Friendly Rivalry

I read the manwha a long time ago, and I reread it whenever I can. Because it's certainly one of those stories that grabs you and you can't just forget it, so I was very excited when I saw that there was going to be an adaptation, but I also felt very skeptical. The manwha is a GL, and I thought this would be an element that they wouldn't incorporate as happened with the adaptation of two other manwhas, but I was very surprised! I AM REALLY HAPPY, THE SUBTLE CHANGES THEY MADE IN THE PLOT ARE NOT ANNOYING AT ALL, THEY ARE MAGNIFICENT, NOT ONLY AM I GLAD THAT THEY KEPT THE GL RATING BUT I AM ALSO GLAD THAT THEY DEVELOPED SUCH A WONDERFUL SCRIPT, THE PLOT, THE CHARACTER INTERPRETATIONS, THE ACTINGS, THE CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE SOUNDTRACK (OST) ARE ALL WONDERFUL, THEY HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB, I LOVE MANWHA AND I LOVE ITS ADAPTATION A LOT, KOREA SHOULD TAKE RISKS MORE OFTEN AND MAKE MORE KDRAMAS WITH THIS STYLE, ESPECIALLY GL, AND THE DARK MYSTERY THAT CHARACTERIZES FRIENDLY RIVALRY.

Hyeri my girl what did you do to me. I did my service by recommending this drama to my girl friends. The story line and the acting of the girls are so intense. Hyeri can just stare at me without saying anything and I'll fall for her. I love this. Kind of drama that i watch in 1080p because why not. Do watch it girls. Its a gem. You'll be unable to predict what's going to happen and then boom---a breathtaking scene comes. I started this drama because I had nothing to watch. This drama exceeded my expectations. Glad it's not 4 episode short drama. I would have binge watched even if it was a 16 episode drama. Slayyy girls.

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 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.