This R-Rated High School Drama Feels Like Korea’s Answer to Zendaya’s Euphoria

Despite being set in a prestigious all-girls high school, Friendly Rivalry has taken social media by storm—not for its academics, but for its brutal depiction of violence, drugs, and cutthroat competition, earning it an R-rating and a spot as one of the most talked-about dramas in Korea.

As the OTT market increasingly leans into mature-rated dramas, Friendly Rivalry joins the ranks of highly anticipated 19+ K-dramas like The Queen Who Crowns, Squid Game 2, Newtopia, and Study Group.

Exclusively available on LG U+ Mobile TV, Friendly Rivalry has dominated viewership charts since its premiere, securing the #1 spot across multiple streaming metrics.

A School Drama Unlike Any Other

While the show takes place in a high school, it shatters conventional “school drama” tropes by exposing the extreme pressures of elite academia. Set in an exclusive school where only the top 1% of students compete, Friendly Rivalry unveils a world where students turn to performance-enhancing drugs, sneak into nightclubs, and battle for dominance—both academically and socially.

Due to its raw and controversial themes, the drama was rated 19+, but the production team clarifies that it was never intended for teenage audiences. Instead, it aims to resonate with adults who have experienced the relentless pressure of academic competition firsthand.

On February 17, Episode 5 premiered on U+ Mobile TV and U+ TV, adding another layer of tension.

Choi Kyung (Oh Woo-ri)’s hidden past is revealed, offering insight into the deep inferiority complex that fuels his rivalry with Yoo Jae-yi (Lee Hye-ri). The aftermath of Episode 4’s shocking ending unfolds as Woo Seul-gi (Jung Soo-bin) grows increasingly suspicious of Jae-yi. A major twist links Jae-yi’s powerful father, Yoo Tae-joon (Kim Tae-hoon), to the mysterious death of Seul-gi’s father, Woo Do-hyuk (Lee Won-jae).

While Kyung has always been an overachiever, he has never been able to surpass Jae-yi, who holds the top ranking and social power in school. Losing the class president election to Seul-gi, who was backed by Jae-yi, pushes Kyung to his breaking point. As Kyung finally uncovers a secret that could take Jae-yi down, viewers are left wondering how far he will go to change the power dynamic.

Meanwhile, Seul-gi, who had slowly begun trusting Jae-yi, stumbles upon something disturbing—suspicious messages on Jae-yi’s phone involving the missing student, Kim Na-ri (Go Da-hyun). As Seul-gi connects the dots, she begins to suspect that Jae-yi may have played a role in Na-ri’s disappearance.

A Chilling Shift in Dynamics

The Episode 5 teaser images hint at a major shift in Seul-gi and Jae-yi’s relationship, as the once hesitant newcomer now stands in direct opposition to the school’s queen bee. The intense confrontation shakes Class 3-2, with tensions escalating to a breaking point in a dramatic showdown at the school’s incinerator.

The Rise of 19+ Dramas in Korea

According to K-content analysis platform Fundex, half of the top 10 most talked-about TV and OTT dramas in early February were rated 19+, reflecting a growing demand for darker, more mature storytelling.

With Friendly Rivalry continuing to break records and spark conversations, it solidifies STUDIO X+U’s reputation for producing bold, boundary-pushing content.

Where to Watch

Friendly Rivalry releases new episodes every Monday through Thursday at midnight (KST), available exclusively on U+ TV and U+ Mobile TV.