[ENG] Kang Hyewon: "'Friendly Rivalry' is a Turning Point Showing My Growth as an Actress"
• Kang Hyewon has described Friendly Rivalry as a turning point in her acting career.
• About the Drama ‘Friendly Rivalry'
Premiering on February 10, Friendly Rivalry is a Studio X+U drama (planned by Studio X+U, produced by YLAB FLEX and Studio X+U, directed by Kim Taehee, and written by Kim Taehee and Min Yeji). The story follows Seulgi, a transfer student at Chaehwa Girls’ High School, an elite institution where only the top 1% of students compete in a brutal academic race. As she navigates friendships riddled with hidden ambitions, she also finds herself entangled in the mysterious death of her father, a former CSAT question setter.
Kang Hyewon plays Joo Yeri, a student who stands out at Chaehwa Girls’ High not for her academic achievements, but for her stunning looks. In a school where ruthless competition defines survival, Yeri finds alternative ways to maintain her place, adding an intriguing layer to the drama.
• Kang Hyewon on Her Character, Joo Yeri
Kang Hyewon emphasized that Yeri’s charm is not merely in her appearance. She explained,
"Yeri is more than just a pretty face, she has a strong personality. Even when she faces difficulties, she doesn’t just sit back and sulk, she always finds a way to survive."
She added,
"Even if her methods aren’t always good, Yeri knows how to influence people. She is quick-witted and sometimes acts out of self-interest, but when you look at her entire life, you can't completely hate her. That’s why, as I played her, I grew increasingly fond of her."
• Transforming Into Joo Yeri
To bring Yeri to life, Kang Hyewon paid special attention to her styling.
"Yeri is obsessed with outward appearances. Beyond just dressing up, I wanted to capture her insecurities and emotions about maintaining her looks. I stayed tense throughout filming to reflect her mentality."
• Why She Chose ‘Friendly Rivalry'
Kang Hyewon found the drama’s fast-paced and engaging story compelling:
"When I first read the script, I was drawn to its intensity and thrill. Each character, Yeri, Jaeyi, Seulgi, and Gyeong has their own unique story, which makes the drama even more interesting."
She also highlighted her excitement about trying a new genre:
"Since Friendly Rivalry is a 'girl thriller,' I was eager to explore different chemistry with the other actors. I also felt that this project would help me grow, which is why I chose it."
• Character Relationships in ‘Friendly Rivalry’
One of the most anticipated aspects of the drama is the dynamic between the four main characters: Yoo Jaeyi (Lee Hyeri), Woo Seulgi (Chung Subin), Joo Yeri (Kang Hyewon), and Choi Gyeong (Oh Woori). Kang Hyewon teased that Yeri interacts differently with each of them:
"Yeri treats Jaeyi, Gyeong, and Seulgi in different ways. I paid close attention to small details like tone, gaze, and attitude to ensure that her feelings toward each character felt distinct."
• A Turning Point in Her Acting Career
When asked how Friendly Rivalry would impact her career, Kang Hyewon confidently stated:
"Friendly Rivalry marks a turning point where I showcase my growth as an actress and reveal a new side of myself. I hope viewers enjoy seeing the different aspects of my performance in this drama."
• Where to Watch
Kang Hyewon’s acting transformation will unfold in Friendly Rivalry , premiering February 10. The series will air every Monday to Thursday at midnight on U+tv and U+Mobile TV
Source article
https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/408/0000252496