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.

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.

This is the best thing I've watched in a while, #obsessed with this show. I cannot wait for the next episode to come out as soon as it ends honestly 30 minutes is not enough. Lee Hye-Ri deserves that sponsorship for Season 2. And the chemistry between her and Chung Soo Bin is crazy wild. I'm so addicted to this show. I love this show so much!!! I cannot emphasize enough how good this show is. It's number 1 and trending everywhere right now for a reason. If you haven't watched and added reviews about this show I suggest you should ASAP. I promise you it's worth your time you won't be disappointed.

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.

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.