Dive into “friendly rivalry” (2025), a South Korean teen mystery thriller based on a popular webtoon. Starring Lee Hye-ri and Chung Su-bin, this K-drama explores friendship, obsession, and class struggle at an elite high school.
“Friendly Rivalry” is a gripping 2025 Korean drama that takes viewers into the intense world of elite high school life, where secrets, status, and obsession collide. Based on the popular webtoon by Song Chae-yoon and Shim Jae-young.
This teen mystery thriller aired on U+ Mobile TV from February 10 to March 6, 2025, capturing attention with its layered storytelling and psychological tension.
More about drama: “friendly rivarly”
Woo Seul Gi, an orphan from a quiet provincial town, gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s accepted into Chaehwa High School — an institution for the top 1% of Korea’s students. But Seul Gi quickly finds herself isolated in this glittering world of wealth and prestige.
Things take a turn when she catches the eye of Yoo Je I, the school’s top student. Je I is intelligent, elegant, and the embodiment of privilege — yet something about Seul Gi’s quiet strength intrigues her. As the two draw closer, their connection spirals into a web of competition, obsession, and hidden truths.
Friendly Rivarly
Cast of “friendly rivarly”
Lee Hye-ri as Yoo Je I
Yoo Je I is the undisputed queen of Chaehwa High School — confident, composed, and always one step ahead. Coming from an influential and wealthy family, she’s used to being admired and obeyed.
Je I excels in everything she does, whether it’s academics, leadership, or social status. However, beneath her polished exterior lies a calculating mind and a hunger for control.
Her fascination with Woo Seul Gi stems not just from curiosity but from a deeper need to understand — and possibly dominate — someone so different from herself. Lee Hye-ri brings a sharp yet emotionally layered performance, capturing Je I’s inner conflicts and quiet intensity.
Chung Su-bin as Woo Seul Gi
Woo Seul Gi is a scholarship student and orphan who transfers to Chaehwa High from a rural town. She is intelligent and determined but reserved, struggling to adjust to the school’s elite and often judgmental environment.
Seul Gi’s quiet strength and unwillingness to conform catch the attention of Yoo Je I. Despite being intimidated at first, Seul Gi holds her ground, which begins to shift their dynamic from distant admiration to a tense, emotional tug-of-war.
Chung Su-bin portrays Seul Gi with subtle vulnerability and a quiet power, making her transformation and internal battles deeply compelling.
Kang Hye-won
Kang Hye-won plays a pivotal supporting role as one of Yoo Je I’s close friends and part of the school’s inner circle. Her character offers a contrasting perspective within the elite group — often acting as a bridge or a barrier between Je I and Seul Gi.
Depending on her loyalties and personal ambitions, she either adds fuel to their rivalry or helps reveal hidden truths.
Oh Woo-ri
Oh Woo-ri plays a classmate who becomes an unexpected ally (or possibly a threat) to one of the main leads. Her role adds depth to the unfolding mystery, bringing in subplots that involve school secrets, betrayals, and emotional manipulation.
As the series progresses, her character becomes increasingly entangled in the psychological game between Je I and Seul Gi, adding another layer of intrigue.
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