"Two-faced friends like cha jihye are the worst type" — Internet reacts to actress Kim Ye-won's character Cha Ji-hye in 'Love Your Enemy'

Kim Ye-won's portrayal of Cha Ji-hye in Love Your Enemy, tvN's latest romantic comedy K-drama, sparked discussions online. Viewers have been drawn to the layered character, described as elegant yet manipulative, adding a unique dynamic to the show's central love triangle.

In Love Your Enemy, Cha Ji-hye is introduced as a poised and sophisticated math teacher at Dokmok High School, where much of the drama unfolds. She has been close friends with the show's lead protagonists, Seok Ji-won (played by Ju Ji-hoon) and Yoon Ji-won (portrayed by Jung Yu-mi), since their teenage years.

Despite her composed demeanor, Cha Ji-hye hides a long-standing unrequited love for Seok Ji-won, which complicates her relationships with both him and Yoon Ji-won. While she supports her friend Yoon Ji-won outwardly, she often makes subtle remarks that highlight her insecurities, creating tension.

Her character shines particularly in scenes with Seok Ji-won, where her typically aloof nature transforms into visible warmth and vulnerability. This nuanced portrayal has fueled discussions online, with the majority criticizing her perceived selfishness and playing a sinister role in Yoon Ji-won and Seok Ji-won's love story.

In the ongoing drama's episode 6, Cha Ji-hye meets Yoon Ji-won at a restaurant. While Yoon Ji-won goes to the washroom, Ji-hye switches off the former's phone after she sees Seok Ji-hoon calling her. One fan expressed her anger at the character's choices and called her one of the "worst type" of friends.

"Two-faced friends like cha jihye are the worst type of friends anybody could have. She pretends to care about yoon jiwon and stabs her in the back whenever she can."

Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions to Kim Ye-won's character arc as Cha Ji-hye. Some even called Ji-hye the "WORST BREED OF SNAKE."

"God take away their pain and give it to jihye. She betrayed her bff, caused their break up which separated them for 18 yrs and she is still creating misunderstandings between them.. IDC YOU LIKE HIM TOO GIRL TAKE THE HINT AND MOVE ON," one fan wrote.

"CHA JIHYE THE WORST BREED OF SNAKE YOU COULD EVER ENCOUNTER," another viewer wrote.

"Her act of using yoonji’s phone without her consent is awful as it is, but what makes her abominable is how she keeps hanging around yoonji, acting innocent, when she caused her ‘friend’ and the man she ‘likes’ great pain. So distasteful!" one other fan added.

Others expressed frustration with the character's choices, calling her out for creating conflict in the otherwise lighthearted story. Fans discussed how the character of Ji-hye didn't change even after the plot of Love Your Enemy took a time skip of 18 years.

"Jihye is worse than before. Now she is an adult. She knows how much Yoonji suffered, and yet she made the same decision as before. She's so selfish! I can't wait for Yoonji to find out everything and get away from her," one fan said.

"JIHYE ITS BEEN 18 YEARS AND YOU HAVENT MATURED EVEN A BIT," another fan added.

"CHA JIHYE THIS TRICK IS SO LAME WHY YOU DID THAT TO A FRIEND???" another fan commented.

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Love Your Enemy: Cast, plot, and everything we know about the ongoing tvN drama

Premiered on November 23, 2024, Love Your Enemy centers on Seok Ji-won and Yoon Ji-won, two characters who share not just a name but also a deep-rooted family rivalry. The story begins when they reunite after 18 years at Dokmok High School when the two protagonists cross paths and lock horns.

Meanwhile, Seok Ji-won (played by Ju Ji-hoon) is now the chairman and Yoon Ji-won (portrayed by Jung Yu-mi) works as a physical education teacher. Their lives become further intertwined as old grudges, unresolved feelings, and professional challenges resurface.

The ongoing drama balances its romantic tension with moments of comedy, particularly through Seok Ji-won’s playful antics and his unyielding affection for Yoon Ji-won, whom he has admired since their youth.

The ongoing feud between their families adds an additional layer of intrigue, with flashbacks shedding light on the origins of their enmity.

Cha Ji-hye's unrequited love story brings an emotional depth to the narrative. Her interactions with both protagonists in Love Your Enemy often blur the lines between friendship and rivalry, making her an unpredictable and compelling character.

Love Your Enemy boasts a stellar cast, with Ju Ji-hoon (Kingdom) and Jung Yu-mi (Train to Busan) in the lead roles. Kim Ye-won, known for her versatility, takes on the pivotal role of Cha Ji-hye, while Lee Shi-woo and Jeon Hye-jin add further dimension to the ensemble.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Sang-yeop, Love Your Enemy promises a mix of heartfelt romance, comedic moments, and thought-provoking themes.

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Love Your Enemy airs on tvN every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 pm (KST). The drama is also available for global streaming on Viki and Disney+ in selected regions.