Behind the Scenes of the Iconic Bathtub Kiss in *Friendly Rivalry*
Enthusiastic fans of *Friendly Rivalry* were left buzzing after actresses Lee Hye-ri and Chung Su-bin discussed their much-talked-about bathtub kiss scene during a recent episode of Hyell’s Club. Released on March 14, 2025, this YouTube talk show episode provided fascinating insights into the filming of the intimate scene, unveiling surprising behind-the-scenes stories that captivated viewers.
The bathtub segment, from episode 4 featuring Su-bin’s character Woo Seul-gi and Hye-ri’s Yoo Jae-yi, had already attracted considerable attention upon airing. What initially appeared to be a brief kiss in previews blossomed into a longer, more intense moment set within a dream sequence, much to the surprise of audiences.
Reflections on Filming
During their heartfelt discussion, Hyeri revealed that the principal cast of *Friendly Rivalry* had gathered at her home for a watch party of the initial episodes. As the early scenes played out, the air thickened with anticipation for the infamous bathtub kiss.
Su-bin admitted she was astonished by the enthusiastic reactions from fans surrounding the scene. Then, the conversation moved to the challenges faced while filming the kiss. Su-bin humorously shared her strategy of remaining still to expedite the shoot, only to find the hot water making her face flush and the bathtub dangerously slick with bubbles and body wash.
Hye-ri explained how she had to physically support Su-bin to keep her from slipping underwater, detailing how she repeatedly had to pull her back up while maintaining composure for the camera.
“When you went in, it was slippery enough to slide around. It was truly slippery so… I was pulling her up under the water trying to lift her up,”Hye-ri described.
Social Media Buzz
Following the episode’s airing, social media exploded with fan reactions to these revelations. One enthusiastic X user, @jennieidols, expressed their disbelief about the story with this comment:
“stfu hyeri said she was holding subin’s legs during this kiss scene WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS INFORMATIONNNN.”
Numerous fans echoed these sentiments, sharing their mixed feelings about the revelations. “When she said that I don’t want to imagine things because I know it’s not good for my mental health. BUT GIRL, RN I’M NOT OKAY,”another fan humorously stated.
Others contributed humorous insights, stating things like, “OKEY TOO MUCH INFORMATION,”and “Thanks for the TMI.”Many fans were clearly taken aback by the depth of the behind-the-scenes anecdotes, with one user humorously lamenting, “Don’t even look at me sister, I’m still digesting that to this very moment.”
“The more we learn about this scene, the more insane it becomes. Remember, this is not Thailand, IT’S F**KING SOUTH KOREA,”another user remarked.
Several fans also lauded the exceptional chemistry between the two actresses. One X user said, “Hyeri did the lord’s work because she knew Subin would evaporate the minute they had eye contact. Jaeseulgi has so much chemistry that it only needs one take to pull this off.”
About *Friendly Rivalry*
*Friendly Rivalry* is a psychological thriller adapted from a popular webtoon, featuring a compelling cast including Lee Hye-ri, Chung Su-bin, Kang Hye-won, and Oh Woo-ri. The narrative centers on Woo Seul-gi, an orphan who transfers to the prestigious Chaehwa High School, known for its cutthroat academic competition.
Seul-gi finds herself entangled in a tumultuous relationship with the school’s top student, Yoo Jae-yi, leading to a complex interplay of rivalry, power dynamics, and unexpected emotional ties.
The gripping plot and stellar performances have propelled *Friendly Rivalry* to notable fame, continuing discussions about a possible second season. Airing from February 10 to March 6, 2025, the first season concluded with all 16 episodes available for streaming, marking it as a standout drama with a rich mix of tension, mystery, and intricate character dynamics.
For further insights, you can view the episodes and fan reactions here.