Hyeri Nominated at Blue Dragon Series Awards for Same-sex Kiss in “Friendly Rivalry”?
Actress Hyeri has officially made her mark as a serious performer, earning a Best Actress nomination at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards for her intense and fearless role in the K-drama “Friendly Rivalry“ (선의의 경쟁).
Set against the high-pressure world of elite high school entrance exams, “Friendly Rivalry” intricately explores themes of competition, friendship, desire, and guilt through the lens of top 1% female students. In the drama, Hyeri assumes the role of Yoo Jae-yi, a genius student whose brilliance is both admired and isolating. With a character layered in emotional wounds and internal conflict, Hyeri breaks away from her previously bubbly image, delivering what critics are calling her “career-best performance.”
Particularly notable is a same-sex kiss scene that shook audiences, signaling a bold departure for a mainstream K-drama and earning widespread praise for Hyeri’s daring portrayal. The emotional depth and raw vulnerability she brought to the role have not only redefined her acting range but also placed her in fair competition with some of the industry’s most formidable talents.
Hyeri’s co-star, actress Jung Soo-bin, also received accolades for her role as Woo Seul-gi, a transfer student struggling to adapt to an unfamiliar and intense school environment. Her natural delivery and emotional growth arc earned her a nod for Best New Actress, reinforcing her rising star status.
Meanwhile, the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards will take place on July 18 at Paradise City in Incheon, and will be broadcast live on KBS 2TV. With bold performances and rising talents leading the nominations, this year’s awards promise to be a celebration of both innovation and emotional storytelling in Korean entertainment.
