Key Points to Watch: This 19+ Korean Drama Dominates Overseas, Sweeping OTT Charts

STUDIO X+U’s drama ‘Friendly Rivalry’ is making waves in the international streaming market, securing the top spot on multiple OTT platforms.

Released simultaneously in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, the series has achieved remarkable success, ranking No.1 in Asian dramas on Japan’s HULU, No.1 in K-dramas on Japan’s ABEMA, and No.1 on Taiwan’s FriDay OTT platform.

A High-Stakes Drama About Elite Students

Set in Chaehwa Girls’ High School, a prestigious institution where only the top 1% of students compete in a cutthroat academic environment, ‘Friendly Rivalry’ delves into the dark side of Korea’s elite education system.

The latest episode, released on February 20, shocked viewers with a major plot twist. The connection between Yoo Jae-na (Chu Ye-jin), the missing sister of Yoo Jae-yi (Lee Hye-ri), and Woo Do-hyuk (Lee Won-jae), the father of Woo Seul-gi (Chung Su-bin), was finally revealed. Jae-yi openly admitted to finding information about Seul-gi in her father’s office, which ultimately led Seul-gi to trust her again. Their reconciliation marked a turning point in their strained relationship.

Meanwhile, Jae-yi’s father, Yoo Tae-jun (Kim Tae-hoon), attempted to retrieve Do-hyuk’s phone through Joo Ye-ri (Kang Hye-won), a key figure in Chaehwa High’s rumor mill. However, instead of falling into Tae-jun’s hands, the phone ended up with Jae-yi. Inside, she discovered an unsettling video that her father had used as leverage to blackmail Do-hyuk. The footage contained shocking evidence related to Yoo Jae-na, and just as the tension reached its peak, Jae-na suddenly appeared in front of Jae-yi, leaving viewers on edge.

Director Kim Tae-hee shared insights into the second half of the drama, reflecting on its unconventional storytelling approach.

"I was initially concerned about how audiences would react to the non-traditional narrative and expressive style, but I’m grateful that viewers are enjoying it as something fresh and exciting," Kim said.

She also emphasized the significance of the drama’s prologues and dream sequences, which provide deeper insight into each character’s history.

"Our story is about people raised in a society that only teaches them how to win, never how to lose," Kim explained. "The first half focused on developing the four main characters, but from Episode 8 onward, new characters will emerge, and the mystery surrounding Seul-gi’s father’s death will become the main focus of the story."