According to Wikitree, the drama “Friendly Rivalry” produced by STUDIO X+U quickly climbed to the top in viewership among original dramas on the U+Mobile TV and U+TV platforms when its first episode was released on February 10.
Not only did it achieve the highest total number of views, “Friendly Rivalry” also set records in many important indicators on the platform, including the number of new viewers, solidifying its position as a new hit.
“Friendly Rivalry” is a mystery thriller drama set at Chaehwa Girls' High School, where the top 1% of students in Korea gather and where competition for academic achievement is fierce.
The story is about Woo Seul Gi (Chung Soo Bin), a girl who transfers from an orphanage to Chaehwa High School. Although the new environment is not suitable for Seul Gi, her life gradually changes when she receives the attention of Yoo Jae Yi (Lee Hyeri) - a genius student who has never lost her top position and has influence in the school.
From there, the relationship between the two gradually becomes unpredictable, between the ambiguous boundaries of friendship and obsession.
Before its official release, the film attracted attention with its dramatic poster and the "shocking" bathtub kiss scene between actresses Hyeri and Chung Su Bin.
“Friendly Rivalry leaves a deep impression with its unique setting, revolving around unique characters, exploring sincere and bold desires, and a suspenseful, tense plot” - Wikitree review.
To increase anticipation, the production team held an exclusive press screening before the drama's release of episodes 1-4, as well as a fan event held in the style of "Chaehwa High School Entrance Orientation".
Audiences attending the fan screening expressed enthusiastic reactions, calling it "a new world of high school horror films" and "on a completely different level than the usual school dramas".
Other viewers praised the film for its "intense psychological battles and suspense", "fresh direction and crazy immersion", "fast-paced story that keeps you on your toes"...
In addition, many audiences praised the strong acting of the cast and the unexpected plot twists.
After the record-breaking premiere of episode 1, “Friendly Rivalry” continued to be well-received when episode 2 was released. Viewers went crazy over the thrilling pace and transformation of the cast.
They left positive comments expressing their anticipation for what's next: "A school thriller unlike any I've seen before."
"Both fun and terrifying, this school drama's tension is on a new level."
"It was so addictive that I couldn't sleep, it was a dopamine (happy hormone) overload."
"Hyeri's cold and calculating acting is amazing."
