Netflix's newest Korean drama series "As You Stood By" presents a compelling adaptation of Japanese author Hideo Okuda's 2014 novel "Naomi & Kanako," reimagined through a distinctly Korean cultural lens. The eight-episode psychological thriller follows two women who devise a desperate plan to murder an abusive husband, triggering a cascade of unforeseen consequences that challenge their friendship, moral boundaries, and personal resolve.
Director Lee Jeong-lim expressed her deep connection to the source material during a press conference held at a Seoul theater on Wednesday. "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 explained. She revealed that adapting this particular work had been a long-held aspiration, adding, "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 carries more provocative undertones than its English counterpart "As You Stood By," a choice the director said was intentionally ambiguous. "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 explained, highlighting the multiple layers of meaning embedded in the title.
At the heart of the narrative are two central characters: Eun-su, portrayed by Jeon So-nee, who initiates the murder plot, and Hui-su, played by Lee You-mi, who endures daily physical and emotional abuse from her husband. The drama delves deep into how their shared experiences of trauma, social isolation, and accumulated rage drive them toward a shocking decision that fundamentally alters not only their own lives but also impacts everyone in their orbit.
The authentic emotional connection between the lead actresses proved crucial to the series' success. Both Jeon So-nee and Lee You-mi emphasized how their genuine off-screen friendship enhanced their on-screen chemistry and performance intensity. "Lee You-mi is a person with a very healthy and positive attitude," Jeon commented. "When we first met, she had such a positive influence on me, which created a great atmosphere. She has always been a reliable partner." Lee You-mi reciprocated these sentiments, explaining their collaborative approach: "From the first time I saw her, I felt that So-nee was a warm person and I wanted to become close quickly. 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."
Actor Jang Seung-jo takes on the challenging dual role in the series, including the portrayal of Hui-su's violent husband Jin-pyo. He described the careful preparation required to distinguish between his two distinct characters. "I worked hard on the areas where I could make external changes," Jang explained. "The screenplay was so well-crafted that I just had to be faithful to it. I prepared by closely discussing things with the director." His performance required navigating the complex territory of portraying domestic violence while maintaining the story's psychological depth.
Lee Mu-saeng rounds out the main cast as So-baek, a character who becomes an unexpected but powerful ally to the two women after discovering their murderous scheme. Lee described his character's evolution as someone who finds personal healing through his connection with the protagonists. "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," he noted, emphasizing the theme of mutual support and recovery that runs throughout the series.
"As You Stood By" is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix this Friday, bringing this intense psychological thriller to international audiences and continuing Netflix's expansion of Korean dramatic content.
