Friendly Rivalry

선의의 경쟁 ‧ Drama ‧ 2025
Ongoing 3/16
Savvyy
13 people found this review helpful
Feb 12, 2025
3 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

ITS WUHLUHWUH

I only watched about 3 episodes because it is still ongoing but the episodes we're really good. It is an absolute triumph that effortlessly blends stunning visuals, top-tier performances, and a gripping narrative. From the moment the first episode begins, it pulls you in with its intricate world-building and deeply human stories. Each scene is meticulously crafted, offering both striking beauty and emotional depth. The cast delivers flawless performances, with every actor bringing their A-game. Their portrayals are nuanced and complex, adding layers to their characters that keep you invested in their journeys. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their interactions elevate the storytelling to new heights. The writing is sharp and sophisticated, skillfully balancing moments of intense drama with lighter, more heartfelt exchanges. The dialogue feels natural and authentic, making it easy to get lost in the world the show creates. What’s particularly impressive is how it tackles meaningful themes, exploring everything from identity to morality, without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Visually, the show is nothing short of breathtaking. The cinematography is exquisite, with each frame feeling thoughtfully composed and rich in detail. The color palettes and set designs are vibrant and immersive, contributing to the overall atmosphere that feels both grounded and otherworldly at the same time. The score complements the emotional weight of each scene, elevating key moments with perfect timing. It's one of those rare shows where everything – from the soundtrack to the sound design – comes together seamlessly, enriching the overall experience. In every aspect, It is a remarkable achievement. It’s a series that captivates, excites, and leaves you yearning for more after each episode. If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and dive in.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 12/16
erine_cath
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 28, 2025
12 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

THIS IS THE BEST KOREAN GL DRAMA THAT I HAVE EVER WATCHED

As a gl reader and watcher, I am really amazed by the plot of the story and by how the actors portrayed their own characters. I've never been this attached to a drama series. I'm very impressed by their acting skills, it's one-of-a-kind. Their emotions can be seen through their eyes, showing that they are really deep into the character. They really are great, amazing, unbelievable actors! It just hooks everyone who sees the trailer. It's excellent! Words could not express how much I love this drama. It's majestic, and beautiful! It's a rollercoaster of emotions every episode. I have rewatched it, so many times. I think, more than 20 times haha! I still couldn't get enough of it, it is indeed addicting! I'm really, really attached. But I still could not shake the thought that this series would be ending soon. Actually, a lot of us, many. And when I say many, I mean MILLIONS of people are hoping and asking for season 2. We would be really really REALLY glad and happy if they would release another season for Friendly Rivalry. We're looking forward to the next episode!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 6/16
MoreCastro
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2025
6 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I know Lee Hyeri is a talented and great artist but damn! This is really amazing and fresh. The only red flag we will accept. It's getting more interesting every episode. Sucks they lack support and sponsorship from the SK industry. Iz alright. We got you all, baby.. Put it on Netflix! They should do fan meets! All the rich rainbow babies will come out to support you.
Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 6/16
CoffePuppy10
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2025
6 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I'm obsessed with this series !!! Def one of my favs as a GL enjoyer and member of the LGBT community. Can't wait for more episodes to come . Lee Hye Ri slayed this role .. She's insanely talented.Her character makes me giggle whenever she comes on screen xldjlskal . I'd recomment this series to anyone tbh but especially to the gay girlies out there this is a MUST watch
Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 6/16
Shortduck27
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 19, 2025
6 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I really love this new series because it’s a wlw and also because it a Korean series since I first saw the first episode I was completely into it and I just wait patiently for the other episode to come out and I feel like that’s what makes this series even better and also I really love the cliffhangers at the end of the episode because it makes me want to keep watching more and more
Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 6/16
FarlinMaeCanama
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 19, 2025
6 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
I really love this seriessss so much . Most watch in the Philippines. More gl to come south korea. 🤍🤍 also the series really nice when it comes story line. And every episode have a good plot twist . And i like all characters in this series especially hyri .🥰🥰 i really hope that the good ending because i love them both.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
ix99
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 6, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

JaeSeulgi Owns My Heart—And Also My Emotional Stability… Season 2 When?!

I miss my JaeSeulgi. 😭

This drama had one of the most satisfying yet painful endings I’ve ever seen. It was a happy ending, but at the same time, it left me aching for more. The actresses weren’t lying when they said the story would be unpredictable until the very end—every twist kept me on edge.

And now, after seeing the analysis of Jaeyi’s message to Seulgi, I’m even more heartbroken. When Jaeyi sent that photo, she already knew that Seulgi would recognize the location immediately. Her message basically meant, "Come home." The fact that Jaeyi ran away to the island where Seulgi got lost and grew up—just to be close to her in her own way—is insane. Their love is the purest thing in the world, and the writers of Friendly Rivalry are absolutely brilliant for this. I don’t think I’ll recover anytime soon.

Director-nim, can we please have a Season 2? I just want to see them happy! I didn’t expect to get this emotionally attached to a KDrama, and now I might need therapy until we get a continuation.

This was the first time I followed an ongoing series—enduring the agony of waiting 24 hours for a 30-minute episode. And you know what? It was absolutely worth it. The anticipation, the cliffhangers, the emotions—it was all a rollercoaster, but the payoff was incredible. I loved every second of it.

To the people claiming this isn’t GL—dude, do you even know how WLW relationships work? Hahaha. If you're only here for skinship, kissing, and that, you might as well watch something else.

A massive thank you to Lee Hye-ri and Chung Su Bin for bringing these characters to life! And of course, to Kang Hyewon and Oh Woori—your performances made this drama unforgettable. The chemistry, the friendships, the emotions—everything was top-notch. I genuinely hope to see these four in another drama together.

Also, I did not expect that shift in Oh Youngjae’s character. From bubbly GOT7 Youngjae to the absolute menace that is Byeong-jin—I wanted to slap him so bad. That transformation was wild.

Once again, thank you so much, director-nim! I’ll be manifesting a Season 2 with every fiber of my being. If funding is an issue, I’d be willing to sell a kidney. HAHAHA.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 16/16
Micyyyyy
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 21, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I love this series literally 10/10

We need more seasons to come, I'm dying here waiting for the next episodes. But can you please next time, make it longer 😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻WE ALLLL LOVEEEEEEEEE ITTTTTTTT 💗💗 WE ARE ALWAYS WAITING 💗💗
I really love the chemistry of these 2 woman and their characters, this is so so good. Thank you so much for making this WE ARE HOPING FOR NEXT SEASONS, IM BEGGING 😔😔🙏🏻
Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 16/16
EveRolynPojadas
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 4, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
is such a fun and engaging read! It perfectly mixes competition and friendship, making the story exciting but still lighthearted. The characters feel real, and their dynamic keeps things interesting. If you love a good mix of rivalry and camaraderie, you’ll enjoy this one! i love it so much, WE NEED SEASON 2 !!! 💗😭
pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaseeeeeeee season 2 pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 3/16
EnHypen
10 people found this review helpful
Feb 12, 2025
3 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
"Friendly Rivalry" is a groundbreaking South Korean series that masterfully blends teen drama, mystery, and thriller elements. The compelling performances by Lee Hye-ri and Jung Soo-bin bring depth to their characters, especially in portraying the nuanced dynamics of their relationship. The series bravely explores LGBTQ+ themes, highlighted by a poignant same-sex kiss scene that has sparked meaningful discussions about representation in Korean media. The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while challenging societal norms. "Friendly Rivalry" is a must-watch for its innovative storytelling and its commitment to inclusivity.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 8/16
thoughnah
3 people found this review helpful
Feb 22, 2025
8 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Goosebumps every episode. please make at least a platform for the inter fans. we're watching here in PH. this is a must watch. 1000000/10. i love it. ❤️❤️❤️ i love everything about the series. it is good that i can't wait until weekend's over. 😫 gonna re-watch the past episodes again for the nth time.🥹
Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 5/16
SpicyRabbot
4 people found this review helpful
Feb 17, 2025
5 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A Milestone for Girl Love Representation

“Friendly Rivalry” is not just another K-drama—it’s a groundbreaking step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in South Korean television. In a country where mainstream media has long shied away from fully embracing same-sex love stories, this show dares to challenge the norm. It delivers a beautifully crafted narrative of love, ambition, and self-discovery between its two female leads, Jaeyi and Seulgi, played with remarkable chemistry and depth.

At its core, “Friendly Rivalry” captures the essence of unconditional love. It’s a refreshing change to see a girl-love story take center stage, rather than being sidelined as a mere subplot. This is exactly the kind of representation we need more of—not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone who believes in love beyond boundaries. The world has evolved, and South Korea’s entertainment industry should, too. Stories like this are not just necessary; they are overdue.

I feel even more grateful that the show chose to portray both Jaeyi and Seulgi as femme, rather than relying on the outdated and stereotypical dynamic of one woman dressing or looking masculine while the other remains the only “girly” one in the relationship. This decision is incredibly meaningful because it reinforces the simple truth that love between two women does not need to conform to society’s expectations. You can love another girl romantically without having to fit into a predetermined mold, and this drama beautifully proves that.

A heartfelt thank you to Hyeri for not only accepting this role but also for going above and beyond—personally sponsoring props for the show. Her dedication proves how much she believes in this story, and for that, she deserves immense respect. To the director, thank you for bringing this beloved manhwa to life and for making the bold choice of casting Hyeri as our lead. Her portrayal is everything we hoped for and more.

As the series nears its end, I can only hope that Jaeyi and Seulgi’s story is given the resolution it deserves—one that cements their love as real, valid, and worth celebrating. “Friendly Rivalry” could very well be the turning point for Korean dramas to embrace more women-to-women love stories, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Friendly Rivalry poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 7.6 (scored by 18,704 users)
  • Ranked: #5279
  • Popularity: #514
  • Watchers: 40,119

Top Contributors

58 edits
45 edits
30 edits
11 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
WLW ♥
683 titles 803 loves 6
Female Centric Dramas & Movies
609 titles 245 loves 3

Recently Watched By