“Wait… is this really Hyeri?!”
“She went from aegyo queen to This?!”
“Friendly Rivalry just proved that Lee Hyeri is on another level!”

Lee Hyeri has been in the industry for over a decade. From the youngest member of Girl’s Day to the beloved Sung Deok-sun in Reply 1988, she’s always had a place in K-drama fans’ hearts.

But let’s be honest – after Reply 1988, many thought she had peaked. Some even questioned if she could escape the “Deok-sun” image.

And for years… it seemed like she couldn’t.

From Aegyo to Acting Struggles

Hyeri’s journey in acting wasn’t always smooth. After Reply 1988, she took on lead roles in Entertainer (2016), Two Cops (2017), and My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021). While these dramas had their moments, some viewers felt her acting was “stuck” in a certain style – charming, playful, but lacking depth.

One netizen once commented:
📝 “Hyeri is lovable, but she plays every role like Deok-sun 2.0.”

She worked hard, taking on different genres like historical action (Monstrum) and fantasy romance (May I Help You), all while navigating public perception, personal controversies, and the challenges of transitioning from idol to actress. Her decision to leave Amazing Saturday (a TV music show) to focus on acting, reflected her commitment to growth – prioritizing depth over variety show fame.

Yet, criticism followed. Some viewers doubted whether she could truly evolve as an actress. But over time, fans began to take notice – especially when she won Excellence Awards in 2022 for Moonshine and May I Help You.

And then… Friendly Rivalry happened.

Hyeri’s Shocking Transformation in Friendly Rivalry

In Friendly Rivalry, Hyeri plays Yoo Jae Yi – a complex, unpredictable character entangled in an intense and toxic friendship at an elite school. This is Nothing like her past roles.

Netizens were shocked by her performance:
🔥 “Hyeri’s expressions in episode 14?? She’s killing it!”
🔥 “I had to pause. This is Not the same actress I knew before.”

And that kiss scene in the teaser? That one moment alone sparked massive debates online. Some praised it for pushing boundaries, while others were shocked. But Hyeri didn’t take on this role for controversy – she took it for growth.

When asked about the scene, she said:
💬 “It was necessary for the character’s depth, not for shock value.”

Breaking Free from the Past

What changed?
1️⃣ She took risks. A teen mystery-thriller, girl love isn’t a “safe” choice for her, but she committed 100%.
2️⃣ She focused on details. Reports say she even used her own money for accessories to perfect her character’s look!
3️⃣ She stopped playing it safe. Netizens used to say she was “too predictable” – but not anymore.

One fan tweeted:
💥 “I always liked Hyeri, but This is the first time I respect her as an actress.”

The Verdict? Lee Hyeri’s Ultimate Glow-Up

Hyeri has shed her old skin and emerged stronger. She’s no longer just “the girl from Reply 1988.” She’s an actress who’s proving herself in every scene.

So, what do you think? Did Hyeri just give us the best performance of her career? Or is this just the beginning? Let us know in the comments!