Friendly Rivalry

Friendly Rivalry is ridiculously captivating from start to finish-like, the kind of story that grabs you by the collar and says, "You're not going anywhere, buddy." You'll find yourself getting attached to the characters, even the ones you'd least expect (you know, the ones you originally thought were just there for comic relief or background decoration).

And the plot? Oh, it's not just good-it's chef's kiss levels of creative and cohesive. No random nonsense, no "where did that come from?" moments-just pure storytelling magic that keeps you hooked like a fish that actually wants to be caught.

I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to write this because of how much I absolutely loved the first 10 episodes or so - and hated, then felt completely let down by the ending of this series.

The first 10 episodes are some of the best Korean series episodes that have ever been created! The story was compelling, the acting was magnificent, and the production value impeccable. I essentially binged the show because the cliffhangers were killer!

Somewhere around the 10th or 11th episode, the story began to fall apart. It was like they had this amazingly awesome premise and then didn't know what to do with it.

The final episode is 100% a complete let down from start to finish. Not a single storyline was wrapped up in a way that felt satisfying. It was like the writers were trying to shock us and subvert audience expectation so hard that they subverted the plot and character development too. The ending is just plain dumb and it's unsatisfying in almost every way.

The acting and production value was superb until the last drop, but the story was a train wreck for those last 3-4 episodes.

If you like Korean shows or are interested in watching this, you should watch it! It's good! But maybe only watch the first 10-11 episodes and then...maybe never finish the series. It's not really worth it. There's no payoff at the end...even the bad guy doesn't really get punished -- they didn't even make that a satisfying storyline.

I never thought I'd say this, but Friendly Rivalry completely took me by surprise in the best way possible! The chemistry and acting in this drama are INSANE. Every scene between the leads is filled with so much tension, emotion, and subtlety that I found myself completely absorbed.

Lee Hyeri-OH MY GOD. I've watched all her shows, but I never truly fell in love with her acting until now. She embodies Yoo Jaeyi so flawlessly, from her micro-expressions to the way her eyes flicker with emotion. The way she delivers her lines, the teasing smirks, the vulnerability-it's beyond impressive. I never expected her to pull off a character like this so perfectly, but she absolutely nailed it!

And let's talk about Jung Soo-bin-her portrayal of Woo Seulgi is so raw and powerful. The way she plays a character who is both tough and soft at the same time makes their dynamic even more gripping. Even Hyewon and Oh Woo-ri were incredible! The entire cast brought their A-game, making every moment feel so natural yet intense.

Visually, this drama is breathtaking. The cinematography, the lighting, the way every stare and small movement adds layers to the story-it's pure art. Every little micro-expression matters, and the directing makes sure you feel every unspoken emotion.

This show deserves to be on Disney+ or Netflix because it needs global recognition! South Korea is starting to explore GL content, and I really, really hope they continue to be more open to it. The world is ready, and this show proves that GL stories can be just as compelling, emotional, and beautifully crafted as any other romance drama.

Please, we need a Season 2! The story is too good, the chemistry is too electric, and the world needs more of Jaeyi and Seulgi. This drama is a masterpiece. 10/10.

Friendly Rivalry is literally everything I've been waiting for in a KDrama. As a reader of the original manhwa, I was skeptical about how the adaptation would turn out, especially given the distinct nuances of the source material. The plot, centered around the evolving connection between Seulgi and Jay, showcases an intense tension, or we say, chemistry. Idk about how it would turn out in the Drama, but I so so love how the story's slow burn pays off, especially with its deep dive into GL themes that offer fresh perspectives within the genre. For someone familiar with the manhwa (again) as well, I appreciated how the adaptation made subtle but effective changes to enhance the pacing and emotional depth, all while keeping the core themes intact.

I literally love everything about it from the acting/casting, OST, story and all of it. Lol. This Kdrama is a dream come true for fans of both the manhwa and the genre. It really is a refreshing and powerful addition to the GL genre, showcasing a compelling mix of heart, intrigue, and intensity. It sets a new standard for queer representation in Korean drama, and with its incredible storytelling and unforgettable characters, it's a must-watch for fans of romance, mystery, and GL narratives. I REALLY do HOPE THIS AINT A BAIT NO MORE AND THEY WOULD CONTINUE PRODUCING SUCH AWESOME KDRAMA WITH THE KIND OF GENRE. PLS PRODUCE MORE GL THEMED KDRAMA, KOREA!!!

This series is an absolute gem! Not only does it grab your attention from the very beginning, but it also delves deeply into highly relevant themes, such as obsession and the overwhelming pressure students face to get into university. The plot explores how far the characters are willing to go to achieve their goals, even if it means chasing the impossible. This gives the story an intense and realistic tone that makes you reflect on the demands of the educational system and the emotional toll it takes.

One of the series' greatest strengths is the protagonist duo. The chemistry between the two characters is incredible, and their dynamic is so well-written that it completely hooks you. While I wasn't expecting those moments that could be considered "gay," they were a pleasant surprise, especially because the show avoids falling into *queerbaiting*. It's refreshing to see a story that handles relationships with authenticity and respect, without relying on clichés or unnecessarily playing with the audience's expectations.

In summary, this series is the perfect blend of drama, emotional tension, and meaningful representation. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the themes it tackles are profound and relevant. I highly, highly recommend it! If you're looking for something that will captivate you, make you think, and entertain you all at once, this is an excellent choice. Don't miss out!