Hyeri is making waves with her latest role in the upcoming high school thriller, ‘Friendly Rivalry.’ The drama promises a fresh twist on the genre, and Hyeri’s on-screen kiss with co-star Chung Soo Bin is already generating buzz.
Hyeri’s Perspective on the Kiss Scene
At a press conference for the drama, Hyeri addressed questions about the kiss scene. She explained that she had no reservations about it, stating, โI did not have significant concerns. When I read the script, the emotional flow was natural and entirely understandable.โ
Hyeri further elaborated on the scene’s significance, saying, โThe scene effectively defines the characters of Seul Gi and Jae. As the story progresses, their relationship undergoes various phasesโgrowing closer, drifting apart, and even developing into an intense fixation. I envisioned the scene as a beautifully captured moment between the two.โ
More About ‘Friendly Rivalry’
‘Friendly Rivalry’ unfolds at Chaehwa High School, an elite institution where academic competition is fierce. The story centers around transfer student Woo Seul Gi (Chung Soo Bin) as she navigates this high-pressure environment, uncovering hidden ambitions and investigating her father’s suspicious death. The drama’s fast-paced narrative and intricate plot promise to keep viewers engaged. The kiss scene between Hyeri and Chung Soo Bin is expected to play a crucial role in the story’s development.
The Director’s Vision
Director Kim Tae Hee shared insights into the drama’s creative direction. โFrom the outset, Friendly Rivalry was designed to authentically portray the emotions of teenagers, but it was not specifically targeted at a teenage audience,” she explained. “The script was developed with a mature viewership in mind, and we anticipated a restricted rating.โ
Director Kim also emphasized the research that went into the drama, stating, โWhile we conducted extensive research, including interviews with teenagers, our objective was to capture the emotional depth of the characters in a way that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pressures of academic competition.โ

Exploring the Relationship Dynamics
Director Kim discussed the complex relationship between Yoo Jae (Hyeri) and Woo Seul Gi (Chung Soo Bin). โThe two characters come from entirely different backgrounds,” she noted. “While people often form friendships based on similarities, true intrigue arises when someone possesses qualities we lack. This dynamic is central to their relationship.โ
She concluded by highlighting the lasting impact of adolescent relationships. โEveryone has a person from their adolescence who significantly influenced their personal growth. I believe Jae and Seul Gi fulfill that role for each other.โ
‘Friendly Rivalry’ premieres on February 10, exclusively on U+tv and U+Mobiletv.
Also Read: How Hyeriโs Nagging Helped Moon Se Yoon Quit Smoking: An โAmazing Saturdayโ Story
To know the latest developments about Friendly Rivalry, Keep an eye on VvipTimes, and allow notifications from us to get instant updates on your device.