a drama was in the K-Drama “Imitation,” which aired in 2021. This drama is about the lives of idols in the entertainment industry, and it features a star-studded cast including ATEEZ members Yunho, Seonghwa, San, and Jongho. Yunho played the role of Lee Yoo Jin, the center of a fictional boy group called Sparkling, and he felt that his character was about 80% similar to his real personality. The drama was based on a popular webtoon and included other notable idols from groups like SF9 and T-ara.
The drama “Imitation” premiered on May 7, 2021, and it received mixed ratings in Korea, with an average viewership of about 0.9%. However, it was well-received internationally, especially on streaming platforms. Despite its low ratings in Korea, the drama was praised for its portrayal of the challenges faced by idols in the competitive entertainment industry. ATEEZ members’ participation in the drama marked their acting debut and provided fans with a new side of the group to enjoy.