“You and Everything Else” (은중과 상연): Plot, Cast & Filming Locations

Netflix’s latest Korean drama sensation “You and Everything Else” (은중과 상연), which premiered on September 12, 2025, has captivated audiences worldwide with its poignant story of friendship, rivalry, and final farewells. Beyond its compelling narrative, the series showcases some of Korea’s most picturesque locations, creating a visual tapestry that enhances the emotional depth of this remarkable drama.

Plot of “You and Everything Else”

The story follows Ryu Eun-Jung, a woman with a candid personality that attracts people effortlessly, and her best friend and lifelong rival, Cheon Sang-Yeon. Their relationship began during elementary school days, with Sang-Yeon coming from a wealthy family background and possessing exceptional talent, while Eun-Jung harbored feelings of jealousy that paradoxically strengthened their bond. From teen years to adulthood, these two friends linked by warmth and tension grow apart — until one is asked to accompany the other through her final days.

The narrative spans decades, exploring how during their teens, 20’s, and 30’s, they would lose contact with each other and reconnect multiple times, eventually reaching the age of 42 where their story reaches its emotional climax.

Cast of “You and Everything Else”

The drama stars Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun as the longtime friends Eun-jung and Sang-yeon, with supporting performances from Kim Gun-woo, Kim Mi-ji, and Lee Sang-yoon. Kim Go-eun, known for her versatile acting in dramas like “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” and “The King: Eternal Monarch,” brings her signature emotional depth to the role of Eun-Jung. Park Ji-hyun, acclaimed for her performances in “All of Us Are Dead” and “Little Women,” delivers a nuanced portrayal of the complex Sang-Yeon.

Filming Locations of “You and Everything Else”

The production team carefully selected diverse locations across South Korea to reflect the characters’ emotional journey and the passage of time. Each location serves as more than mere backdrop, becoming an integral part of the storytelling process.

Gyeonggi Province – Paju’s Forest of Wisdom (경기 파주시 지혜의 숲)

The Forest of Wisdom in Paju serves as one of the series’ most symbolic locations, representing the characters’ search for understanding and reconciliation. This serene woodland setting provides intimate moments where the protagonists reflect on their shared history and contemplate their future paths.

Bunam Beach (부남해수욕장)

The pristine coastline of Bunam Beach offers dramatic seaside scenes that mirror the ebb and flow of the friendship at the drama’s center. The expansive ocean views create powerful visual metaphors for the characters’ emotional distances and eventual reconnection.

Daejeon Seonhwa Elementary School (대전선화초등학교)

This educational institution serves as a crucial flashback location, taking viewers back to where the friendship first blossomed. The school’s traditional Korean architecture and playground settings authentically recreate the innocence of childhood bonds.

Gangwon’s Hyangro Market (강원 향로시장)

The bustling traditional market in Gangwon Province provides vibrant scenes of daily Korean life, offering contrast to the more introspective moments of the drama. The market’s authentic atmosphere grounds the story in contemporary Korean culture.

Seoul Women’s University (서울여자대학교)

The university campus represents the characters’ young adult years, showcasing the beautiful academic environment where dreams are pursued and life-changing decisions are made.

Namsan Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)

Seoul’s preserved traditional village offers stunning period architecture that adds historical depth to the narrative. The hanok buildings create a timeless quality that emphasizes the enduring nature of true friendship.

Tongyeong’s Dangpo Holy Ground (경남 통영시 당포성지)

Located in South Gyeongsang Province, this spiritual site provides contemplative scenes where characters grapple with life’s deeper meanings and mortality.

Critical Reception and Global Impact

With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.1, “You and Everything Else” has resonated strongly with both Korean and international audiences. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of female friendship, exceptional cinematography showcasing Korea’s diverse landscapes, and the powerful performances of its lead actresses.

Production Excellence and Visual Storytelling

The drama’s success lies not only in its compelling narrative but also in its meticulous attention to visual detail. Each filming location was chosen to enhance specific emotional beats in the story, creating a harmonious blend of narrative and cinematography. The production team’s decision to film across multiple provinces demonstrates their commitment to showcasing Korea’s geographical and cultural diversity.

The series serves as both an intimate character study and a love letter to Korea’s natural beauty, making it essential viewing for K-drama enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Through its carefully crafted locations and powerhouse performances, “You and Everything Else” stands as a testament to the artistry possible in Korean television drama.