Based on a popular webtoon, “Friendly Rivalry” is a mystery thriller set at Chaehwa Girls’ High School, an elite institution for the top 1 percent in South Korea, where cutthroat academic competition takes place between the students.
Kang Hye Won takes on the role of Joo Ye Ri, the queen of gossip at Chaehwa Girls’ High School who is obsessed with looks and luxury brands. Unlike her academically driven peers, Ye Ri is known more for her striking beauty than her grades. Ye Ri’s determination to survive at the highly competitive Chaehwa Girls’ High School using means other than academics adds a layer of intrigue to the drama.
Sharing insights into both the drama and her character’s distinct charm, Kang Hye Won emphasized that Ye Ri is much more than just a pretty face. She described her as a determined and resourceful character, explaining, “Even when she faces adversity, Ye Ri doesn’t sit around feeling defeated—she always finds a way to survive.”
She continued, “What I found compelling about Ye Ri is that, even if her actions aren’t always right, she knows how to manipulate people’s emotions. She’s highly perceptive and makes calculated choices, but when you look at her life as a whole, you can’t bring yourself to completely despise her. That’s why, as I portrayed her, my attachment to her grew over time.”
On portraying the glamorous Joo Ye Ri, Kang Hye Won shared, “Ye Ri is obsessed with her appearance. I wanted to capture her underlying feelings of insecurity and anxiety about maintaining her beauty, so I worked hard to keep a sense of tension throughout the filming process.”
Speaking about why she chose to star in the drama, Kang Hye Won revealed, “When I first read the script, I was captivated by the fast-paced and intense storyline. Each character has their own gripping narrative.”
She added that she believed the drama would help her grow as an actress, as it presented an opportunity to challenge herself in the thriller genre.
The drama’s intricate web of friendships, rivalries, and hidden motives among the four main characters—Yoo Jae Yi (Hyeri), Woo Seul Gi (Chung Su Bin), Joo Ye Ri, and Choi Kyung (Oh Woo Ri)—is one of the key aspects fueling anticipation for the series.
Kang Hye Won shared that she paid close attention to the subtle nuances in Ye Ri’s interactions with the others, ensuring that each relationship felt distinct.
When asked how she thought “Friendly Rivalry” would impact her career, Kang Hye Won expressed confidence that it would mark a significant turning point for her as an actress. “This drama showcases a more mature side of my acting,” she explained. “I hope viewers enjoy the different sides of me that I get to showcase.”
“Friendly Rivalry” will premiere on February 10.
Until then, watch Kang Hye Won in “Seasons of Blossom” below:
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