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Friendly Rivalry korean drama review
Completed
Friendly Rivalry
2 people found this review helpful
by kyra
Mar 5, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

a tale of secrets, tension, and unforgettable characters

started for the gl tease, stayed for the compelling drama.

this drama had an absolutely fantastic start that got me hooked right away. the first couple of episodes were filled with the perfect mix of angst, possessiveness, mystery, and an eerie atmosphere that set the stage for an intense ride. it was one of those shows that made you immediately invest in the characters and the plot. as the series progressed, tho, it did lose a bit of its pace, but thankfully it picked up again and finished strong, with the same intriguing atmosphere. i was left in awe with the ending as well.

the heart of the show is undoubtedly seulgi, played by subin. seulgi is a cold, emotionless, drug-addicted topper from the countryside who somehow catches the attention of je i, the elite, seemingly perfect princess, who is the real soul of this show. je i is the daughter of a powerful hospital dean/prez, and her relationship with seulgi is the core of the drama. as the plot unfolds, we’re drawn into a deep mystery... the murder of seulgi's teacher father, which ties directly to je i, her sister, and her father’s involvement in the past. the intricacies of the plot are masterfully crafted, and as more secrets are revealed, you can't help but crave more. it just... never feels like enough.

the mystery and tension between seulgi and je i’s characters are central, but it’s the performances of the cast that elevated the entire experience. let’s start with hyeri, who plays yoo je i. she is the perfect casting choice- like omg lee hyeri you're phenomenal. the aura she brings to je i is magnetic, and her expressions, charm, and that mysterious vibe she exudes make you both uneasy and fascinated. it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role.

subin (seulgi) delivers an incredibly great performance. she defo showcased a completely different side compared to her role in "revenge of others", and it's clear that she’s capable of much more. the blank, emotionless expression she maintains throughout the series is not just a character choice... it perfectly captures her internal struggle and the way she’s learned to deal with life’s challenges. it’s really powerful and adds a layer of depth to her character that’s hard to ignore.

as for the supporting leads, hyewon as yeri (i love her) and woori as choi gyeong, i honestly could never decide if i loved or despised them, and that's a sign of great writing. both characters are complex, and they play pivotal roles in the development of the story. there’s a no in between with them. you’re either rooting for them or being annoyed at them with all your heart. the emotional conflict they bring is real, and the writers did a fantastic job of creating these multi-faced personas.

and of course, the plot. the writer’s ability to create that air of mystery throughout the series is what keeps us all hooked. it’s kinda impossible to predict where things will go, and the drama between the characters, especially the core girl gang, is just delightful to watch. there’s something about their chemistry that keeps you invested, despite the plot’s twists and turns.

other characters like tae joon and byeong kin also add their own charm to the show. the relationships between all the characters were well done and made you care about the outcomes of their individual story arcs.

on a lighter note, i just have to mention youngjae, the guy is ridiculously good looking. seriously, it’s impossible not to go "woahh" whenever him or hyeri are on the screen.

now, about the plot itself... what a ride! the dynamics between the female characters were truly the highlight of this show. sure, it’s not strictly a gl (though it does have strong elements), and it might not fit perfectly into that genre since it’s still somewhat of a restricted thing in korea. but the writers did a fantastic job giving us something special in terms of the relationship dynamics. the bond between seulgi and je i was complicated, layered, and full of tension, yet the ending was so satisfying. it felt like a beautiful culmination of their struggles, and i couldn’t have asked for a better resolution.

tldr, this drama is a show that starts off strong, slows down for a bit, but ultimately leaves you more than satisfied with its dark, mysterious atmosphere and incredible character development. the cast was stellar, the mystery was enticing, and the ending truly delivered. (i personally don't want a season 2). this is definitely a series worth watching.
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