Most “Korean” stories often resonate the most globally. You and Everything Else is recommended for that reason.
Netflix’s latest series, “You and Everything Else” (Korean title: 은중과 상연), is a prime example of this. As a Seoulite who spent my college years in the 2000s, watching this drama felt like flipping through my own old photo albums.
You and Everything Else(은중과 상연): Women’s friendship for 20 years
This drama follows the lifelong journey of two women, Ryu Eun-joong (Kim Go-eun) and Cheon Sang-yeon (Park Ji-hyun). For those of us born in the 1980s who are now hitting our 40s, the depiction of their university days in the early 2000s is incredibly moving.
Remember the days of campus festivals, the smell of old library books, and the raw sincerity of youth before smartphones took over? “You and Everything Else” captures that specific “analog-to-digital” transition period of Korea so beautifully. It’s not just a drama; it’s a tribute to our youth.
Brilliant Acting: From Childhood Innocence to Mystery
One of the most impressive aspects of “You and Everything Else” is the seamless transition between the past and present. The teenage actresses who played the young Eun-joong and Sang-yeon delivered such realistic performances that I felt like I was watching my own childhood friends. Their pure yet intense bond sets a strong foundation for the entire series.
Furthermore, the subplot involving Sang-yeon’s brother adds an unexpected layer of mystery. The plot twist surrounding his story was a huge shocker, keeping me on the edge of my seat and adding a “thriller” vibe to an otherwise emotional human drama. And we cannot forget Kim Gun-woo, who plays the central figure in the love triangle between the two women. After his intense role in The Glory, his transformation here into a warm, charming character was a refreshing change that truly melted my heart.
Beyond Kim Go-eun: The Rebirth of Park Ji-hyun
We all know Kim Go-eun(The right) is a master of emotional acting (who could forget her in Goblin or Little Women?). In this series, she portrays the grounded, honest Eun-joong with such depth that you feel every bit of her joy and pain.
However, the real “discovery” for many in this series is Park Ji-hyun(The left). Playing the role of Sang-yeon—a successful film director who seems to have it all but hides deep scars—she delivers a performance that is both fierce and fragile. Her chemistry with Kim Go-eun creates a delicate balance of love, jealousy, and sisterhood that feels incredibly real.
Why “You and Everything Else” is a Must-Watch
Delicate Female Friendship: Forget the “catfight” clichés. This drama explores the complex layers of female bonds—how we can admire, envy, and deeply love the same person for decades.
The Aesthetics of Seoul: As someone living in Seoul, I loved seeing the city portrayed through the eyes of a writer and a director. It shows the “Hip-places” and quiet alleys that reflect the characters’ inner worlds.
Universal Emotions, Korean Soul:
The way they navigate family expectations, career struggles, and terminal illness is uniquely Korean yet universally relatable. As they say, “What is most personal is most creative,” and this drama proves that what is most Korean can truly touch the world.
Final Thoughts from a Local
Watching Eun-joong and Sang-yeon reunite at age 42 made me look back at my own friendships. In a fast-paced city like Seoul, having someone who remembers your “20-year-old self” is a treasure. If you want to understand the soul of Korean women and the nostalgic vibes of the 2000s, put this on your Netflix watchlist immediately.