Netflix’s new K-drama Friendly Rivalry offers an intense blend of mystery, teen angst, and psychological suspense, starring Lee Hye-ri in one of her most compelling roles yet.

With a star-studded cast including Chung Su-bin, Kang Hye-won, Oh Woo-ri, and Girls’ Day’s Lee Hye-ri, Friendly Rivalry dives deep into the competitive and emotionally charged world of Korean high school life. The series taps into the genre’s enduring appeal — a fusion of high academic pressure and volatile teenage emotions — and takes it a step further with a layered narrative that pits self-interest against morality.

Set in the elite Chaehwa High School, the story unfolds through Woo Seul-gi (Chung Su-bin), an orphan and top student who transfers from the countryside. Her past experiences with bullying led her to rely on study aids and pure willpower to rise academically, ultimately earning a place at Seoul’s most prestigious high school.

But Chaehwa isn’t just another school — it’s a battlefield of overachievers. Here, Seul-gi encounters the mysterious and popular Yu Je-yi (Lee Hye-ri), whose warm reception toward the newcomer raises eyebrows and suspicions. While Je-yi seems genuine, her actions are cryptic, leaving Seul-gi constantly second-guessing her intentions. Their complex push-and-pull relationship defines the essence of Friendly Rivalry, which in Korean can also be interpreted as a “competition of good intentions.”

Je-yi’s closest companions, Joo Ye-ri (Kang Hye-won) and Choi Kyung (Oh Woo-ri), serve as foils with their own internal struggles. Ye-ri hides vulnerability beneath materialism, while Kyung’s relentless pursuit of success is tinged with sexual frustration — a surprisingly bold theme for a mainstream K-drama.

While the show starts strong with an emotionally charged and fast-paced rhythm, its reliance on plot twists — including drugs, medical malpractice, and exam cheating — begins to wear thin. These threads, while intriguing, often distract from what the show does best: nuanced character development and emotionally rich storytelling.

Another missed opportunity is the show’s subtle GL (Girls’ Love) undertone. Early episodes suggest a deeper queer relationship between Seul-gi and Je-yi, offering a refreshing departure from K-drama norms. Unfortunately, the narrative shifts toward safer genre territory, leaving that promising subplot underexplored.

Despite its narrative bumps, Friendly Rivalry remains a must-watch for fans of mystery K-dramas and high school thrillers. The show’s high production quality, slick editing, and standout performance by Lee Hye-ri, who continues to grow as one of Korea’s rising acting talents, make it a worthy addition to Netflix’s growing collection of addictive Korean dramas.

All 16 half-hour episodes of Friendly Rivalry are now streaming globally on Netflix.