On March 27, 2025, Netflix Korea shared exciting news regarding its upcoming April lineup, announcing that the highly anticipated K-drama Friendly Rivalry is set to debut on the streaming platform on April 7, 2025. This announcement was also highlighted by lead actress Lee Hye-ri through her Instagram stories.
Initially premiering on February 10, 2025, via U+ Mobile TV, Friendly Rivalry draws its inspiration from a webtoon of the same name, captivating audiences with its unique storyline.
This drama is a gripping mystery thriller that delves into the intricacies of a close friendship between teenage girls amid a high-stakes survival competition that surpasses the pressures of a college entrance examination.
Fans were quick to express their enthusiasm on social media, celebrating the news of the series’ upcoming Netflix debut. One eager viewer commented:
“Looks like Friendly Rivalry is coming to Netflix KR on April 7th! Finally, it’s about time!”
The excitement continued to build on X, where viewers chimed in with their reactions. One fan pointed out Hye-ri’s Instagram story, indicating she shares their excitement, while another expressed a desire for the series to be available globally, not just on Netflix Korea.
“She’s hyped for Friendly Rivalry on Netflix Korea! I miss you,”commented another fan.
“Friendly Rivalry went from being barely accessible to now being sought after by streaming platforms after its success. The girls and production really did it; hopefully, it will be available worldwide,”remarked another fan.
“YES, NETFLIX!! Our prayers have been answered!”exclaimed another fan.
Many fans articulated their excitement, with some stating that this news could compel them to renew their Netflix subscriptions. One user expressed:
“Despite my reservations about Netflix, this illustrates how enormous Friendly Rivalry is. I truly hope we get a second season,”reacted another fan.
“I got more excited about our Friendly Rivalry streaming on Netflix than I did when I found a job? Like I really care about my life,”shared another fan on X.
“Waaahhh! I was about to cancel my Netflix subscription, but with Friendly Rivalry coming, I’m going to renew it,”added another fan.
Overview of Friendly Rivalry: Featuring Lee Hye-ri and Chung Su-bin
Friendly Rivalry is helmed by director Kim Tae-hee, who co-wrote the engaging script with Min Ye-ji. The series stays true to the original webtoon created by Song Chae-yoon and illustrated by Shim Jae-young, with production support from Ylab.
The narrative centers around Woo Seulgi, portrayed by Chung Su-bin, who grows up in an orphanage after being separated from her family. She eventually gains admission to the prestigious Chaehwa Girls’ High School, notorious for its extreme academic pressures, particularly as students prepare for university entrance exams.
Seulgi’s world takes a thrilling turn when she captures the interest of Yoo Jei, played by Lee Hye-ri, the standout student and student council president. Together with Choi Gyeong and Cho Yeri, they embark on a journey to unravel the mystery surrounding Seulgi’s biological father’s death.
Since its original release, the series has achieved remarkable attention, topping domestic trending charts and earning recognition on global OTT platforms, particularly in countries such as Japan and Taiwan. As of March 14, 2025, it achieved a noteworthy position in the Top 10 on Fundex’s topicality chart, climbing to second in the TV and OTT integrated drama rankings according to Top Star News.