Jung Soo-bin is making waves with her role as Woo Seul-gi in the STUDIO X+U drama Friendly Rivalry Episode 1, which premiered today at midnight. She plays a transfer student with a difficult past, stepping into the cutthroat world of Chae Hwa Girls’ High School, known for its top-tier academics and intense student competition.
Woo Seul-gi arrives with a quiet presence but quickly becomes the center of attention. When Yoo Je-i (Lee Hye-ri) invites her to a meal with Joo Ye-ri (Kang Hye-won) and Choi Kyung (Oh Woo-ri), everyone is curious about the new student. Choi Kyung, surprised by Seul-gi’s ambition to enter Korea University’s medical school without private tutoring, remarks, “You’re a total rarity.”
The challenges start piling up from the next day. Seul-gi buys a second-hand school uniform, but an edited video of her purchase spreads on social media, leading to judgmental stares from classmates. One student even spills juice on her uniform and mocks her, saying, “Did you think you were Cinderella because Jay played with you?” The school’s social hierarchy and silent bullying become clear, but Woo Seul-gi remains composed.
Pressure, Corruption, and Tough Choices
The academic pressure at Chae Hwa Girls’ High School is relentless. During a note test, Woo Seul-gi realizes the questions are from a subject they haven’t covered yet. Shockingly, her classmates answer effortlessly. Struggling to keep up, she barely manages to finish and scores just 4 out of 10.
Later, she receives past exam questions from an unknown person at a prestigious academy. The questions match the test exactly, exposing a system where privileged students get unfair advantages. Curious but cautious, Woo Seul-gi seeks advice, only to learn that enrolling in the academy is extremely expensive.
Desperate for answers, she secretly records a lecture discussing the same test questions. However, she gets caught by a teacher in the counseling room. Just as things escalate, Yoo Je-i appears and offers a helping hand with a bright smile. After hesitating, Woo Seul-gi finally accepts Je-i’s support.
Jung Seo-bin’s Brilliant Portrayal of Woo Seul-gi
Jung Soo-bin brings Woo Seul-gi’s character to life with impressive depth. She masterfully portrays Seul-gi’s quiet struggles, balancing resilience with vulnerability. Without over-the-top emotions, her subtle expressions show the weight of her past and the challenges she faces in an elite school where success often depends on wealth and connections.
Her performance captures every small shift in Seul-gi’s emotions—from quiet determination to moments of doubt. This attention to detail keeps viewers invested in her journey. The contrast between Seul-gi’s inner struggles and the pressure around her makes her character even more compelling.
As the story unfolds, Woo Seul-gi will have to navigate fierce academic competition, hidden corruption, and personal conflicts. Her journey is only beginning, and each episode promises new twists. Friendly Rivalry, starring Jung Soo-bin, airs every Monday to Thursday at midnight on U+tv and U+mobile tv.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
