Friendly Rivalry

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.

You can't skip a single moment guessing what would happen. That's how intense it is!!!

Hyeri has pulled out Jaeyi in such a way that I can't put anyone but her to play this. She looked stunning and so beautiful in each attire that I felt like I saw her for the first time. Seems like I've been a new fan of hers after watching this damn show!!

As of Subin, aka Seulgi, Amazing job, amazing job, portraying the emotions on the correct point while delivering the moments isn't easy.

Special thanks to our Hyewon as Yeri and Kwong.

The story line was top notch. Somehow I felt like today(the last episode) should be more than 3 hours. I wasn't ready to say goodbye.

The cliff hangers in each episode's ending is what that will make you watch more. The thrill in each episode while some scenes are at point shocking that you won't expect it to be this way.

It's one of the few k-drama that I have watch ongoing. I don't watch ongoing dramas because I have to wait for the updates but with this, it's hard to wait it to finish.

Since the beginning , you will see metaphors and it will tell you about the story of characters. And you will understand why the story is named "Friendly Rivalry"

Lastly but not the least, the chemistry between Jaeyi & Seulgi. Damn!!! They are so good with each other. Both sacrificed for each other. They are strong and I just love seeing them together. I won't be greedy to say that we wanted more but after watching the last episode ,I can say that I am satisfied with the open ending. Because they all are alive and safe.

WILL MISS THIS AMAZING ONE. GOING TO REWATCH AGAIN.

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!!!

OMG, you guys HAVE to watch "Friendly Rivalry"! As a HUGE fan, let me tell you, this drama is EVERYTHING. Forget everything you think you know about typical high school dramas - this one is on a whole other level. The intensity is off the charts! From the very first episode, I was hooked. The suspense, the mystery, the shocking twists... I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire time!

The characters are so incredibly well-developed. Yoo Je-i, the seemingly perfect top student? Don't let that fool you. She's complex, vulnerable, and surprisingly relatable. And Woo Seul-gi? The mysterious transfer student who throws everything into chaos? I'm still not over her! Their relationship is the heart of the show, a captivating blend of competition, attraction, and unspoken feelings that kept me guessing until the very end. Seriously, the chemistry between the actresses is electric!

But it's not just about the main characters. Every single supporting character is fleshed out and important to the story. Even the seemingly minor players have their own secrets and motivations, adding layers of depth and intrigue. I found myself invested in everyone's journey, rooting for some and cautiously wary of others.

The writing is brilliant. The plot twists are unexpected, the pacing is perfect (unlike some dramas that drag on!), and the overall message about ambition, friendship, and the pressures of high school is both relevant and thought-provoking. It's a show that stays with you long after the credits roll.

And let's not forget the cinematography! The visuals are stunning, the music perfectly complements the mood, and the overall production quality is top-notch. It's a feast for the senses.

If you're looking for a drama that will keep you guessing, make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you completely satisfied, look no further than "Friendly Rivalry." It's a masterpiece, and I'm already counting down the days until I can rewatch it all over again! Seriously, just watch it. You won't regret it. Trust me, I'm a HUGE fan! 😉

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.