Chaotic but Decent Show
Recommended if: you like mind games, obsession, manipulation, complexityNot recommended if: you want something simple to watch or looking for a cute GL (there is suggested romance but it's not the focus of the show)
***
It seems that I'm part of the minority who enjoyed the plot of the show. It started with one case, branched out all over the place, and entangled the characters against each other. The way they presented how the events unfolded by balanced use of showing and telling created intrigue and kept me interested every episode.
However, there were times where too many things happened at once that it became confusing to follow. The characters were also more of a tool for the plot than well-developed entities. Their motivations were questionable, especially Jei. That's where they built on the mystery and thriller—instability, intensity, and complexity. I believe the show had a strong foundation but became ambitious at some point, and suffered loss of connection and impact to the viewers by the end.
Nevertheless, its a decent show that has its own charm. Its an interesting and fun chaos. I might not watch it again, though.
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I liked it?
This show tries to tackle the academic hardships of Korean teens.... but then it gets bogged up in a crazy plot that involves drug deals, pedophilia, smuggling contraband in your guts and MORE.The longer it went on the more focus it lost. also it was supposed to be GL but I would have liked it to be a little more gay???
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Rivalry friendship drama
High school rivalry friendship drug drama that portrays trust, faith and beliefs.I love the chemistry between the two mains. I love how their friendship started. First being weird and suspicious why she was picked as she got bullied from other classmates but. Ye. Idk. Maganda
Overalls.. its good.
Sabog ako ,sorry.
823pm
51625
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This review may contain spoilers
it was kind disappointing in the end .
i like this drama bcuz of the cast and the girls very pretty even though I m staright ended up watching this drama i mean it was very much suspense full but so disappointing at the end anyway if S2 will come i m there to watch imao .but it was so kind confusing in the middle maybe I m dumb to understand but what's wrong with students taking medicine or i mean drugs and why she always assume in the water i really did not get it but yeah it was gl drama but only one kissing scene lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂
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Unexpected
At first I thought the story would be something casual, but the topic was heavier than I expected. You see teenagers trying so hard to be the best that they even resort to choices they wouldn't normally make if they weren't under the pressure of the strict grading system and the high expectations of adults. They all cross lines one way or another, and I believe this was presented to us very well. The acting is good, and so is the storyline.And I kind of did expect this to be a GL, so I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't really get to see the two main characters, Je I and Seul Gi, get together. You only saw hints of it, but I still think the series is worth watching.
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Very strange drama
During the first few episodes, I was really excited. I was really enjoying the story, but at a certain point, I felt like the drama was starting to lack sense and increasingly strange things were happening. The moment I saw a teenager performing surgery, I really felt like the drama had lost all logic. At many other moments, very absurd things happened. I also feel like the characters aren't very well constructed, and the romance could have been much more than it was, or really wasn't, because it only lasted one episode and there were many confusing twists in the story. I think it was a confusing and slightly strange story, but I must say that I enjoyed watching the drama. It's not a drama I would watch again, but it really is a drama to watch if you're bored one day.
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Story has complex characters
I went into this story not knowing anything about it but I ended up really enjoying it. The plot is solid, though confusing in some episodes, and there were moments in the show where I’d cry. The tension between the two main characters is sooo good, moments in the show kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how deep their relationship is and the acting is great. If people enjoy psychological drama and aspects of a show, this is a good watch for them.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What is that ending??
I was hoping to watch a very good drama, but overall it turned out to be average. The first episodes were great, but from episode 10 onwards everything stopped making sense and cohering. It's disappointing, I wanted something completely different and more towards GL and not whatever it was. I wouldn't watch it a second time or recommend it to someone else, it's a waste of time, I don't even care about season 2 of this series .I love the actresses they did so good but what for? For an average drama that doesn't make any sense? I'm so mad😭Was this review helpful to you?
My Review of the“Friendly Rivalry”
After watching Friendly Rivalry, I can honestly say it’s one of the more unique K-dramas I’ve seen recently. From the very first episode, it pulled me in with its intense atmosphere, subtle tension, and the complex relationship between the two main characters. I’m giving it an 8 out of 10, and here’s why.The story takes place in an elite all-girls school, where a new student, Woo Seul-gi, transfers in and quickly crosses paths with the school’s queen bee, Yoo Je-yi. What follows is a twisted and layered relationship—part friendship, part rivalry, and something deeper that’s never fully spoken out loud but always felt. That blurred line between closeness and competition was one of the most intriguing aspects of the entire show for me.
The acting was excellent. Both leads were incredibly strong in their roles. Hye-ri as Je-yi had this magnetic, unsettling presence—she was captivating to watch and you never quite knew what she was thinking. Chung Su-bin did a great job portraying Seul-gi’s emotional turmoil and quiet strength. Their chemistry carried the entire series and made every scene between them feel charged and meaningful.
The plot itself was well-paced for the most part, though I’ll admit the middle episodes slowed down a bit. There were moments where I felt like certain storylines didn’t really go anywhere or were stretched longer than needed. But the mystery surrounding Seul-gi’s past and her father’s death added an emotional and even thriller-like edge that kept me interested throughout.
What really stood out to me was how the drama tackled darker themes—academic pressure, emotional manipulation, trauma, and identity—without turning into melodrama. It’s not your typical light high school romance. It’s heavier, more psychological, and at times morally ambiguous. That’s something I personally appreciated, as it gave the series more depth and weight.
One area where I was slightly disappointed was the way the potential GL (girl love) dynamic was handled. There was undeniable chemistry between the two leads, and many scenes hinted at a deeper emotional or romantic connection. But the show never fully committed to it, and that left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. It wasn’t outright queerbaiting, but it did feel like they were playing it safe by keeping things ambiguous.
Still, overall, Friendly Rivalry was a compelling and emotionally engaging drama. It was beautifully shot, the music matched the mood perfectly, and the psychological tension kept me hooked. It’s the kind of show that leaves you thinking even after it ends.
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A MESSY DRAMA WITH GREAT ENDING.
This drama is extremely dark.I usually don’t like GL/BL dramas, and when I started watching, I had no idea about the plot.
Honestly, I found most of it messy and uninteresting. But the final episode was great! I liked seeing where everyone ended up after six months. But what happened to Hey-ri was not explained. It’s clear she’s alive somehow.
I’m not sure if this drama deserves this rating, but I rated it based on the ending, which I really enjoyed. I don’t want a season 2—the mysterious ending was perfect for me.
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This review may contain spoilers
Get ready to be hardcore queerbaited
This was originally promoted as a GL which is primarily why I was excited about starting this show in the first place. I mean I wasn’t surprised when I found out that they ended up censoring out most of the plot but it still felt so incredibly unfair that they hinted at a very clear queer relationship but then just abandoned it because of said censorship lol.Korea, please stop taking GLs and turning them into straight passing shows.
Korea has been getting a lot more confident about making BLs but not GLs? Just straight up annoying and frustrating.
However, that aside, it was a really cool premise. Good plot and character development, I wish episodes were longer or if they kept the same duration of episodes but added more eps i would also be happy about that. Nevertheless, the actors did well and showed a lot of chemistry between each other but I can’t help but go back on my point about how queerbaiting this entire show was.
Atleast we got a kiss scene, but even that isn’t something to be happy about since it’s apparently a dream lol…but I guess i’ll take what i can get. Hopefully gls only progress from here on out.
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i liked it (also YOUNGJAE mentioned!!!)
Was it messy? Sure, it was. But imo the acting and chemistry was what saved this kdrama for me. And not to mention the fact that even if the storyline was a bit questionable at some points the vibes were still there. The ending made me sad but at the same time hopeful? It was quite a lot, but it was meaningful to Seul-gi and Je-i, a new start even.Also it was a big thing for Hye-ri and Soo-bin to share a kiss even if it might've not been real. For 2 girls to kiss on TV is a pretty huge step.
Anywayssss YOUNJAEEEEEE I quite literally was surprised when I saw him on this show, he did so good as well! This role might've not been easy to act out. Very proud of him:)
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