As You Stood By” is an upcoming South Korean crime thriller series slated for release on Netflix in the fourth quarter of 2025. The series delves into the harrowing journey of two women ensnared in unbearable circumstances, compelling them to contemplate murder as their sole escape. Their meticulously crafted plan faces unforeseen challenges with the arrival of a mysterious figure, threatening to unravel their lives.
As You Stood By Overview
| Title | As You Stood By |
|---|---|
| Native Title | 당신이 죽였다 |
| Genre | Crime Thriller, Drama |
| Release date | Q4 2025 |
| Directed by | Lee Jung-rim |
| Written by | Adapted from Hideo Okuda’s novel “Naomi and Kanako” |
| CAST | Jeon So-nee as Eun-su Lee Yoo-mi as Hui-su Jang Seung-jo as Jin-pyo Lee Moo-saeng as Jin So-baek |
| Country | Korean |
| Number of Episode | 8 |
| Streaming | Netlfix |
As You Stood By CAST
Lee Yoo-mi as Hui-su
Hottori Kanako from the original. Eun-soo’s friend and a character struggling to escape from the cart of violence. Once a promising fairy tale writer, she is executed by her husband in a plan to kill her husband with ” Eun-soo” while living hellish days.
Lee Yoo-mi
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1994
- Place of Birth: Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea
- Debut Work: Film “The Yellow Sea” (2010)
- Notable Works: “Squid Game” (2021), “All of Us Are Dead” (2022), “Strong Woman Kang Nam-soon” (2023)
- Social Media: Instagram
Jeon So-nee as Eun-su
Naomi Oda from the original. An employee of a luxury store in a department store. A person who lives with the trauma of domestic violence as a child and makes a grave decision to save his friend Heesoo, who lives in pain similar to what he suffered.
Jeon So-nee
- Date of Birth: March 20, 1991
- Place of Birth: South Korea
- Debut Work: Film “After My Death” (2017)
- Notable Works: “When My Love Blooms” (2020), “Scripting Your Destiny” (2021), “Our Blooming Youth” (2023)
- Social Media: Not publicly available
Jang Seung-jo as Jin-pyo
Heesoo’s husband.
Lee Moo-saeng as Jin So-baek
Representative of Jin Gang Sang-hoe. A strong helper who recognizes Eun-soo’s and Hee-soo’s plans and helps them.
As You Stood By Plot
Eun-su (Jeon So-nee), an employee at a luxury store, has been haunted by trauma since childhood. Desperate to save her close friend Hui-su (Lee Yoo-mi), a former children’s book author trapped in a cycle of domestic violence, Eun-su makes a life-altering decision. Together, they devise a plan to eliminate Hui-su’s abusive husband, Jin-pyo (Jang Seung-jo). However, their scheme takes an unexpected turn with the involvement of Jin So-baek (Lee Moo-saeng), the enigmatic CEO of Jinkang Trading Company, whose true motives remain unclear.
As You Stood By View Points
Original Novel – Naomi and Kanako
“Naomi and Kanako” is a compelling novel by acclaimed Japanese author Hideo Okuda. Serialized from November 2012 to July 2014 in the monthly novel magazine PoNToon, the story delves into the lives of two women, Naomi Oda and Kanako Hattori, who conspire to escape an abusive marriage through a meticulously planned crime. The narrative explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the lengths individuals will go to reclaim their lives.
The novel’s gripping plot and complex characterizations have resonated with readers, leading to a successful Japanese television adaptation in 2016. This adaptation further solidified the story’s impact, bringing its intense and thought-provoking themes to a broader audience.
Building on its success, a South Korean adaptation titled “As You Stood By” is set to premiere on Netflix in the fourth quarter of 2025. This upcoming series aims to reinterpret the original narrative within a Korean context, introducing the powerful story to a global audience and highlighting its universal themes of courage and liberation.
Why “As You Stood By” Could Be Netflix’s Next Must-Watch K-Drama
The upcoming Netflix series As You Stood By is poised to captivate audiences with its intense crime thriller narrative and a remarkable creative team. The series, adapted from Hideo Okuda’s celebrated Japanese novel “Naomi and Kanako”, promises a gripping exploration of friendship, survival, and the dark choices people make when cornered by fate.
One of the most compelling reasons to anticipate As You Stood By is the involvement of director Lee Jung-rim, whose previous works have showcased a keen ability to balance suspense with deep emotional storytelling. Known for his work on “Stranger 2” and “The Lies Within”, Lee has demonstrated a knack for building tension and delivering impactful, character-driven dramas. His direction is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation to Okuda’s original story, blending Japanese literary depth with the distinct flair of Korean drama.
The cast of As You Stood By is equally impressive, headlined by Jeon So-nee and Lee Yoo-mi. Jeon So-nee, who gained recognition through “When My Love Blooms” and “Our Blooming Youth”, has consistently showcased her ability to portray complex emotions with nuance. Her role as Eun-su, a woman driven to extreme measures to protect her friend, offers the perfect platform for her to demonstrate both vulnerability and strength.
Lee Yoo-mi, widely praised for her standout performances in “Squid Game” and “All of Us Are Dead”, continues to rise as one of Korea’s most promising young talents. In As You Stood By, she steps into the role of Hui-su, a former children’s book author trapped in an abusive marriage. Lee Yoo-mi’s capacity to convey raw emotion and resilience will undoubtedly add depth to the series’ portrayal of domestic abuse and the fight for freedom.
Adding to the dynamic ensemble are Jang Seung-jo and Lee Moo-saeng. Jang Seung-jo, known for his work in “The Good Detective” and “Snowdrop”, takes on the role of Jin-pyo, Hui-su’s abusive husband, promising a chilling and layered antagonist. Meanwhile, Lee Moo-saeng, who left a strong impression in “The World of the Married” and “Thirty-Nine”, plays Jin So-baek, a mysterious figure whose presence threatens the women’s plans. His ability to bring subtle intensity to his roles will likely elevate the suspenseful atmosphere of the series.
Moreover, the series’ adaptation of a well-regarded Japanese novel brings a unique cross-cultural storytelling opportunity. The original novel’s success, including a Japanese TV adaptation in 2016, showcases the story’s timeless appeal. The Korean adaptation aims not only to remain faithful to the source material but also to introduce fresh elements that resonate with global audiences through Netflix’s expansive platform.
With a compelling story, a talented cast, and a director with a proven track record in the thriller genre, As You Stood By is shaping up to be a drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series offers a blend of psychological tension, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, making it a highly anticipated addition to Netflix’s impressive lineup of Korean content.
If you enjoy dark thrillers, character-driven plots, and unpredictable twists, As You Stood By should definitely be on your watchlist for late 2025.
As You Stood By OST
Trailer
Poster
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