Hyeri Shines in 'Benevolent Competition' with a New Iconic Role

Hyeri is redefining her career with a new iconic role in 'Benevolent Competition,' marking her first major character breakthrough since 'Reply 1988' nine years ago. Her dedication, both materially and mentally, is being praised for yielding excellent results.

The drama 'Benevolent Competition,' produced by STUDIO X+U, premiered on October 10 and has been a hit from the start, achieving impressive viewership and buzz. It set a record for the highest number of views for an original drama on U+mobiletv and U+tv, with both viewer numbers and new subscribers reaching all-time highs.

'Benevolent Competition' revolves around the intense academic rivalry at Chaehwa Girls' High School, attended by 'Seulgi' (played by Jung Soobin), and the mystery surrounding her father's suspicious death, who was a college entrance exam question setter. Hyeri's leading role has drawn significant attention, and the chemistry with her co-stars has piqued curiosity.

In the drama, Hyeri plays Yoo Jae-yi, a character with a cold demeanor. At a press conference, Hyeri shared that she worked hard to bring out the character's sensitive and sharp traits.

Hyeri debuted with the girl group Girl's Day in 2010 and began her acting career with a cameo in 'I Trusted a Man' in 2011 and a lead role in 'Delicious Life' in 2012. Her portrayal of Sung Deok-sun in 'Reply 1988' in 2015 was a career-defining moment, but it also became a double-edged sword, as it was challenging to break away from that beloved image.

Unlike the cute, bob-haired Deok-sun, Hyeri presents a new visual in 'Benevolent Competition,' shedding her bubbly image for a sophisticated look with long, straight hair.

Hyeri has made a strong visual impact, tackling bold scenes such as a same-sex kiss and a bath scene, which have sparked discussions. Her ability to convincingly portray a high school student in her 30s has also been praised.

The success of 'Benevolent Competition' is largely attributed to Hyeri. She revealed that she personally purchased accessories, bags, and outfits for the role, as sponsorships are rare due to the delayed release of dramas. This dedication highlights her passion for the project and her character.

'Benevolent Competition' has garnered significant attention due to Hyeri's powerful presence and has maintained viewer engagement with her stable performance. Viewers generally agree that Hyeri's contribution is a major factor in the drama's strong start.