The popular Korean drama returns after two years with Season 2, finally lifting the veil on what fans have been eagerly awaiting. Premiered today on July 3 at 5 PM KST on major Korean OTT platforms, 'Bitch x Rich 2' is already drawing strong interest from both domestic and international viewers.
This high-teen psychological thriller is set in an elite high school and explores power struggles and romance within the unique environment of Cheongdam International High School. Directed by Im Dae Woong and Park Hyung Won, and written by Kwak Young Im, the series is produced by WhyNot Media and Lian Contents.
Season 1 followed Kim Hye In (played by Lee Eun Saem), a student from a modest background who was admitted to the prestigious school in exchange for keeping secret what she witnessed: the fall of a student named Kim Hae In (Jang Sung Yoon). At the school, Hye In became entangled in a fierce rivalry with Baek Jae Na (Kim Ye Ri), the leader of the elite group "Diamond 6," gradually uncovering the hidden truths of the institution. The season ended on a cliffhanger, with another fall incident and Hae In regaining consciousness, sparking excitement for the sequel.
In Season 2, the spotlight shifts to the complex evolution of Hye In and Jae Na’s relationship. Once teetering between enemies and reluctant allies, the two now engage in a more refined psychological battle. Both characters show growth by actively navigating their situations and emotions rather than passively waiting for change. Their shifting dynamics and subtle emotional developments are expected to deeply engage the audience.
The new season introduces several key characters that disrupt the established order. These include transfer student Cha Jin Wook (Kim Min Kyu), who shakes up the school environment; Lee Sa Rang (Won Kyu Bin), a new addition to "Diamond 6"; and Seo Hee Kwon (Oh Ji Ho), the new chairman who will stop at nothing for the school’s interests. Each character arrives with hidden motives, intertwining with existing storylines and adding layers of unpredictability.
Romantic tensions also escalate this season. Sa Rang, a younger boy who’s devoted to Hye In; Jin Wook, now Jae Na’s fiancé; and Seo Do Eon (Lee Jong Hyuk), who still harbors feelings for Hae In, each bring their own version of love to the table, ranging from comforting sweetness to nerve-wracking intensity.
With an expanded world and deeper character arcs, this season delves into personal desires and secrets, heightening the dramatic tension. While Season 1 centered around Hye In’s development and the Kim Hae In incident, Season 2 explores how each character rebuilds relationships and survives in the chaos following the collapse of the existing power structure. As the once-solid "Diamond 6" begins to crack and new players emerge, the power dynamics become increasingly unstable, creating high-stakes drama.
Writer Kwak Young Im expressed her deep affection for the characters, saying, "It was a meaningful and important challenge as a writer to breathe even more life into already vibrant characters," adding that she hopes viewers also reflect on themes like “fate: whether we surrender to it or overcome it.” She singled out Cha Jin Wook as her favorite character and praised actor Kim Min Kyu for perfectly embodying the role.
Director Im Dae Woong emphasized his focus on capturing the emotional nuances of each character and making their perspectives relatable. “We wanted to show how desires, wounds, and choices collide, and how relationships subtly begin to crack.” Co-director Park Hyung Won praised the entire cast, highlighting returning actors like Lee Eun Saem and Kim Ye Rim, as well as new additions Kim Min Kyu and Won Kyu Bin, for raising the emotional stakes and bringing the ensemble to life. Veteran actors like Ryu Tae Ho, Lee Do Yup, Oh Ji Ho, and Ha Yeon Joo also enhanced the on-set chemistry with their powerful presence.
Director Park cited “Power,” “Choice,” and “Trust” as the season’s central themes. He shared, "'Power' represents the driving force within this small society, 'Choice' reflects the strategic decisions needed for survival, and 'Trust' serves both as a safety net and the most dangerous beginning of betrayal."
Writer Kwak said she hopes 'Bitch x Rich 2' will be remembered as a character-driven series, while Director Im hopes it will be remembered as a beautiful, emotional story encompassing pain, love, and growth. “We hope many will tune in and show their support,” he added.
'Bitch x Rich 2' is now out on platforms like Netflix, Wavve, and TVING. On July 4 at 12:10 AM KST, episodes 1 and 2 will also air on the general broadcast network MBN.
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