Popular K-Drama Finally Lands on Streaming Services After Overwhelming Fan Demand

After generating massive buzz upon its release, the 19+ mystery thriller ‘Friendly Rivalry’ is finally becoming widely accessible.

Previously available only on U+tv and U+Mobile TV, the drama faced criticism for its limited accessibility. However, starting in March, ‘Friendly Rivalry’ will officially be available on TVING, allowing a much larger audience to tune in.

‘Friendly Rivalry’ follows Woo Seul-gi (Jung Soo-bin), a transfer student at Chaehwa Girls’ High School, an elite institution for Korea’s top 1% students. As she gets entangled with her new classmates, their hidden ambitions and personal struggles come to light.

The story intensifies as Seul-gi investigates the mysterious death of her father, a former CSAT test-maker, unraveling shocking truths along the way. What begins as a tense high school drama soon spirals into a gripping psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists.

The 16-episode series, based on a popular webtoon, is helmed by director Kim Tae-hee and co-written by Song Chae-yoon and Sim Jae-young, with writer Min Ye-ji also contributing.

The cast features:

Lee Hye-ri as Yoo Jae-yi, a top 0.1% academic genius with a chilling, calculating personality.

Jung Soo-bin as Woo Seul-gi, the transfer student caught in a web of secrets.

Kang Hye-won as Joo Ye-ri, a key player in the school’s hidden power dynamics.

Oh Woo-ri as Choi Kyung, another student with mysterious motives.

Kim Tae-hoon, Youngjae, Choo Ye-jin, Lee Won-jae, and Kang Jin-ah also contribute to the drama’s intense performances.

Unlike typical high school series, ‘Friendly Rivalry’ blends social commentary with psychological thrills, creating an atmospheric tension that sets it apart. The brutal realities of academic pressure and the obsessive relationships between students make for an unsettling yet deeply engaging watch.

Among the standout performances, Lee Hye-ri delivers a career-defining transformation as Yoo Jae-yi, portraying a cold and calculating persona while showcasing raw emotional depth. Her complex chemistry with Jung Soo-bin’s Woo Seul-gi shifts between rivalry, attachment, and obsession, further elevating the drama’s intensity.

Nicknamed “Yoo-guilty,” “Jae-psychopath,” and “Benz Girl”, Lee Hye-ri’s portrayal of Yoo Jae-yi has already sparked massive fan discussions, with viewers fascinated by her nuanced performance.

Since its premiere, ‘Friendly Rivalry’ has drawn significant attention through YouTube teasers on STUDIO X+U, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. However, many fans expressed frustration over the lack of mainstream streaming options. The drama has also gone viral among Gen Z audiences on TikTok, fueling greater demand for its availability.

With its long-awaited TVING release set for March, excitement is at an all-time high. While the exact premiere date is yet to be confirmed, the move is expected to bring in a wave of new viewers eager to finally experience ‘Friendly Rivalry’ in its full, unfiltered glory.