The global streaming debut of director Lee Jeong-lim's series 'As You Stood By' has struck a powerful emotional chord, with one of its most touching responses coming from within her own family. In a heartfelt moment, Lee's mother-in-law called her in tears after watching the eight-episode drama, a significant reaction given that the elderly woman, in her 70s and from the Gyeongsang region, is known for her typically stoic nature. This family moment highlights the show's profound ability to connect across generational divides.
A Story of Friendship and Survival Against Odds
Based on the 2014 Japanese novel 'Naomi and Kanako' by Hideo Okuda, the series tells a gripping story of friendship and survival. The narrative follows friends Jo Eun-su, portrayed by Jeon So-nee, and Jo Hui-su, played by Lee You-mi, who find themselves pushed to their absolute limit. In a desperate bid to escape a harrowing domestic violence situation, the women become involved in a murder. Their struggle against the abusive husband, Noh Jin-pyo (Jang Seung-jo), and their encounter with a kind-hearted businessman, Jin So-baek (Lee Mu-saeng), form the core of a plot that masterfully explores themes of fear, liberation, and female solidarity.
Global Acclaim and Director's Sensitive Approach
The series has achieved remarkable success since its release on November 7. According to data from the analytics platform FlixPatrol, it rapidly climbed to the number one spot in South Korea and secured an impressive third place globally on the streaming service's Top 10 chart. This international acclaim is a testament to its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances.
In a recent interview, director Lee Jeong-lim revealed that this project marked her first collaboration with a global streaming platform. She emphasized that the creative freedom offered by the service allowed her to explore difficult themes without constraints. Given the heavy subject matter of domestic violence, Lee took a meticulously careful approach. She attended counseling sessions and met with survivors to ensure the portrayal was realistic without retraumatizing victims. Her goal was to offer comfort to those who have suffered and to frame domestic violence not as a private issue, but as a pressing societal problem that demands attention.
Creative Insights and a Hopeful Ending
Lee shared several key creative decisions made during production. To prevent overwhelming the audience with the victims' suffering, she chose to frame parts of the story from the perspective of the abuser. She also went to great lengths to help her actors understand the gravity of their roles. For Lee You-mi, she provided a poem about domestic violence during the casting process to deepen her connection to the character.
The production also prioritized the well-being of its cast, providing on-set psychological support, especially for Jang Seung-jo, who had to embody the role of the aggressor in intense scenes.
The series concludes with an ending that diverges from the original novel, opting for a resolution that resonates more deeply with Korean sensibilities. Instead of the characters escaping abroad, the protagonists face the consequences of their choices. The final, poignant line, "I wonder what the weather is like," serves as a powerful symbol of new hope and the longing for a normal, peaceful life for the survivors.
