Great news for fans of Korean dramas: the highly anticipated series As You Stood By (WT) has officially begun production, featuring a stellar cast that includes Jeon So Nee, Lee You Mi, Jang Seung Jo, and Lee Mu Saeng.
The gripping narrative explores the unforeseen events that unfold when two women, driven by desperation, decide that their only means of escaping a living nightmare is to commit murder.
Directed by the talented Lee Jeong-Lim, known for his acclaimed works Revenant and VIP, the series is produced by notable studios including Studio S, Ghost Studio, and Mizi Film. It adapts Hideo Okuda’s critically acclaimed novel Naomi to Kanako, which is renowned for its intense and suspenseful storytelling, delving deep into the lives of characters grappling with violence in a manner characteristic of the author’s signature style.
In As You Stood By, the versatile Jeon So Nee, recognized for her performances in Soulmate, Our Blooming Youth, and Parasyte: The Grey, takes on the role of Eun-su, a troubled young woman employed at a VIP department store. Eun-su is haunted by the trauma of her childhood, which adds depth to her character as she navigates her challenging circumstances.
Lee You Mi, who gained international fame from her roles in Squid Game, All Of Us Are Dead, and Strong Girl Nam Soon, brings a powerful performance to the character of Hui-su, a former aspiring children’s book writer who shares a similarly painful past. Together, Eun-su and Hui-su, fueled by their torment, make the harrowing decision to kill Hui-su’s abusive husband.
Jang Seung Jo, known for his roles in Encounter, The Good Detective, and Nothing Uncovered, plays Jin-pyo, Hui-su’s menacing husband, whose oppressive presence poses a significant threat to both women and amplifies the tension throughout the series. Adding another layer to the story, Lee Mu Saeng, recognized for his performances in The Glory, Maestra: Strings of Truth, and Noryang: Deadly Sea, portrays Chen Shaobo, the owner of the Jinkang Store. After discovering the women’s dark plan, Chen becomes an unexpected ally, further intertwining the fates of the characters.
With its compelling story rooted in a captivating original novel, combined with a talented production crew and an exceptional cast, As You Stood By is set to raise thought-provoking questions about the moral complexities of those who have helped others in desperate times and the societal tendency to turn a blind eye to violence.
The series promises to deliver an engaging and intense viewing experience, making it a highly anticipated addition to Netflix’s lineup. Viewers can look forward to diving into this dramatic narrative, which explores the darker facets of human experience and the choices made in moments of desperation.
4
