The newly released drama 'Friendly Rivalry' is generating massive buzz from the moment of its premiere.

On its release day, February 10, STUDIO X+U’s 'Friendly Rivalry' quickly climbed to the top, ranking first in viewership among U+Mobile TV and U+TV’s original dramas.

Not only did it secure the highest number of total views, but it also set records across key metrics, including the number of new viewers, solidifying its status as a breakout hit.

'Friendly Rivalry' is a mystery-thriller drama set in Chahwa Girls’ High School, an elite institution where intense academic rivalry reigns. The story follows Seul Gi, a transfer student who encounters classmates driven by their own ambitions while unraveling the mystery surrounding the suspicious death of her father, a former university entrance exam writer.

Even before its official release, the drama had already drawn attention with its striking poster, teaser trailers, and a sneak peek of Hyeri’s girl love bathtub kiss scene. The unique premise, which boldly explores ambition and desire, combined with a gripping suspenseful storyline, left a lasting impression on viewers.

Building anticipation, the drama’s production team held an exclusive pre-release press screening featuring episodes 1-4, as well as a fan event styled as a “Chahwa High School Admission Orientation”. The event successfully generated excitement, with pre-release buzz propelling the drama into the must-watch territory.

Attendees of the fan screening expressed enthusiastic reactions, calling it “a new world of high school thrillers” and “on a completely different level from typical school dramas.” 

Others praised its “intense psychological battles and suspense,” “fresh directing and insane immersion,” and “fast-paced story that keeps you on edge.” Many also lauded the strong performances of the cast and the unpredictable twists in the plot, further fueling excitement for the series.

Following its record-breaking premiere, 'Friendly Rivalry' continued to receive overwhelming praise after the release of Episode 2. Viewers raved about its thrilling pace and the actors’ transformations, leaving comments such as, “A school thriller like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” “It’s exciting but terrifying at the same time-this school drama’s tension is next-level,” “It’s so addictive I can’t sleep-dopamine overload!” “Hyeri’s cold and calculating performance is incredible,” and "So intense, I’m completely hooked.”

Meanwhile, STUDIO X+U’s 'Friendly Rivalry' releases new episodes every Monday through Thursday at midnight on U+TV UPlay and U+Mobile TV.

SEE ALSO: Hyeri wows fans with youthful look as high school student at 30 in upcoming drama 'Friendly Rivalry'