traytray

This show started off great. The storyline was engaging, and the acting was genuinely impressive. What captivated me the most was how hard it was to watch at times—not because it was poorly done, but because it reflected the harsh reality many women face. That made it even harder to stomach, but it’s exactly why this topic needs to be highlighted and talked about.
However, after episode 5, the show unfortunately began to go downhill. Many of the episodes that followed felt like filler, and after reading other reviews, I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. The plot choice of bringing Jang Kang back especially bothered me; it felt unnecessary and pulled the story away from what made it strong in the first place.
I honestly wish the characters had never been caught and that the remaining episodes had focused more on Hui-Su—her healing, finding her confidence again after so much trauma, and simply reclaiming her life. I also would have loved to see Eun-Su quit her job and become an advocate for women who have suffered abuse, while exposing Jin Pyo’s family hypocrisy. That direction would have been so much more satisfying and meaningful.
One of the things I truly loved about this drama was the bond the girls shared with Mr. Jin. Their relationship was pure, supportive, and genuinely healthy.
Overall, As You Stood By is a good drama that tackles an important and sensitive topic, but it ultimately fell short in the end. Still, it’s worth watching for the message it tries to deliver.