Friendly Rivalry, the K-drama starring Lee Hyeri and Jung Soo Bin, has not only shattered viewership records since its debut on February 10, 2025, but it has also ignited heated conversations around its ground-breaking same-sex kissing scene. The show, based on the popular webtoon by Song Chae Yoon and Shim Jae Young, is capturing the attention of viewers for its bold storyline and representation of LGBTQ+ relationships.
Following its premiere, Friendly Rivalry quickly climbed the charts, becoming the top original drama on both U+ Mobile TV and U+TV. Its popularity can be largely attributed to the much-discussed bathtub scene, where Lee Hyeri and Jung Soo Bin share an intimate kiss. This teaser stirred up immense anticipation online, with fans eagerly discussing their expectations and thoughts. "Friendly Rivalry has achieved unprecedented success, shattering records and captivating audiences worldwide," reported Indiatimes Entertainment, highlighting how the series has become loaded with intrigue before even airing.
The plot centers around Woo Seul Ki, portrayed by Jung Soo Bin, who finds herself thrust from the depths of orphanage life to the elite walls of Chaehwa High School, where only the top 1% of South Korean students are allowed to attend. Here, Seul Ki meets Yoo Je Yi, played by Lee Hyeri, the charismatic, ambitious queen bee who initially draws her attention with kindness but gradually becomes more complex as the story progresses. The series explores themes of ambition, jealousy, and the trials of growing up.
Nevertheless, the most buzzworthy aspect of Friendly Rivalry remains its depiction of same-sex romance. The bathtub scene, which went viral, has been described as both daring and refreshing within the K-drama space. Many netizens were surprised when the initially mild kiss preview transformed on-screen to a longer, passionate exchange. Reactions on social media have shown excitement and shock, with fans tweeting phrases like, "We were low on our expectations...but found out they are eating each other’s mouths!" and applauding the actresses for their performances.
The show quickly garnered high ratings, achieving 8.0 on MyDramaList and immensely positive feedback from viewers, making it a standout addition to the current K-drama lineup. Viewers are now tuning in every Monday to Thursday at midnight KST to catch up with new episodes. "The drama, dubbed 'girl love,' has already received positive response across various platforms," stated Indiatimes Entertainment, which emphasizes its status as both popular and impactful.
While the series unquestionably appeals to fans of the genre, it has also stirred up discussions about representation within the largely conservative South Korean entertainment industry. The inclusion of such intense LGBTQ+ narratives marks a significant cultural shift, allowing for more progressive storytelling. The trend is not just momentary; it reflects the new generation of K-drama viewers who seek out diverse content.
Among viewers, there is also recognition of the challenges faced by K-drama productions when incorporating LGBTQ+ themes. While many welcomed the representation, some expressed uncertainty about how far the series would venture with the romantic storylines. This hesitation was encapsulated by sentiments shared widely on social media, where fans wondered if the series would maintain its commitment to depicting genuine relationships as opposed to mere exploration of shock value.
Friendly Rivalry's success is not without its controversies, as some critics argue the depiction of its storylines can regularly tread the line of production's caution against LGBTQ+ portrayals. Nonetheless, the prevailing response from fans is overwhelmingly supportive, as many express joy at such progressive content being featured prominently and gaining wide exposure.
The series has undoubtedly made waves with its unique approach to teen dramas, and as new episodes continue to roll out, fans remain riveted by the twists and turns of Woo Seul Ki and Yoo Je Yi's entangled lives. The excitement and speculation surrounding the pair will likely continue as the series progresses, providing ample fuel for discussions surrounding the show's themes, characters, and direction.
All eyes will be on Friendly Rivalry as it continues to push boundaries within K-drama storytelling and shapes conversations around representation. This K-drama not only entertains but also evokes important dialogues about love, identity, and acceptance, making it one of the most significant shows of the year.