Kim Goeun and Park Ji-hyun were soon You and Everything Else.
On the morning of the 5th, a production presentation for Netflix's 'You and Everything Else' was held at the Ambassador Fullmoon Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Director Cho Young-min, along with Kim Goeun, who plays Eun-jung, and Park Ji-hyun, who plays Sang-yeon, attended and graced the event.
'You and Everything Else,' set to be released on the 12th, is a Netflix series that portrays the story of Eun-jung (played by Kim Goeun) and Sang-yeon (played by Park Ji-hyun), two friends who confront all their moments together, loving and longing for one another, while also being jealous and filled with hatred, intertwined throughout their lives.
Director Cho Young-min explained, "'You and Everything Else' is the story of Eun-jung and Sang-yeon, who spent nearly 30 years together from their teenage years to their 40s. At one time they admired each other, while at another time they hated each other, but this work follows the time they forgive and reconcile."
Kim Goeun introduced her character Eun-jung, saying, "She lives with her mother. Although they live modestly and are not well-off, she grew up with her mother's great love. She's a friend who feels ashamed of her poverty but can express that she feels ashamed. At first, I wondered if this was too subtle a piece, but I was drawn to the depth and narrative as it unfolded."
On the other hand, Park Ji-hyun remarked about her role as Sang-yeon, saying, "In contrast to Eun-jung, Sang-yeon grew up without lacking anything, but she is a friend who is hurt for not receiving love. Unlike Eun-jung, she is not honest. When I received the script, I resonated with Sang-yeon's narrative and had many aspects I wanted to express."
Kim Goeun and Park Ji-hyun completely expressed the narrative of characters from their 20s to their 40s. It leaves us wondering how they, who have constantly brushed against each other's lives from their teens to their 40s, will remain as friends in each other's lives and what stories will resonate with the viewers.
Director Cho Young-min expressed his casting sentiments, saying, "I am a big fan of Kim Goeun. I wanted to work with her on any project. Eun-jung is a challenging character to portray. I wondered who could perform such a difficult role, but I had high expectations that if Kim Goeun took it on, she would show a side of herself that hasn't been revealed before." He also praised Park Ji-hyun, saying, "I worked with her on 'Do You Like Brahms?' I was confident that she would portray the wide emotional spectrum of Sang-yeon well. I appreciated that she delivered beyond my expectations. I feel that this project wouldn't have turned out as it did without them."
Park Ji-hyun said, "I really liked Kim Goeun. I was envious rather than jealous. It's a similar feeling but different. I acknowledged and accepted my envy and tried hard to imitate her. As I continued to act, I thought that maybe one day I could become like her. She led me a lot. She is a senior and colleague I deeply respect and love."
Kim Goeun expressed her gratitude for Park Ji-hyun, saying, "I am very thankful to her. She gave me so much energy and love that I wondered if I deserved it. But when I'm tired, I often swell up. Park Ji-hyun doesn't swell. We filmed together, but I was the only one who swelled up. I wondered why I was the only one swelling. I felt resentful that we struggled together, but I was the only one who suffered from swelling."
Eun-jung and Sang-yeon have shared a long history since childhood but experienced two breakups and eventually grew distant. However, in her 40s, Sang-yeon asks Eun-jung for help towards her death, further complicating their emotions.
Park Ji-hyun commented, "Sang-yeon's request for Eun-jung to accompany her to death is a selfish and shameless action. Yet, with death approaching, the person she wants forgiveness from is Eun-jung, as Sang-yeon has no one left."
He continued, "I studied various books and documentaries. I had a lot of thoughts about whether I could express it since I haven't had direct experience. Director and Kim Goeun were a great help. I tried to immerse myself in the role as much as possible through indirect experiences. Because Kim Goeun existed in front of me as Eun-jung, I was able to immerse myself and complete the performance smoothly."
Kim Goeun reflected, "I was grateful to have Park Ji-hyun. I cannot express how reassuring it was. The writer referred to it as a story about those left behind. When I decided to accompany her, I thought a lot about the remaining me afterward. It was also an opportunity for Eun-jung. It's a chance to send off someone precious. How to do that was a question that occupied my thoughts a lot," she said, shedding tears as she reminisced.
'You and Everything Else' is gathering anticipation with the delicate portrayal of the colorful emotional chronicle that spanned a long time by Kim Goeun and Park Ji-hyun, and the story that prompts everyone to reflect on their memories with friends.
Kim Goeun candidly responded about her competing project 'Polaris,' starring Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won, saying, "I respect and love director Kim Hee-won's 'Polaris' and support it, but I want to win. I respect and love director Kim Hee-won and writer Jeong Seo-kyung, but I want to win."
Director Cho Young-min stated, "Although similar works are being released around the same time, they have different colors. I hope you view each work in its own light. Our drama is about companionship. If you take your time to follow the lives of Eun-jung and Sang-yeon, I believe something will remain later on."
[Photo] Lee Dae-seon, reporter.
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