The Surprising Final Survivor! 10+ Hour Wrap Party for Evil Queen

2024-12-26

Karada (center) and others chatting in front of an izakaya. It seems the conversation was lively, as it had been a while since they last met.

The gong signaling the start rang at 7 p.m.

In early December, actress Erika Karata (27) was spotted in a corner of Meguro, Tokyo. She entered an izakaya with comedian Ebi (29) from the comedy duo Marimari. Shortly after, comedian Yuriyan Retriever (34), carrying what appeared to be gifts instead of dangerous items like chains, entered the scene! Following them were key cast members such as Ayame Goriki (32) and Takumi Saito (43). The celebration for the hit Netflix drama Evil Queen, which became a massive success this year, kicked off with great fanfare.

“About 15 people, including other cast members and staff, attended. The event was held at this time because the lead, Yuriyan, wanted to have it before leaving for the United States. During the event, there was also a moment where Osamu Suzuki, who was in charge of planning and producing Evil Queen, sent his best wishes to Yuriyan” (Entertainment industry insider).

Evil Queen became an instant phenomenon when it was released on September 19, quickly claiming the top spot on the domestic ranking. Related merchandise sold out immediately, and fans even began imitating the ’80s fashion depicted in the show. It turned into a social phenomenon.

The last one standing in the Drunken Battle.

Goriki, who was about to star in a play, was eliminated from the first round of the party. Perhaps distracted by her phone, she didn’t notice Yuriyan and the others who came to see her off.

In the drama, Yuriyan played the strongest heel, Dump Matsumoto, while Karata and Goriki portrayed her rivals, the Crush Gals. One of the highlights of the show was the intense, blood-splattered battles between the characters. However, once the cameras stopped and they left the ring, the atmosphere was friendly. At one point, Goriki, distracted by her phone, failed to notice Yuriyan and the others who came to see her off and left without acknowledging them. Just as Goriki was about to get in a taxi, she finally noticed Yuriyan, and the situation turned into a moment of laughter.

By 11 p.m., the first round of the party came to a close. After a group cheer, Yuriyan, Karata, Ebi, and Takumi Saito shared an emotional hug, praising each other’s efforts.

As the date changed, the second round began. After spending about two hours at a stylish Japanese restaurant, the group moved to a venue in Aoyama (Minato Ward) for the third round. The celebration continued until 5am the following morning, more than 10 hours after it started. Yuriyan, the lead, left partway through the overtime, and the last two remaining were Karata and Ebichan.

“Yuriyan, the lead, fulfilled her long-held dream of advancing to America on December 10. Goriki is expanding her career with the opening of her starring play No.9—Immortal Melody— on the 21st of this month. Karata continues her steady career with a TV drama and a movie this year, and another film debuting in February. With the success of Evil Queen pushing them forward, all three of them had a breakout year” (Entertainment industry insider).

The trio, reunited for a rare commercial, enjoyed the occasion together. Moving forward, they will undoubtedly continue to strive and rise in their own unique paths to stardom.