I still remember the restless nights, pushing myself to analyze the story, even getting stressed because the screenwriter kept twisting the plot like a spinning top—every prediction I made turned out completely wrong! =)))
Fingers crossed for Season 2! 🥰
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There's rivalry, but it's anything but friendly
This series really was out of my expectations, it was gripping, exciting, thrilling, everything you would want for in a psychological thriller. I love that all the characters are so so so flawed in different ways, set in a near dystopian school setting where basically every student is a druggie. Students fight each other tooth and nail to gain influence and academic excellence, hence where the 'rivalry' comes in, but it really is anything but friendly. The plot was quite intriguing, and while I did find it slightly confusing at first without knowing the general direction of where the overarching plot is heading towards, this is slowly revealed throughout the series.Now for the acting, all of them really excelled in bringing their characters to life, but Lee Hye Ri (acting as Yoo JeHi) really blew it out of the water. Her character was unique, interesting, and really kept me on my toes with her brains and beauty. Su Bin did a great job as Woo Seul Gi, but her character just isn't that appealing to me. WSG has beauty, but she seems to be lacking a bit in the street smarts department, at least in my opinion. WSG tends to rush head first into things or get herself into trouble incredibly often, and it is always YJH who saves her. She's definitely book smart though seeing that she's been acing her exams.
On this note, their chemistry is really top-notch. While I won't classify this as a GL, it definitely is stepping on the line, and is most definitely a sismance at least. It's a bit of a toxic relationship honestly with the borderline stalkerish behaviours, but it is definitely tension-filled.
There are definitely things that have remained unexplained (SPOILERS AHEAD) - like why exactly they failed to find WSG as a child at the beach, or why YJH was so obsessed with WSG. Also side note, the Yoo dad/doctor really is the devil himself, all his devious plans are just downright evil.
The ending did confuse me a bit, I didn't really understand their motives. But it was a predictable ending with the heavy foreshadowing in the last few episodes.
Overall, it's quite a unique series. Definitely recommend
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Really good so far
I’m absolutely thrilled to see the rest of the episodes! The anticipation is killing me because the serifriendly rivalry is just so exciting. Every episode so far has been packed with tension, fun, and amazing chemistry, and I can’t get enough of it. I love how the characters constantly challenge each other while still having that underlying connection that makes every interaction feel electric. It’s that perfect balance of competition and attraction that keeps me completely hooked from thestartWas this review helpful to you?
Jaw-dropping breath-taking ground-breaking
NOT your regular school drama!Simply put, if you're a fan of mystery/thriller melo and are willing to get entangled in an intricate web of sophisticated, multilayered plotline, top-notch acting, and masterful directing to the level that you lose sleep trying to connect all the dots, this show is for you.
A huge shoutout to actress Lee Hyeri portraying Yoo Jaeyi in an astounding, jaw-dropping precision of micromannerisms, proving that acting isn't just a skillful recital of lines.
A minor disadvantage is the screentime (avg. ~30 mins) that leaves you hungry, craving for more. Directornim and major streaming platforms, give us season 2 of this masterpiece, pretty please!!!
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What a masterpiece!
What a rollercoaster ride this show was! I even rewatched it, and it was even better the second time. Knowing the outcome made it more enjoyable, as I could catch details I missed the first time.Anyone who thinks this is queerbaiting completely missed the point of the show. This is a romantic thriller. Yes, it’s from Korea (which isn’t the most queer-friendly), but the fact that this was made and well-received could be a stepping stone for more GL dramas in K-dramas.
The entire cast and crew did a phenomenal job. Watching Jaeyi and Seulgi fall in love was so beautiful. Even though they didn’t kiss, we could see through their eyes and actions how deeply they felt for each other. No matter what, they always had each other’s backs. The only thing I think would’ve been an even better ending is if at the end we hear Jaeyi (in Seulgi’s voice) right before she turned around.
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This review may contain spoilers
My Favourite Drama of 2025
I can't lie, I only started watching this because I heard it's a GL... I'm not disappointed though because the story got me soo hooked I stayed till the end 💗 The first 11 episodes were absolute perfection and I would not give them a rating below 9, it slightly went downhill later, I felt like the plot was too thick and there was not enough time to convey all of this into ~30 minute episodes... Sometimes it felt like some fragments were cut off from the episode so it was hard for me to catch up. Also I think they went slightlyyy overboard with Jei's dad's character, because him erasing Jena's memory was weird 😭 The last episode was a total saver for me, the ending was AMAZING!!One thing I'd like to praise is the characters - I absolutely loved their backstories ❤ All of them got screen time so it was not just Jei and Seulgi all the time, but also Gyung and Yeri (I adore them so much).
I'll definitely be rewatching sometime soon 💘 A shame we didn't get a reunion but I'm glad all the characters got their happy ending <33
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This is not what it seems
It seems to me that everyone is rating this drama not for what it is, but for what they wanted it to be.First of all, it is not a big budget drama from a big network. It is a small budget drama created by a small network, where even the actress had to buy some of her clothes and accessories.
This drama also doesn't have an hour long of episodes so everything couldn't be fit into such a short drama.
It is also not an explicit GL series so people please do not later complain that the drama is not a GL because no one ever promised you that.
This drama is based on a webtoon and is drama with mystery and a lot of suspense.
This drama also has GL subtexts and undertones to interpret which doesn’t mean that it is queer baiting.
So if you are expecting a drama about the reality of life's hardships or a full GL series you won't get it in this drama.
But if you don't mind less realism in dramas, you're not homophobic, and you don't mind having to interpret scenes,because of shortcuts and you like dramas focusing on females then in my opinion you might like this drama.
BIg advantage of this drama is the acting. All the actors gave it their all.
Another plus is the music, in my opinion it's one of the best OST I've heard from dramas.
Visually, it's a very pleasing drama. Some scenes are very nicely staged and edited,
Of course, the story could be better. There are many shortcuts, but for me everything that wasn't clearly explained made the drama open to different interpretations. I'm still shocked at how much good they managed to fit into such a short drama.
But in my opinion, the biggest plus is that this drama is female-centric. The main characters are girls who have different experiences, different expectations, and different character traits. The characters are distinct and interesting. Not to mention for me is this is the first drama mentioning female desire. In my opinion is It's quite original and very brave drama.
I wish everyone could feel the joy I felt watching this drama. And it's been a while since I've felt this much joy watching a drama.
My only complaint is that the ending is too open and some of the storylines feel rushed. So I hope there will be another season because this drama really has greater potential. This drama probably isn't for everyone, but luckily it was perfect for me. I'm really borderline obsessive with this drama and Friendly Rivalry is in my top 10 favorite dramas of all time.
Story: 8.5/10 For me the story is original and touches on topics such as: rivalry, obsession, mental problems, sexuality, female desire, friendship, loneliness, family relationships, but the downside is that it touches on these topics only superficially without delving into them deeper. I don't know if there was not enough time or courage to develop these topics further.
Acting/Cast: 10/10 The cast is very well chosen, and the acting is also great. I didn't expect Hyeri to be such a great actress. I saw the rest of the cast for the first time, they seem to be very good actors, so I will definitely follow their further careers.
Music: 10/10 One of the best OST I've heard in a drama
Rewatch Value 10/10 I rewatch this drama 6 times and I still discover something new
Overall: 10/10 This drama it's not a masterpiece, it is not flawless and for some it may even be unwatchable and stupid but for me it is one of the best and most interesting drama which gave me a lot of joy. I haven't been this drawn into a drama in a long time. I'm very grateful that I came across this drama and I hope there will be a second season.
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This review may contain spoilers
Set a higher standard for a GL korean series!!!
Obsessed with this friendly rivalry series! Love the mysteries, strategies & detective work. Can't blink or you'll miss a clue! Sets a high standard for GL series. Totally hooked! The suspense, twists, and turns keep me on the edge. Brilliant plot, lovable characters, and amazing chemistry between leads. A true masterpiece!Was this review helpful to you?
Friendly Rivalry Delivers Thrills, Tension, and Unmatched Chemistry
Friendly Rivalry Kdrama Review: This is a gripping mystery drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Hyeri and Soobin’s chemistry is absolutely electric, making their characters’ complex relationships feel both intense and believable. Each episode builds on the last, bringing more excitement, twists, and intrigue.Hyeri, known for Reply 1988, takes on a completely different role here, and it’s fascinating to watch her transformation. The drama differs from the original manhwa, but it successfully captures the essence of its characters—especially Jaeyi, who is manipulative, obsessive, and dangerously captivating. The bathtub scene, in particular, hints at Seul-gi slowly developing feelings for Jaeyi, adding layers to their dynamic.
Read More: https://www.dramadaze.com/friendly-rivalry-kdrama-review-gl-kdrama/
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This review may contain spoilers
Ugh!! Incompetent
Another half-baked show I completed this week.An incompetent, pointless plot. Why the hell did the series have to revolve around Je I's insane father??? I was more interested in a true friendly rivalry between the girls. All the girls really. I thought the series started off strong and the acting from the main cast was great but the series got bogged down in too many unnecessary plots to destroy Je I's father. Plots to sell drugs. Plots to one up some one. Plots to figure out why Seul Gi's father was killed. Plots to be the number 1 student. FFS enough will all these useless plots. Terrible parents and horrible students. What a waste.
The only plus of the series is the acting from the 4 main leads.
4/13/25
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A Gripping but Flawed School Drama
I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire series to give a fair and thorough perspective.This drama presents a fast-paced narrative, with each episode running around 30 minutes. It ambitiously tackles various pressing themes in modern school life, from academic pressure and bullying to toxic competition, privilege, and the exploration of students' sexuality. While viewers shouldn’t expect a romance, there are moments of sexual tension woven into the story.
From the very first episode, the show sets a dark and intense tone, drawing viewers in with its suspenseful atmosphere. It explores controversial topics such as the pressures of elite education, the blurred lines between mentorship and manipulation, and the hidden power struggles among students. The complexity of relationships, both among peers and within families, is a strong focus, showcasing the weight of societal expectations on young minds.
The drama particularly shines in its portrayal of power dynamics. The so-called “queen” of the school is a fascinating character, whose true intentions remain ambiguous throughout much of the series. The protagonist’s gradual entanglement in a dangerous game of control keeps the tension high, making it difficult to discern who is truly in charge.
However, while the show does a great job of building intrigue and exploring heavy themes, it stumbles in some areas. Certain plot developments feel exaggerated, especially regarding the depiction of substance abuse or in a medical context. Some narrative twists, while shocking, lack credibility and may leave viewers questioning the plausibility of certain events.
As the story progresses, multiple arcs converge into a more complex mystery. While this adds to the suspense, the show struggles to tie all its elements together seamlessly. The final episodes, in particular, feel rushed and somewhat disjointed, leading to an unsatisfying resolution.
Despite its flaws, the drama boasts strong performances and a gripping atmosphere. It dares to address difficult subjects, which sets it apart from more conventional school dramas. However, its ambition sometimes outweighs its execution, resulting in an experience that is engaging but ultimately frustrating. If you're looking for a drama with an intense and thought-provoking premise, this one delivers, but be prepared for a narration and a conclusion that may leave you confused and/or unsatisfied.
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Franchement je ne sais pas
La mise en scène du scénario est malheureusement très mid, elle aurait pu être BEAUCOUP mieux développé selon moi. Ce qui est triste étant donné que l’intrigue en elle meme n’est pas nul (elle est pas incroyable pour autant mais CAVA)Le personnage de Seul-Gi n’est malheureusement pas on-point, car je trouve qu’elle veut plus “détruire” la personne qui a tué son père que le venger. Selon moi, je pense que ses sentiments ne sont pas assez bien retranscrits. (pas la faute de l’actrice mais plus de la prod, tout ca…)
La fin m’a tellement laissé perplexe, je n’ai malheureusement quasiment rien comprit, j’ai le sentiment d’etre insatisfait, elle m’a vraiment laissé sur ma faim.
Dans l’ensemble je pense que la série a été bâclée, ca se voit sur la durée des épisodes qui selon moi, est très surprenant. Des épisodes de 25min je trouve ca assez court pour un scénario qui aurait pu être riche, assez déçu malheureusement.
Pourquoi ma note me direz-vous? Malgré que la série n’est vraiment pas EXTRAORDINAIRE, j’ai passé un “bon” moment devant la série, car comme j’ai pu le dire, l’histoire n’est vraiment pas nul donc ca m’a intrigué tout le long. Malheureusement tout ce qui suit est très mid. Les personnages ne sont pas si attachants, les musiques ne sont pas marquantes dutout j’en ai meme pas le souvenir d’en avoir entendu une seule.
Donc une série qui peut être cool si on a rien à regarder, c’est pas NUL mais c’est pas de la folie non plus. Ne vous attendez pas a voir la série de l’année.
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