In a candid interview, acclaimed South Korean actress Kim Go-eun challenged conventional notions of trust in relationships while discussing her latest Netflix series "You and Everything Else." The actress expressed skepticism about trust as a defining element of human connections, asking whether trust truly exists between people and questioning why society places such emphasis on it. "Trust feels like it demands a certain attitude from the other person," she explained, offering a perspective that prompted deeper reflection on the nature of human relationships.
When asked about what matters most in relationships, Kim offered an alternative viewpoint that centers on emotional attachment rather than trust. "It is not trust but the desire not to lose the person," she said, explaining how this feeling naturally leads people to respect boundaries, avoid causing harm, and maintain lasting bonds. According to Kim, this principle applies universally across different types of relationships, whether between romantic partners, family members, or friends. "The essence of any relationship lies within oneself: I keep the relationship because I love, because I like, because I want to see the other person," she emphasized.
In "You and Everything Else," Kim portrays Eun-jung, a character whose genuine warmth contrasts sharply with the complicated decades-long relationship she shares with Sang-yeon, played by Park Ji-hyun. The Netflix drama spans multiple decades, following the characters' journey from the 1990s through the 2020s. The series captures not only the obvious changes in fashion and social settings but also explores the evolving complexities of the characters' emotions and life choices as they navigate their intertwined destinies.
Kim described the central theme of the series as the challenge of fully accepting another person, though she acknowledged this ideal as nearly impossible to achieve. "Can humans ever truly accept another as they are?" she wondered, highlighting the inherent tension between hope and doubt in human relationships. This philosophical question forms the backbone of the drama's emotional core, exploring whether complete acceptance is achievable or merely an idealistic fantasy.
Several lines from the series resonated deeply with Kim during filming, each carrying profound emotional weight. When her character Eun-jung says, "If they knew how bright you once were, they could never have done that to you," Kim interpreted it as a final expression of love. Similarly, the line "You abandoned me" conceals a deeper confession about how precious the other person once was, while "Who will ever fully accept you?" carries the devastating pain of a final goodbye. Kim recalled that delivering these lines felt like "wringing out the last drop of affection."
Another particularly meaningful line stayed with Kim long after filming: "When a child begins to think that way, that becomes their world." She believes this concept applies not only to children but extends to adults as well. "Once a thought takes root, it easily consumes your world. Getting out is incredibly difficult. You struggle, and it takes time," she explained. Reflecting on her character's counterpart, Kim added, "If Sang-yeon had managed to step out earlier, maybe her life would have been different."
The filming experience in Switzerland proved emotionally overwhelming for Kim, particularly because her character Eun-jung had made a promise to herself not to cry. This created a challenging acting situation where Kim had to suppress tears scene after scene. "Sometimes I wondered if it might have been more liberating to let it out, but I stayed true to the character," she recalled, noting how co-star Park Ji-hyun's tears nearly triggered her own emotional responses during several intense scenes.
Kim praised director Jo Young-min's leadership style, describing it as "gentle charisma." She emphasized how the director created a collaborative environment without rigid hierarchy or chaos on set, allowing actors to focus deeply on their performances. "He is someone whose personality matches the texture of the work itself," she observed, highlighting how the director's approach complemented the series' intimate and introspective tone.
The series tackles the controversial subject of medically assisted suicide, with Eun-jung being asked by terminally ill Sang-yeon to help end her life. Kim deliberately avoided taking a definitive stance on this sensitive topic, explaining, "I can't debate something I haven't personally endured." However, she did share her personal perspective: "If someone I truly loved asked me, I would want to be there for them," demonstrating the complexity of love and loyalty in extreme circumstances.
Reflecting on her current career phase, Kim expressed satisfaction with her professional journey, stating, "This is a good time." She elaborated on her gradual rise to recognition: "I've worked quietly for years, and only now does it feel like that work is beginning to shine. Lately, I've been receiving many compliments, and I think this period will remain memorable." This acknowledgment reflects her patient approach to building a substantial acting career.
Kim fondly remembered praise from senior actress Jeon Do-yeon, who once described her as "an actor who takes paths others do not." When recalling this compliment, Kim smiled shyly and offered a humble response: "I think I'm simply enduring and moving forward." This modest self-assessment reveals her grounded perspective on success and artistic growth.
As Kim Go-eun continues to demonstrate through both her work and personal reflections, true character is revealed not in moments of glamour but in the quiet passage of time. Her steady growth as an actress and thoughtful approach to complex human emotions in "You and Everything Else" showcase an artist who has matured through patience, dedication, and careful consideration of the deeper meanings behind human relationships and acceptance.
