The latest K-drama Friendly Rivalry has quickly gained attention for its unique blend of comedy, rivalry, and romance. Starring Reply 1988 alum Hyeri and The Uncanny Counter’s Byeon Woo-seok, the series follows two top-ranking students whose intense academic competition takes an unexpected turn. With its engaging storyline and charismatic leads, Friendly Rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Friendly Rivalry’s release schedule, plot, and where to watch.
Release Date & Schedule of Friendly Rivalry Episodes:
Season 1 of Friendly Rivalry consists of 16 episodes, with four episodes following the Mondy-Tueday-Wednesday-Thursday release format every week. The series debuted on February 10, 2024, and will continue airing weekly through March 6th, 2025.
Full Release Timeline:
- Episode 1 – Monday, February 10, 2025
- Episode 2 – Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Episode 3 – Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Episode 4 – Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Episode 5 – Monday, February 17, 2025
- Episode 6 – Tuesday, February 18, 2025
- Episode 7 – Wednesday, February 19, 2025
- Episode 8 – Thursday, February 20, 2025
- Episode 9 – Monday, February 24, 2025
- Episode 10 – Tuesday, February 25, 2025
- Episode 11 – Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Episode 12 – Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Episode 13 – Monday, March 3, 2025
- Episode 14 – Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- Episode 15 – Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Episode 16 – Thursday, March 6, 2025
Plot Overview
Woo Seul Ki, a determined and sharp-witted student who grew up in an orphanage, transfers to Chaehwa High School—an elite institution reserved for South Korea’s top 1% of students. Struggling to fit into this world of privilege, she keeps to herself until Yoo Je Yi, the school’s most powerful and admired student, takes an interest in her.
Yoo Je Yi is everything Woo Seul Ki isn’t—wealthy, brilliant, and effortlessly charismatic. She has spent her life at the top, aware of her superiority and adept at using it to her advantage. Drawn to Woo Seul Ki’s resilience, she extends a hand in friendship. But as their bond deepens, admiration begins to blur with obsession, and their relationship teeters on the edge of something far more dangerous.
In a school where status is everything, their friendly rivalry may just become their greatest downfall.
Key subplots include:
- Hee-won’s struggle to maintain her top position while dealing with personal challenges.
- Tae-jun’s secret insecurities despite his perfect image.
- A growing romance as the rivalry turns into something more.
- Friendships and betrayals within their academic circle.
- A high-stakes competition that could determine their futures.
The drama blends academic tension with lighthearted comedy and romance, making it a must-watch for fans of school-based K-dramas like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and Extraordinary You.
Where to Watch Friendly Rivalry?
New episodes of Friendly Rivalry will land on U+ Mobile TV in South Korea. International viewers can stream the series on platforms like Viki or Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+ depending on regional availability.
