Kang Hye Won recently shared her thoughts on her upcoming drama, Friendly Rivalry!

Based on a well-known webtoon, Friendly Rivalry is a mystery thriller set at Chaehwa Girls’ High School, an elite institution for South Korea’s top 1 percent. The drama explores the intense academic competition among students striving to stay ahead.

In the series, Kang Hye Won plays Joo Ye Ri, the school’s queen of gossip, who is more interested in fashion and beauty than academics. Unlike her peers, who focus on their studies, Ye Ri stands out for her striking appearance and love for luxury brands. Her determination to navigate Chaehwa Girls’ High School through means other than academics adds complexity to her character.

Discussing Ye Ri’s personality, Kang Hye Won emphasized that there is more to her than just her glamorous image. “Even when she faces difficulties, Ye Ri never gives up—she always finds a way to adapt and survive,” she shared.

She further elaborated, “What intrigued me about Ye Ri is her ability to manipulate emotions. Even though some of her choices may not be right, she is perceptive and strategic. However, when you look at her full story, you can’t completely dislike her. The more I played her, the more attached I became.”

On portraying a character obsessed with appearance, Kang Hye Won explained, “Ye Ri is highly conscious of how she looks. I wanted to capture her hidden insecurities and the pressure she feels to maintain her beauty, so I focused on maintaining that tension throughout filming.”

When asked why she chose to take on this role, she revealed, “The moment I read the script, I was drawn to the fast-paced, intense storyline. Every character has a compelling story, which made it even more engaging.”

She also noted that this drama provided an opportunity for her to grow as an actress, particularly by challenging herself in the thriller genre.

The series revolves around the complex relationships, rivalries, and hidden motives of four key characters—Yoo Jae Yi (Hyeri), Woo Seul Gi (Chung Su Bin), Joo Ye Ri, and Choi Kyung (Oh Woo Ri). Kang Hye Won explained that she focused on making Ye Ri’s interactions with each character feel unique and layered.

Reflecting on how Friendly Rivalry might impact her career, she expressed confidence that this project would mark an important milestone in her acting journey. “This drama allows me to show a more mature side of my performance,” she said. “I hope viewers enjoy seeing different aspects of my acting.”

Friendly Rivalry is set to premiere on February 10.