Release Date: November 7, 2025
Episodes: 8
Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix (available globally from November 7, 2025)
Plot Summary
“As You Stood By” follows the intense and gripping story of two women, Eun-su and Hui-su, who are bound by a shared trauma. Hui-su is trapped in a violent and abusive marriage, living in constant fear of her husband Jin-pyo. When Eun-su, a driven department store employee, discovers her friend’s suffering, the two hatch a desperate plan to murder Jin-pyo to escape their brutal reality. However, an unexpected visitor threatens to unravel everything they’ve carefully planned.
The story delves deep into themes of survival, vengeance, friendship, and moral ambiguity, testing the limits of loyalty and resolve. The drama explores the harsh realities of domestic abuse and societal indifference through a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative.
Highlights & Why to Watch
- Powerful Female-Centric Thriller: The drama stands out for its fearless approach to domestic violence and female retribution, making it a hard-hitting social commentary wrapped in a gripping crime thriller.
- Top-Tier Cast & Performances: Featuring Jeon So-nee as Eun-su and Lee Yoo-mi as Hui-su, whose performances vividly convey pain, rage, and resilience. Jang Seung-jo delivers a chilling portrayal of the abusive husband, adding to the psychological tension.
- Engaging Storytelling: The plot keeps viewers hooked with its tight pacing, emotional depth, and unexpected twists that maintain suspense throughout.
- Cinematic Quality: The series boasts stunning shadowy cinematography and a pulse-racing score, reminiscent of Japanese noir classics, contributing to its dark and immersive atmosphere.
- Critical Acclaim: The drama received an emotional standing ovation during its premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival and has garnered praise for its raw storytelling and layered characters.
Additional Information
- This series is based on the Japanese novel Naomi and Kanako by Hideo Okuda but reimagined with a Korean cultural lens.
- Directed by Lee Jeong-lim and produced by StudioS, Ghost Studio, and Mizi Film.
- Language: Korean with subtitles available on Netflix.
- The drama carries a TV-MA rating due to its mature themes and intense content.
Final Note
If you’re looking for a mature, thrilling drama with emotional depth and strong social themes, “As You Stood By” is a must-watch. It combines compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and a raw exploration of female empowerment and justice, making it one of the standout K-dramas of 2025.