Starring Lee Hyeri and other talented cast members, “Friendly Rivalry,” a thrilling new Korean drama based on a popular Webtoon, has premiered today! This new K-drama, which explores friendship and competition, will have you hooked from episode one. Read on to find interesting facts about “Friendly Rivalry”!
New Korean Drama “Friendly Rivalry” Facts You Should Know
Korean drama “Friendly Rivalry” premiered on February 10, 2025, with 16 episodes in total on U+Mobile TV. Before you watch, check out these interesting facts about the drama.
1. Based on a Popular Webtoon Series
The new Korean drama “Friendly Rivalry” is a live adaptation of a popular webtoon series, “Friendly Competition.“ Song Chae Yoon wrote the story, while Shim Jae Young created the illustration. The series debuted on Naver Webtoon on July 1, 2020, with a new episode coming every Thursday and completed on December 15, 2021.
The story follows Woo Seul Gi, a transfer student at the elite Chaehwa High School. At her new school, she forms an unlikely friendship with the school’s top student, Yoo Jae Yi. The narrative explores the complex mix of ambition and hidden desires among the characters.
2. Directorial Debut of Kim Tae Hee
The series “Friendly Rivalry” is the directorial debut of writer Kim Tae Hee. Her popular Kdramas are “Reborn Rich, “Designated Survivor: 60 Days,” “Beautiful Mind,” and more. In this drama, she co-writes with another famous writer, Min Ye Ji. Her popular works include “Misaeng: Prequel,””Bland You,” and more.
3. R-19 Rating Drama
The Korean drama “Friendly Rivalry” blends suspense, mystery, and psychological aspects. It explores the complexities of obsessive friendship and competition among characters, delving into their emotional journeys.
The story also brings the theme of ‘Girls Love.’ While the webtoon shows obsessive friendship, the drama may present a slightly different interpretation given its R-19 rating. The newly released teaser, which highlights a bold scene between Yoo Jae Yi (Lee Hyeri) and Woo Seul Gi (Jung Soo Bin) in the bathtub, has sparked controversy among Korean drama fans.
4. Lee Hyeri’s Comeback Drama with a Challenging Role
Lee Hyeri’s new drama, “Friendly Rivalry,” marks her comeback after starring in “May I Help You“ in 2022. During her hiatus from TV screen, she starred in the 2024 film “Victory.”
Korean drama fans know Lee Hyeri through her innocent and cheerful roles in dramas and films she has starred in. Her outstanding performance in the hit series “Reply 1988” made her popularity soar as a promising actress.
In “Friendly Rivalry,” Hyeri showcases a new persona, playing a cold, cynical, and mysterious character, Yoo Jae Ji. Her transformation from a sweet and cheerful to a cold and mysterious image promises a fresh and intriguing performance for Kdrama fans.
5. GOT7 Youngjae’s Comeback Drama
Besides Lee Hyeri, the new drama also marks GOT7 Youngjae’s comeback after starring in 2021 “Love & Wish” and a bit part in “Dare to Love Me” in 2024. In this series, the idol actor plays the character of Nam Byung Ji, who creates suspense as he gets entangled with other characters.
Here are the “Friendly Rivalry” cast members and their characters:
- Lee Hyeri as Yoo Jae Yi.
- Jung Soo Bin as Woo Seul Gi.
- Kang Hye Won as Ju Ye Ri.
- Oh Woo Ri as Choi Gyeong.
- Choi Youngjae as Nam Byung Jin.
- Kim Tae Hoon as Yoo Tae Jun (Yoo Jae Yi’s father).
Watch the trailer for the Korean drama “Friendly Rivalry” below.
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