Hyeri’s Hot Take on Same-Sex Kiss Scene in New R-Rated Drama About Korea’s Elite Top 1%

On February 10, LG U+’s content studio STUDIO X+U unveiled its highly anticipated mystery thriller drama Friendly Rivalry, capturing audiences with its provocative storyline and bold direction. Set in the cutthroat environment of Korea’s top 1% elite high school, Chaehwa Girls’ High, the series is based on a popular webtoon and generated high expectations even before its release.

The story follows Woo Seul-gi (Jung Su-bin), a transfer student from a rural orphanage who enrolls at the prestigious Chaehwa Girls’ High to investigate her father’s mysterious death—he was once a key figure in the national college entrance exam committee. On her first day, she catches the attention of Yoo Jae-yi (Hyeri), the school’s most powerful and academically brilliant student, leading to a series of unexpected events.

Hyeri’s transformation is a standout aspect of the series. Known for her lovable and bright roles in dramas like Reply 1988, Miss Lee, Moonshine, and May I Help You?, Hyeri has taken a sharp turn by portraying Yoo Jae-yi, a character with genius-level intellect, striking beauty, and an elite family background. Yoo Jae-yi exudes coldness and ruthlessness, hiding emotional scars behind her perfect exterior.

Speaking about her character, Hyeri explained, “Jae-yi hides her insecurities behind a flawless image. Her actions, though seemingly well-intentioned, often have ulterior motives. She’s merciless and calculating, which will surprise viewers.” She confidently teased, “You’ll see a side of me you’ve never seen before.”

Adding to the intrigue are Kang Hye-won as Ju Ye-ri, the school’s gossip queen and a living embodiment of teen drama, and Oh Woo-ri as Choi Kyung, a top student burdened by her second-place complex despite her relentless efforts. Kang Hye-won expressed her excitement, saying, “I hope viewers are curious about the mysteries hidden within Chaehwa Girls’ High and how my character, Ju Ye-ri, fits into it.” Oh Woo-ri added, “The intersecting journeys of these characters will unravel secrets, blurring the lines between good intentions and hidden agendas. I hope audiences root for their growth despite the challenges they face.”

Jung Su-bin, who plays Seul-gi, emphasized the drama’s deeper message. “As Seul-gi and Jae-yi navigate their ‘friendly rivalry,’ I hope viewers reflect on what’s right and wrong. The series aims to deliver not just entertainment but meaningful takeaways.”

Structured as a 16-episode series with 30-minute mid-form episodes, Friendly Rivalry premiered on February 10 and will air new episodes every Monday through Thursday at midnight on U+tv and U+Mobile TV. The show’s teaser and behind-the-scenes footage have already surpassed 600,000 views, and a fan screening event drew over 400 attendees, showcasing high anticipation.

Lee Deok-jae, Executive Vice President of STUDIO X+U, stated, “Set within the fictional Chaehwa Girls’ High, this mystery thriller is designed to captivate Gen Z audiences. We plan to continue refining our audience segmentation and delivering tailored content to meet their preferences.”

With school-centric dramas like Pyramid Game, Hierarchy, and Weak Hero Class 1 dominating the K-content landscape, Friendly Rivalry is poised to stand out through its unique narrative and strong performances. Hyeri’s role, in particular, is being closely watched as a potential game-changer in her acting career, marking a departure from her signature bright image.

Written by Kim Tae-hee and Min Ye-ji and directed by Kim Tae-hee, Friendly Rivalry delves into more than just teenage rivalries, exploring complex emotions and individual desires. Its mystery-laden plot, set within the familiar confines of a high school, promises to keep audiences hooked as hidden secrets and shocking twists continue to unfold.