Amid viral same-sex bathtub kissing scene, Lee Hyeri & Jung Soo Bin's girl love K-drama Friendly Rivalry shatters viewership records
Lee Hyeri and Jung Soo Bin had fans in disbelief when the teaser of Friendly Rivalry dropped, thanks to their jaw-dropping bathtub scene, which featured both of them kissing. Amid the online chatter around the scene, the drama, which premiered on February 10, has emerged as a top pick of viewers on U+Mobile TV and U+TV.
South Korean actress and Girl's Day member Lee Hyeri's new K-drama Friendly Rivalry is taking the world by storm, and for good reason. The teen mystery thriller, rated 19+, is based on a popular webtoon of the same name by Song Chae Yoon and Shim Jae Young. The clips and videos of the new drama have been surfacing on the internet, and fans can't stop talking about Hyeri's intimate scene with co-star Jung Soo Bin. Amid the online chatter around it, Friendly Rivalry has raked in massive viewership after its Monday (February 10) premiere, ranking first on U+Mobile TV and U+TV among original dramas.
Hyeri's new drama breaks viewership records
Friendly Rivalry has achieved unprecedented success, shattering records and captivating audiences worldwide. With the highest total views on U+Mobile TV and U+TV, the new show has cemented its position as a breakout hit, adding to its global appeal. Moreover, it has also set new benchmarks in key metrics, including the number of new viewers. The drama, dubbed 'girl love,' has already received an 8.0 rating on MyDramaList, with over 5,790 users watching it.
What's the plot of Friendly Rivalry?
As per its Asian Wiki synopsis, the drama unfolds in the elite Chaehwa High School, a world where only the top 1% of students in South Korea are privileged to attend. Woo Seul Ki (Jung Soo Bin) finds herself as an outsider. Having grown up in an orphanage in a rural province, she is thrust into this new environment, where the cutthroat competition and high expectations can be overwhelming. Initially, she struggles to connect with her peers, but her life takes an intriguing turn when she catches the attention of Yoo Je Yi (Hyeri), the undisputed queen bee of the school.
As their connection deepens, the true nature of Yoo Je Yi's intentions comes into question. Is her interest in Woo Seul Ki genuine, or is it merely a manifestation of her desire for control and manipulation? Meanwhile, Woo Seul Ki, new to the world of elites, finds herself struggling as she deals with her perplexed emotions and relationship with Yoo Je Yi.
The bathtub scene that has the internet talking!
The drama had already generated significant buzz even before its official release, thanks to its eye-catching poster, intriguing teaser trailers, and a hot sneak peek of a romantic bathtub kiss scene between two female leads. While K-dramas enjoy a separate fan base, fans are happy to finally watch a mainstream actress take on the role of a female lead in a girl love drama.
Check out fans' reactions below:
J:it's ur 1st time right? taking a bath w a friend
¡ª ? (@soshirevelae) February 7, 2025
S:that's not
J:ur even cuter now that ur saggy
J:but why is ur face so red?
S:it's been long since i had hot water ig
J:it's not bc ur having weird thoughts?
S:what kind of thoughts
J:like this
HYERI GIRLKISSER #FriendlyRivalry https://t.co/MGyiqQcXcc pic.twitter.com/oxjkVmOvKx
they really are doing the bath scene OMG#FriendlyRivalry pic.twitter.com/u18fcfJWAE
¡ª frnn (@sheinkty) February 6, 2025
The reason why #Hyeri wasn't worried about her bathtub kiss scene with a girl in #FriendlyRivalry is so convincing and professional?? pic.twitter.com/NnAxoZj1c1
¡ª ZAPZEE (@zapzee_net) February 12, 2025
I WAS CAUGHT OFF GUARD WDYM A WHOLE BATHTUB SCENE???? #FriendlyRivalry pic.twitter.com/fUn6wayRdf
¡ª fiey ? (@jennieidols) February 6, 2025
Friendly Rivalry releases new episodes every Monday through Thursday at midnight on U+TV, UPlay, and U+Mobile TV. The series premiered on February 10, 2025, and will continue its run until March 6, 2025.
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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