Perfect Mystery Thriller with Solid Acting
This is the Lee Hyeri drama after 3 years from May I Help You in 2022. She is one of the finest actors in this generation. She played almost every type of role in her filmography. Yet, most of us want a baddie role from her. To my surprise she came with a baddie role character & made my time worthy of waiting for her new drama.~~ Story, Direction & Writing : A Perfectly Balanced Narrative
The main story is not a new story- same revenge, medical malpractice but it's a new typical drama. I think everyone knew about it already. Now get into the core story of the drama it follows the 4 Students who come from different family backgrounds trying to live up to their dreams. The story begins as short romance and gradually transforms into a psychological thriller then a mystery and ultimately revenge story. Both Director and Screen writer succeed in perfectly placing these elements to shift momentum in every episode.
-- Exploring Bold & Heavy themes with Depth
Everyone knows the drama doesn't shy away from tackling the sensitive topics like drugs use among students as a means to cope with the academic pressure, female sexuality(including mastrubation, a rarely explored subject in mainstream storytelling in kdrama) and LGBTQ representation. The last elements are so rare in kdrama, but these elements added depth to the characters and make the story feel raw & realistic. However these elements execution in mainstream story can be subjective, some viewers might appreciate the blondness while others may find such portrayals lacking nuance.
~~Engaging Twists & Unpredictable Storytelling
Every episode is engaging and packed with small twists and no moments to feel predictable. Some unexpected twists push in a darker, thrilling direction. The plot twist is gripping and well executed. However some part of the back story they used to justify the plot twist feels slightly unconvincing. If the makers made changes in the backstory slightly like the one which is aligned more naturally with the characters and their past it might have strengthened the back story.
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I love this show
Thank you to everyone who created and participated in the production and creation of this series, it has become the motivation and reason for my life. And thank you so much to Lee Hyeri for existing, she's so beautiful and funny and I already love her so much. I'm now a certified Hyeri enjoyer.Jaeseulgi endgame iktr
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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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SAPPHICS!!!!!!!!we are being fed!!!!!!!!!
💫 The Story: From Rivalry to RevelationFriendly Rivalry follows Woo Seul Gi (Chung Su Bin), a quiet but brilliant girl raised in an orphanage who earns a scholarship to attend the prestigious Chaehwa Girls’ High School, a place dripping with money, hierarchy, and hidden agendas. Used to being the top of her class, Seul Gi suddenly finds herself outmatched—especially by Yoo Je Yi (Lee Hye Ri), the school’s flawless, cold, and impossibly composed queen bee.
What starts as academic competition quickly escalates into something deeper, more emotional, and far more dangerous. Their relationship walks the line between toxic and tender, hostile and heart-wrenching. Je Yi taunts Seul Gi, challenges her—but also protects her in moments no one else sees. Their rivalry becomes a mask for something else neither of them can name yet. And when the mystery of Seul Gi’s father's death resurfaces, everything begins to unravel.
💘 Sapphic Tension Done Right
This drama delivers actual lesbian tension—not just queerbaiting or subtext. The chemistry between Seul Gi and Je Yi is electric, aching with every glance, every confrontation, and every moment of unexpected tenderness.
They are not perfect characters—and that’s what makes them feel so real. Seul Gi is guarded, aching for belonging. Je Yi is powerful but emotionally walled-off, terrified of what loving someone might cost her. Their dynamic mirrors the best of enemies-to-lovers: complex, slow-burning, and emotionally explosive.
While their queerness isn’t always loudly labeled, it’s present, visible, and deeply woven into the emotional core of the show.
🎭 Brilliant Performances with Raw Emotion
Chung Su Bin brings quiet strength to Seul Gi, making every moment of her vulnerability hit like a gut punch. Lee Hye Ri, meanwhile, steals scenes as Je Yi—portraying a girl raised on expectations and privilege, but desperate for something real, someone who sees past her perfect mask.
Together, they build a dynamic that’s as painful as it is beautiful. Their evolution from reluctant rivals to something closer—more intimate—is paced perfectly.
🔍 Mystery, Power, and Queer WLW Survival
The backdrop of Chaehwa High is more than just a school setting. It’s a world of secrets, corruption, and legacy. Beneath the uniforms and elite façades lies a suffocating system that punishes any girl who steps out of line—especially those who dare to love differently.
As Seul Gi begins to uncover the truth about her father’s mysterious death, she and Je Yi are pulled deeper into a dangerous game. But the emotional heart of the series remains their bond—the question of whether they’ll choose each other, even when everything around them demands otherwise.
🎬 A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece
From the dark academic aesthetic to the intimate, lingering cinematography, Friendly Rivalry is visually stunning. The use of light and shadow reflects the duality of the girls’ relationship—sharp contrasts that slowly soften as they draw closer.
The soundtrack is sparse but purposeful, underscoring emotional beats without ever overpowering them. And the quiet, intense stares? Lesbian poetry.
🏳️🌈 Why It Matters
Adapted from the webtoon by Song Chae Yoon and illustrated by Shim Jae Young, Friendly Rivalry gives space to a sapphic story that doesn’t exist to be tolerated—it exists to be felt. It doesn’t erase its characters' queerness. It embraces it, exploring how love can both heal and complicate, especially in a world that isn’t safe for girls who step outside the lines.
💬 Final Thoughts
If you're craving a K-drama that centers on real emotional stakes, lesbian tension that doesn’t cop out, and a mystery that ties it all together, Friendly Rivalry is a must-watch. It’s one of the rare GLs that goes beyond fluff and fantasy—delivering raw, layered storytelling with a core romance that will stay with you long after the final scene.
Would I recommend it to GL fans? Without hesitation.
Would I fight someone for hurting Seul Gi? Already have.
Would I rewatch the rooftop scene for the hundredth time? It's on loop now.
NEXT SEASON I NEED MORE SPICE!!!!!!
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A Thrilling High School Mystery
Friendly Rivalry stands out as a gripping, high-stakes thriller that masterfully blends mystery, competition, and youthful ambition. Directed by Kim Tae-hee and adapted from the popular webtoon by Song Chae-yoon, this drama delivers an intense narrative that keeps viewers hooked from the very first episode.Was this review helpful to you?
Absolute Perfection
Where do I ever begin to describe how beautiful and amazing this show is? It is the definition of perfection.From the first second I found out about this show I was hooked. My expectations were so high for it. My anticipation boiling. When the first batch of episodes released 4 weeks ago, I knew this was something truly special. And as the episodes have gone on, that thought became cemented.
To say I was obsessed with this show would be an understatement. Every Sunday to Wednesday was defined and controlled by this show. The sheer amount of edits I have saved about Friendly Rivalry is scary; yet it proves just how much it matters to me.
Everyone involved in this show is so so talented. I was in awe of the quality of acting and cinematography. Everything was perfect. Hyeri and Su-bin deserves all the praise and love for their outstanding acting in this. Their portrayals of Jae-yi and Seul-gi leave me speechless; I am in complete shock with just how well they brought these characters to life. Their characters truly proved that you do not need intimate scenes to make a perfect love story.
Now that Friendly Rivalry has ended, I am know able to fully see how much of a cinematic masterpiece the show is. It is one of the few shows that have made me care this much. I have shed thousands of tears over it. And now that there is no more, I honestly feel empty knowing that I can never experience this perfection for the first time again. But, I know for a fact that I will be rewatching this show until I die, loving every single second of doing so.
Jae-yi and Seul-gi's story is one that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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best kdrama of the year
The way that I didn’t even know what it was actually about but I got hooked and watched it in 3 days it’s pretty crazy the storyline and acting was top tier I could feel all their emotions and was just so fun to watch I’m so glad that it was like this and I hope there’s a season 2 . Honestly I’m not a big fan of rewatching things but this show makes me want to relive the emotions and be happy. The charm of friendly rivalry lies in its ability to inspire growth without the harshness of cutthroat competition. Whether in sports, professional settings, or creative endeavors, this rivalry encourages individuals to challenge each other constructively, offering both a sense of accomplishment and shared joy. The best part is that it fosters a healthy competitive spirit where both sides can celebrate victories and learn from losses, making the experience enriching on multiple levels.Was this review helpful to you?
Would recommend tbh
lots of mixed reviews and opinions about this one. But I would defo recommend it!Overall I enjoyed the show, thought it was brilliant. I just really hope there is a season two coming out! It would be highly disappointing if this is not the case.
The story line itself is quite complicated and quite a rollocoster, but if you like K-drama and Gl then I would say it's a must watch ♡
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You must watch this now if you haven't watch it yet.
I love this k-dramaa any one of my fav that I watched!! I remember when it was still ongoing, every end of their episode made me really more patience to wait and I'm so desperate to see when there would be a new episode again HAHAHA lol.. highly recommended to watch this drama! They truly deserve all the recognition, love, and support they are receiving now. Their hard work, dedication, and talent continue to inspire many, and it’s amazing to see them getting the appreciation they’ve worked so hard for. WE NEED S2🙏🤞Was this review helpful to you?
A wonderful thriller with a powerful ending!
This is one of the coolest dramas I've ever watched, not only because it has elements of GL and suspense, but because the actors are incredible and the school setting and rivalry are very well The plot is well-developed. It's not a repetitive drama, the narrative isn't tiring, and everything is very, very good! Secondary braids are a current and important point to discuss, especially considering the teenage audience represented in the series. The series' filmography is absolutely beautiful, cinematic.Was this review helpful to you?
SEASON 2 please
Me encantó la serie, muy buen drama, la fotografía igual, el marketing que le dan a la serie, los actores, Hyeri y Subin cada vez me sorprenden más, me gusta y de verdad se los recomiendo…no se van aburrir. Woo Seul Gi creció en un orfanato en una provincia. Se muda a Seúl y se matricula en la escuela secundaria Chaehwa, que es una escuela para el 1% de los mejores estudiantes de Corea del Sur. Woo Seul Gi no se lleva bien con los otros estudiantes. Una estudiante llamada Yoo Je Yi se acerca a ella y se hacen amigas.Yoo Je Yi es la estudiante más poderoso de la escuela. Tiene un coeficiente intelectual alto, proviene de una familia adinerada y es atractiva físicamente. Ha vivido siendo la envidia de los demás desde que nació y es consciente de su superioridad. También es lo suficientemente astuta como para saber aprovechar su posición. Ella muestra especial interés en la estudiante transferido Woo Seul Gi. Pronto desarrollan una peligrosa relación entre amistad y obsesión
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I don't understand the reviews
I think perhaps it's because people are more used to other Kdramas. But I don't think this is worth such bad reviews. It's a good show. It's quite unpredictable, and it's clearly a coming of age story where the main characters all find where they want to be in life and how they want to be living along with coming to terms with how the real worlds functions. No, it's not supposed to be hyper realistic. It's fiction. But I don't think anything that happened is unjustifiable with the circumstances presented, especially when you know how hard and how far one of the parents pushes their children. If you want something pretty different from most kdramas, it's good. If you want something similar to most kdramas, you might not like it. But as it stand by itself, it's good.Was this review helpful to you?
