Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Netflix's 'As You Stood By' explores murder, friendship through women-led thriller
Actors Jeon So-nee, left, and Lee You-mi in a scene from Netflix series "As You Stood By" / Courtesy of Netflix
By Baek Byung-yeul
Netflix’s latest K-drama "As You Stood By" is a powerful reimagining of Japanese author Hideo Okuda’s 2014 novel "Naomi & Kanako" through a Korean lens.
The eight-part series follows two women who hatch a desperate plan to murder an abusive husband, an act that sets off a chain of unexpected consequences, testing their friendship, morality and resolve.
Director Lee Jeong-lim revealed her affection for the original work, confessing she is a longtime fan of the novelist and had dreamed of adapting the novel.
"I am a fan of the original author, so I read the novel soon after it was released. I still vividly remember that I was grieving for the two women while reading it," Lee said during a press conference at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday.
"When I heard that this book was going to be adapted into a series, I was delighted and had a strong desire for it to come to me. When the offer came, I happily accepted. I felt a strong ambition to make it well."
The series’ Korean title is more provocative in tone than its English name, "As You Stood By." The director explained that the title was chosen for its layered ambiguity.
"It could literally mean that you killed someone, or the person killed could be oneself. It could also be the story of someone who is an accessory or a bystander," Lee said.
From left, actors Lee Mu-saeng, Jeon So-nee, director Lee Jeong-lim, actors Lee You-mi and Jang Seung-jo pose during a press conference for their Netflix series “As You Stood By” at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
At the center of the story are Eun-su (Jeon So-nee), who proposes the murder, and Hui-su (Lee You-mi), who suffers daily abuse at the hands of her husband. The drama explores how their shared trauma, isolation and rage leads them to a shocking decision that transforms both their lives and the lives of those around them.
The emotional chemistry between Eun-su and Hui-su lies at the core of the drama. Both Jeon and Lee said their real-life bond helped them build the trust and intensity that power their performances.
"Lee You-mi is a person with a very healthy and positive attitude," Jeon said. "When we first met, she had such a positive influence on me, which created a great atmosphere. She has always been a reliable partner."
In response, Lee also mentioned that they immersed themselves deeply in their roles by frequently engaging in conversation.
"From the first time I saw her, I felt that So-nee was a warm person and I wanted to become close quickly," Lee said. "I talked with her constantly, pouring out every question I had. As we got to know each other, meeting on set became very enjoyable, the process of working together was fun and trustworthy.”
Actors Lee You-mi, left, and Jeon So-nee, pose during a press conference for Netflix's “As You Stood By” at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Actor Jang Seung-jo takes on a dual role in the drama, including Hui-su’s violent husband Jin-pyo. He said he put extra effort into differentiating his two characters.
"I worked hard on the areas where I could make external changes," Jang said. "The screenplay was so well-crafted that I just had to be faithful to it. I prepared by closely discussing things with the director.”
Actor Lee Mu-saeng performs the role of So-baek, who becomes a powerful ally to Eun-su and Hui-su after discovering their plan. He explained that his character gains the courage to overcome his own trauma with the help of the two women.
"By meeting Eun-su and Hui-su, this character also gains the courage to take a step back from his own trauma. I paid a lot of attention to this aspect," Lee said.
“As You Stood By” will premiere globally on Netflix on Friday.