▲ This photo, provided by STUDIO X+U production, shows singer-actress Hyeri attending the press conference for teen thriller film "Friendly Rivalry" held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul on Feb. 6, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Feb. 7 (Yonhap) -- "This was a big challenge for me. It’s a project that allowed me to portray a character’s desires and selfishness," said singer and actress Hyeri, at the press conference for her latest film on Thursday. 

 

Known for her bright and cheerful image, she took on a daring transformation in the high school thriller, Friendly Rivalry.

Hyeri shared, "I had to bring out my inner sensitivity and sharpness for this role," at the STUDIO X+U production at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. 

 

Friendly Rivalry is a teen thriller set in Chaehwa Girls’ High School, an elite institution attended by the top 1% of students in South Korea.

 

Hyeri plays Yoo Jae-yi, the school’s most influential figure and top student, who comes from a privileged background and possesses both intelligence and beauty. However, for an unknown reason, she becomes obsessed with a newly transferred student.

 

"When I first read the script, it felt very intriguing," Hyeri recalled. "The writing was so captivating that I was eager to take on the character."

 

She described Yoo Jae-yi as "seemingly perfect in every way, yet an unpredictable character whose thoughts are difficult to decipher," adding that she exudes "a chilling aura."

 

Jung Soo-bin plays Woo Seul-gi, the transfer student who forms a close relationship with Yoo Jae-yi.

 

▲ This photo, provided by STUDIO X+U production, shows actresses Hyeri (R) and Jung Soo-bin attending the press conference for teen thriller film "Friendly Rivalry" held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul on Feb. 6, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

"This drama feels unlike anything typically seen in Korea," Jung Soo-bin said. "The script breaks away from conventional drama structures."

 

She continued, "Seul-gi believes that studying is the only way to protect herself, so she becomes obsessed with being the top student. Please watch to see how she navigates this rivalry."

 

Friendly Rivalry candidly explores the ambitions of teenage girls and has received an R-rating. The drama also features a kiss scene between Hyeri and Jung Soo-bin.

 

Hyeri commented, "When I read the script, I completely understood and accepted the emotional flow, so I had no concerns about performing the scene. I felt it was crucial in explaining the relationship between the two characters."

 

Director Kim Tae-hee shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I accepted the offer almost immediately. I was drawn to the fact that there were no purely good characters and that it was a story featuring a large number of female leads."

She added, "I avoided creating shock value for the sake of it and focused on ensuring that each character was fully understood in the storytelling and directing process."

Friendly Rivalry will be released on February 10 via U+tv and U+Mobile TV.

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