Netflix's thriller 'As You Stood By' banks on believable character decisions

연합뉴스 / 2025-11-05 14:54:57

▲ Director Lee Jeong-rim (C) poses with cast members during a press conference for Netflix's upcoming thriller "As You Stood By" in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2025. (Yonhap)

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- Crafting a convincing narrative that completely pulls audiences in was the key point in directing Netflix's upcoming thriller "As You Stood By," its director, Lee Jeong-rim, said Wednesday.

"The two main characters make a series of decisions that require significant audience understanding, so I've focused intensely on presenting a convincing story," Lee said during a press conference in Seoul.

"The subject matter itself can be uncomfortable to watch, as the plot revolves around domestic violence. But once audiences immerse themselves in the characters' circumstances, they will be able to engage with the show with genuine curiosity about how events unfold," she added.

The series follows two friends, Eun-su (Jeon So-nee) and Hui-su (Lee You-mi), as they make a fateful decision in their desperate attempt to escape dire circumstances.

Eun-su, a luxury department store worker, discovers that her dear friend Hui-su, a once-promising children's book writer, is trapped in a hellish marriage. Hui-su's nightmarish situation triggers memories of Eun-su's own childhood trauma, a situation young Eun-su had neither the resources nor courage to escape. Determined to stand up against the abuse this time, Eun-su suggests she and Hui-su join forces to kill Jin-pyo (Jang Seung-jo), Hui-su's menacing husband.

"Upon discovering the depths of Hui-su's suffering, Eun-su resolves to save her and suggest they kill Jin-pyo. She is not afraid to make tough decisions," Jeon said during the conference. "I wanted their choices to be convincing.

▲ Eun-su (L) and Hui-su are seen in this still from "As You Stood By," provided by Netflix. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Lee You-mi described her character as someone "rescued by her friend as she was about to give up on life."

"My main focus was making Hui-su feel like a real person," she said.

Lee Mu-saeng stars as So-baek, the enigmatic owner of Jinkang Store who discovers what the two women are plotting and quietly becomes their protector. Jang Seung-jo takes on dual roles as Jin-pyo and Jang-kang, a mysterious figure who becomes entangled in their circumstances.

Based on Japanese writer Hideo Okuda's 2014 novel "Naomi and Kanako," which was previously adapted as a Japanese drama series, the 8-episode series had its first two episodes premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the On Screen section on Sept. 18.

The director said she has long been a fan of the original work and had dreamed of bringing it to life as a Korean drama.

▲ Jin-pyo (L) and Hui-su are seen in this still from "As You Stood By," provided by Netflix. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Each episode ends with a cliffhanger that keeps viewers hooked, she said, adding, "I didn't want to lose the fun factor, but I also worked to include a message. I hope viewers appreciate our intentions."

"As You Stood By" is set for release on Friday.