As You Stood By is a 2025 South Korean Netflix original limited series written by Kim Hyo-jeong and starring Jeon So-nee, Jang Seung-jo, among others. Based on Hideo Okuda’s 2014 novel Naomi and Kanako, the eight-episode series premiered on Netflix on November 7, 2025.
The story follows two women who commit a crime in an effort to save one another, and the emotional and psychological aftermath of that life-altering decision. At its core, As You Stood By is a deeply emotional exploration of how trauma shapes the choices we make and the fragile, yet unbreakable bond formed between two women united by shared pain.
The series tackles the dark subject of domestic abuse with brutal honesty, shedding light on the harsh realities that occur behind closed doors in far too many households, realities that often go unspoken until it’s too late. The storytelling is strong and well-crafted, supported by raw, haunting performances that capture the psychological toll of abuse. The heavy atmosphere and emotionally driven narrative make the experience both harrowing and impactful.
It’s impossible not to feel sympathy for the two protagonists, one trapped in an abusive marriage and the other grappling with unresolved childhood trauma. The way the series gradually reveals each character’s backstory is particularly effective, allowing the present-day events to fall into place organically. The pacing is well-balanced, and scenes told from multiple perspectives help bring the story full circle.
Beyond portraying domestic abuse, the series delves into the aftermath, exploring the psychological warfare, fear, and struggle survivors endure even after escaping. It exposes how disturbingly normalized physical abuse has become and how difficult it is to intervene without unintentionally causing further harm to the victim.
That said, the series isn’t without flaws. Some plot elements feel underdeveloped or unrealistic, such as the neighbor who hears suspicious noises but never becomes relevant again. The sister-in-law’s sudden ability to piece everything together feels unconvincing given how her character is portrayed. Additionally, President Jin’s willingness to help the women so extensively lacks sufficient explanation; the potential connection involving his son and past events could have been explored more deeply.
Overall, As You Stood By is not for everyone due to its heavy and emotionally challenging subject matter. However, for viewers willing to engage with its darkness, it offers a compelling, powerful, and beautifully written story that is well worth watching.
