Hyeri Reacts to Steamy Same-Sex Kiss in Bathtub: “You Look Cuter When You’re Wet”
Ahead of its premiere on February 10, STUDIO X+U’s drama “Friendly Rivalry” has released a teaser video on February 7, capturing viewers’ attention with a steamy bathtub kiss scene between Yoo Jae-j (played by Hyeri) and Woo Seul-gi (played by Jung Soo-bin). With stylish cinematography and intense chemistry between the two actors, anticipation for the drama is at an all-time high.
The video opens with Seul-gi relaxing in a bubble bath. Soon after, Jae-i enters the scene, removes her robe, and steps into the same bathtub. Caught off guard by Jae-i’s unexpected and provocative move, Seul-gi flinches and instinctively backs away.
Jae-i then asks a suggestive question, “It’s your first time, right?” leaving Seul-gi momentarily frozen. Seeing her reaction, Jae-i chuckles and clarifies, “I mean, taking a bath with a friend.” However, Seul-gi appears even more flustered, seemingly misinterpreting the statement.
With a playful gaze, Jae-i dabs foam on the tip of Seul-gi’s nose and whispers, “You look even cuter when you’re wet.” Seul-gi, her face turning bright red, stammers, “I must have been in the hot water too long… it’s just the heat.” But Jae-i teases her further, saying, “You weren’t thinking something weird, were you?” as she gently caresses Seul-gi’s lips.
The tension escalates as Jae-i slowly leans in, eventually kissing Seul-gi. As their lips meet, the intense background music heightens the drama, drawing viewers deeper into their emotions.
Meanwhile, previously on February 6, Hyeri attended the press preview and press conference for STUDIO X+U’s drama “Friendly Rivalry” at CGV Yongsan in Seoul.
Reggarding the aforementioned kiss scene, director Kim Tae-hee explained, “We aimed to portray teenage emotions realistically, but from the planning stage, we wrote the script with a mature audience in mind. We conducted extensive research and interviews to understand what today’s teenagers think. However, rather than focusing on content restrictions, we prioritized capturing a reality that anyone who has experienced Korea’s intense academic competition—both teenagers and adults—could relate to.”
Hyeri commented, “Honestly, I didn’t worry too much about it. When I read the script, the emotions felt completely natural and understandable. I saw it as a scene that clearly defines Je-i and Seul-gi’s characters.”
She added, “As the series progresses, this moment sets up the conflicts, obsessions and deeper layers of their relationship. I envisioned it as a beautiful scene that would capture the bond between the two characters in a visually stunning way.”
“Friendly Rivalry” is a mystery girl-thriller drama set in Chaehwa Girls’ High School, where fierce academic rivalry unfolds. The story follows Seul-gi, a transfer student who becomes entangled in the desires of her classmates, as well as the mysterious death of her father, a former college entrance exam question setter. The drama premieres on February 10 and will air every Monday to Thursday at midnight through U+tv and U+MobileTV.
