Actor Lee Mu-saeng shared his impressions of As You Stood By from a viewer's perspective.
Lee Mu-saeng gave an interview about the Netflix series As You Stood By on the 20th at a café in Yongsan District, Seoul.
As You Stood By tells the story of two women who decide to kill in the face of a reality they cannot escape unless they die or kill, and who become entangled in an unexpected incident; it entered the top 10 in 22 countries worldwide, including Brazil, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, as well as Korea, within three days of its release, earning widespread praise at home and abroad.
Lee Mu-saeng played Jin So-baek, the CEO of the large food distributor Jin Gang Sanghoe and a steadfast ally to Eun-su (Jeon So-ni) and Hee-su (Lee Yu-mi), delivering a powerful on-screen presence. Lee Mu-saeng projected an unflappable expression and resolute gaze that created an aura that could not be approached, yet he offered comfort to Eun-su and Hee-su in his own way, remaining a reliable support like a steady pillar and portraying the image of a true adult, proving his impeccable character immersion and his "천의 얼굴".
Viewing the character Jin So-baek he played from a viewer's perspective, Lee Mu-saeng said, I was at a loss for words. After watching the whole episode, I felt so relieved, but it remained an issue we must keep watching, an unresolved topic we need to work through. It does not get solved 100% in an instant, so I felt my outlook on life and the way I see these people was being reestablished. After watching it I sat blank for 10 minutes doing nothing. I thought what needs to be solved starts with myself.
He added, I was so glad to see Eun-su and Hee-su smiling at the end, both as Jin So-baek and as a viewer. I was happy to feel a warm energy.
In particular, Lee Mu-saeng said, That ultimately aligns with the message the work conveys. Rather than saying who is the worst, from the title As You Stood By, you could become Jin So-baek or you could be the person who only looked on. That point stung. Instead of blaming anyone, watching this series made me think I should look properly and live accordingly. It made me want to be careful and stay aware. Even though I participated, as a viewer the title As You Stood By really resonated with me.
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