As You Stood By is a 2025 South Korean crime-thriller series for Netflix from creator-director Lee Jeong-lim and writer Kim Hyo-jeong, starring Jeon So-nee, Lee Yoo-mi, Jang Seung-jo, and Lee Moo-saeng.
Two close friends plan to end an abusive marriage, but an unexpected visitor threatens their carefully laid scheme.
The series is adapted from Hideo Okuda’s novel Naomi to Kanako and streams worldwide on November 7, 2025, after debuting in BIFF’s “On Screen” section in September. Distributed by Netflix.
As You Stood By Age Rating
On Netflix U.S., As You Stood By is rated TV-MA (mature audiences); Netflix Korea lists 19+, while some EU regions display 16+. Expect intense domestic abuse themes, threat, and a murder plot, with bursts of peril and likely strong language. These classifications signal content intended primarily for adults or older teens, depending on the region.
Violence & Peril
Level: Moderate to strong. Trailer and synopsis point to spousal abuse, planning of a homicide, stalking, and tense confrontations. Violence appears grounded rather than gory, with unsettling threat and injury aftermath possible.
Language
Profanity is likely in moments of fear, anger, and confrontation typical of crime thrillers. Regional subtitle tracks may render coarse terms differently.
Mature Themes
Domestic violence, coercive control, trauma, and vigilantism are central. The story deals with moral ambiguity, desperation, and the consequences of plotting a crime. Any intimacy or substance use seems secondary to the thriller and abuse narrative.
Is As You Stood By Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–13: No. Abuse and murder plotting are too intense for preteens.
Ages 14–15: With Guidance. Mature themes and peril can be upsetting; co-watching and debriefing are recommended.
Ages 16–17: Yes, With Guidance. Suitable for older teens who can handle domestic violence themes and moral gray areas.
Bottom line: Best for 16+, or older teens with parental guidance, aligning with the TV-MA/16–19+ regional maturity bands.
What Parents Can Do
Prepare for the topic of abuse: Briefly explain signs of coercive control and safety planning before viewing.
Discuss “vigilante justice”: Talk about legal options, support systems, and why revenge can escalate harm.
Check in after episodes: Invite questions, validate feelings, and share resources for help if the themes hit close to home.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the age rating for As You Stood By?
Netflix U.S. shows TV-MA; Korea lists 19+; some EU regions show 16+.
2) Is As You Stood By appropriate for kids or younger teens?
No. The series explores domestic abuse, peril, and a murder plot—material suited to older teens and adults.
3) How violent or scary As You Stood By is?
Violence centers on spousal abuse and tense, realistic threat. It’s unsettling but not marketed as graphic gore.
4) Does it include strong language or slurs?
Expect strong language typical of the genre, especially in confrontations. Specific slurs haven’t been highlighted in official materials.
5) Is there sexual content or nudity?
Marketing emphasizes abuse and crime, not sexual content. Any intimacy appears limited and secondary to the thriller plot.
6) Where and when can I watch As You Stood By?
The first two episodes premiere in BIFF’s “On Screen” on September 18–19, 2025, with global Netflix streaming from November 7, 2025.