Hyeri Opens Up About Filming Same-Sex Kiss Scene in Bathtub: “Surprisingly Comfortable, No Different from Male Co-Stars”
Actress and singer Hyeri has shared her candid thoughts on the now-viral same-sex kiss scene from her latest drama Friendly Rivalry, stating it was a meaningful moment that she approached with sincerity and openness.
On March 27, Hyeri appeared on the YouTube show Baek Eun Ha’s Exchange, where she discussed behind-the-scenes stories from the recently concluded Studio X+U drama.
Baek Eun Ha, head of the Actor Research Lab, likened Hyeri to “the Jim Carrey of Korea” due to her expressive acting style. Hyeri laughed and admitted she’s heard the comparison before, noting that while she has leaned into her expressive traits as a strength, it has also created a bit of a personal dilemma as an actress.
“We Just Wanted It to Look Beautiful”
The conversation naturally turned to the much-talked-about bathtub kiss scene between Hyeri and co-star Jung Soo Bin, which aired during the drama’s final episodes.
“I just really wanted it to be portrayed beautifully,” Hyeri shared.
“We didn’t want it to feel overly provocative or used as a gimmick. It was a very important scene, and both the director, Soo Bin, and I agreed: let’s make it look pretty.”Advertisement
When asked whether filming this kiss scene felt different compared to previous ones with male co-stars, Hyeri offered an unexpected response.
“Honestly, it didn’t feel that different,” she said.
“People ask, ‘What was it like?’ or ‘How did you prepare?’ but for me, it was just one of many scenes. I didn’t feel like I needed to emotionally brace myself for it.”
In fact, she revealed something even more surprising:
“I thought maybe it would feel different… but in some ways, I felt even more at ease. That in itself surprised me. It really wasn’t that different.”
Breaking Boundaries in “Friendly Rivalry”
Friendly Rivalry, which aired its finale on March 6, follows the intense academic competition at Korea’s elite Chaehwa Girls’ High School. At the heart of the series is a mystery involving the death of a former national exam question maker, also the father of the new transfer student, Seulgi (played by Jung Soo Bin). The drama skillfully blends psychological tension with bold character dynamics—including Hyeri’s daring and nuanced performance.
The kiss scene became one of the show’s most talked-about moments, praised for its emotional sincerity rather than shock value. Hyeri’s latest remarks further highlight the thoughtful approach taken by the cast and crew to treat the scene with care and intention.
As Hyeri continues to challenge norms in her acting career, fans are applauding her honesty and growth. Her performance in Friendly Rivalry signals a new chapter one where emotional depth and fearless choices define her craft.