r/kdramarecommends • u/shksdhdidiehdhdjdj • 11d ago
Recommendation Request Dramas like Friendly Rivalry
Hi, I’d never seen a kdrama until I watched Friendly Rivalry a while ago and loved it. I’ve seen a lot of fans say it’s one of one in terms of quality and substance, but I don’t know enough about Korean dramas to know if that’s accurate or just fans being hyperbolic. Are there any other shows you’d recommend to a non-kdrama watcher who loved Friendly Rivalry? I don’t have strong genre preferences (it doesnt have to be a mystery thriller or GL) but I did appreciate the social commentary, complex female leads, and heavy symbolism in Friendly Rivalry and am ideally looking for shows that have at least two of those three. Thank you!
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u/chocolateshape 11d ago
No preference for genres then I'd recommend Work Later, Drink now & Pyramid Game!
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u/Nelliefox03 11d ago
Misty/ Wonderful World/ Eve/ The Glory/ The Tale of Lady OK/ The Kings Affection/ Why Her/ It’s Ok not to be Ok/ The Judge from Hell/ Sirens Kiss/ Confidence Queen/ Undercover Ms Hong/ Pinocchio/ My Royal Nemesis
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u/SnooStories7381 11d ago
Pyramid game
Oxytocin (not yet released, thai drama but it is definitely what you're looking for)
Knight flower (it might be different from everything you've watched since you're a kdrama newbie but it fits 2 out of 3 check list)
Dear X
Hello my twenties
PS it's Somewhat hard to decide what to recommend since either a drama like friendly rivalry or a drama thats newbie friendly without any preference for genre. But I also think almost all the Asian dramas tend to be newbie friendly and the more you watch the more you learn the cultural context so nothing is really an issue(?)
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u/NoArugula841 11d ago
if you liked those aspects of friendly rivalry you’ll probably like
b x rich
the penthouse: war in life
as you stood by
it’s okay to not be okay
daily dose of sunshine
revenant
love in sync
these definitely have commentary, complex FLs , and heavy symbolism
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u/middlestiks 11d ago edited 11d ago
Filing for love - very strong female lead. It makes a point while being humorous as well.
Inspector Koo- strong but flawed female lead who gets caught up in a serial murder case.
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u/LillyOrange07 11d ago
If you liked the intensity of it too coupled with complex characters and symbolism, I would recommend Pyramid Game and Duty After School
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u/Hari_100 10d ago
You picked a great starting point, but K-dramas are actually famous for nuanced social commentary and complex female characters! If you liked those specific elements in Friendly Rivalry, check out:
- Pyramid Game (heavy focus on school dynamics, power plays, and complex women)
- Little Women (tons of symbolism, mystery, and sharp social critique)
- Sky Castle (brilliant satire on high-stakes education and family dynamics)
Since you're new to K-dramas, welcome down the rabbit hole! You might want to start keeping a watchlist on an app or tracker lol
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u/Ok_Bandicoot_4954 11d ago
Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born