Idol-Turned-Actress Sparks Controversy with Masturbation Dialogue in K-Drama

The U+ Mobile TV K-Drama "Friendly Rivalry" continues to stir discussions both in Korea and abroad, particularly for its adaptation from a popular webtoon and its GL (Girl Love) genre.

 Actress Hyeri's performance in the lead role has captured attention, especially due to notable scenes like her recent kiss scene.

Lee Hyeri is a big artist in SK
She is a member of legend girl group (Girl's Day), an actress, an entertainer.
she dared to take on this role in a country that is still homophobic and misogynistic. As a fans i'm so proud of her. #FriendlyRivalry pic.twitter.com/R7x2T41X8X

— Rumi | US 🧡💜 (@soshiyena) February 7, 2025

 However, another idol-turned-actress, Kang Hyewon, has unexpectedly grabbed headlines for a different reason.

In a recent episode, Kang Hyewon's character sparked controversy with a bold line that caught viewers off guard. She remarked, "So you’re saying you masturbate at school? I do it often, too."

This unexpected dialogue immediately went viral, prompting strong reactions from netizens and viewers alike.

The blunt discussion of masturbation on a popular drama platform like U+ Mobile TV surprised many viewers. Netizens expressed shock over the candidness of the dialogue, reflecting on its portrayal in mainstream media and its implications for audience reception.

The scene not only sparked conversation about the portrayal of sensitive topics in dramas but also raised questions about the boundaries of on-screen representation and its impact on audience perception.