K-pop star and actress Hyeri is back, and this time she’s bringing a mix of charm and mystery in her latest role in the drama "Virtuous Competition." Fans are already buzzing about her on-screen chemistry with co-star Jung Soobin, and the drama's intense storyline is adding fuel to the fire!

"Virtuous Competition" is a gripping mystery-thriller set at the elite Chae-hwa Girls' High School, where only the "top 1%" of South Korea’s smartest students attend. The drama follows transfer student Woo Seul-gi (played by Jung Soobin), who gets tangled in a world of cutthroat competition while trying to uncover the truth behind her father’s suspicious death.

Hyeri plays Yoo Jae-yi, a queen bee who seems to have it all—beauty, brains, and the admiration of everyone around her. But even with her perfect life, she becomes strangely drawn to Woo Seul-gi. What starts as curiosity quickly turns into a complex and tension-filled dynamic that has fans hooked already.

The production team recently dropped a sneak peek that’s causing a stir online. In the still, Yoo Jae-yi leans in close to Woo Seul-gi, flashing a curious smile while maintaining an air of authority.

Meanwhile, Woo Seul-gi meets her gaze with a steely determination that screams, “I’m not backing down.” The scene oozes tension, and fans are already shipping the two or anticipating a dramatic rivalry.

According to the producers, Hyeri and Jung Soobin’s chemistry is out of this world. “Their psychological battles and emotional exchanges will keep viewers glued to their screens. The way their relationship evolves is something you don’t want to miss!”

The drama dives deep into the lives of the students at Chae-hwa Girls’ High School, where ambition and secrets collide. And with Woo Seul-gi’s personal quest for justice intertwined with the cutthroat academic scene, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Mark your calendars because "Virtuous Competition" premieres on February 10, exclusively on U+ Mobile TV and U+ TV.

Are you ready for Hyeri’s dazzling return to drama land? Let us know what you think about this sizzling new series.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

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