Kim Go-eun breaks down in tears at the press conference for Netflix’s Eun-joong and Sang-yeon. The drama tells a heartbreaking story of friendship, loss, and love across decades. Set to premiere September 12, it promises one of the most emotional K-dramas of the year.
Netflix’s latest drama Eun-joong and Sang-yeon was officially introduced at a press conference held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel, Jung-gu, Seoul, on September 5. Attending the event were Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun, alongside director Jo Young-min. What stole the spotlight, however, was the moment when Kim Go-eun couldn’t hold back her tears while recalling the deeply emotional storyline. With a trembling voice, she admitted that just thinking about the character Sang-yeon was already heartbreaking for her.
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The drama tells the story of the friendship and intertwined lives of Eun-joong (Kim Go-eun) and Sang-yeon (Park Ji-hyun), spanning from their teenage years into their 40s. It’s not just about happiness—their relationship is filled with envy, admiration, resentment, and longing. What makes it even more poignant is the fact that, as an adult, Sang-yeon—who is battling terminal cancer—asks Eun-joong to stay by her side until the very end, making this narrative far from just another melodrama.
Friendship, Wounds, and Farewell That Leave a Mark
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Kim Go-eun shared that she had to fully immerse herself in Eun-joong’s character as she transitioned from her teenage years to her 20s and into adulthood. To naturally portray the role of a college student, she even gained weight to achieve fuller cheeks. “I admired Sang-yeon, not envied her. She seemed so special and radiant, so I wanted to express those feelings sincerely,” Go-eun explained. It was no surprise that she broke into tears when realizing the heavy journey Eun-joong had to take in letting go of her friend.
Park Ji-hyun described Sang-yeon as someone who might appear cold on the outside but was actually filled with a yearning for affection. To prepare for the role, she read books and watched documentaries to grasp the themes of life and death. “I was able to complete this role thanks to Go-eun, who truly felt like Eun-joong to me,” she said sincerely.
Director Jo Young-min emphasized that the story was crafted to capture the atmosphere of each era. With different filters used to portray each stage of life, viewers will be able to immerse themselves in the realistic transitions of time. “This work is possible because of Go-eun and Ji-hyun,” he noted.
Emotional Public Response: “We’re Not Ready for Another Trauma”
Kim Go-eun’s tears at the press conference immediately stirred strong reactions among fans, many of whom suspected the drama would end painfully.
“signs of a sad ending”
“Not just signs, it’s already confirmed”
“To watch this, I need to prepare tissues 😭”
“If even the actors are crying, then I’ll definitely bawl too”
“sad ending… when you meet to spend the rest of your struggling life… you meet again, and you endure…”
“Reminds me, she once experienced losing a close friend. Maybe she got carried away, and she’s always been sensitive about friendship stories like this”
“Looks like it’s the viewers who are gonna die 😭😭 (get the tissues ready)”
International fans also expressed resignation and concern in their comments.
“We are not ready”
“My life had enough trauma COME ON”
“They’re gonna give us K-trauma guys!!!!!”
“Kim Goeun’s drama = trauma🥲”
“we all gonna cry when it airs”
“this gonna broke me so bad 😭”
“I’m so ready for this drama”
Some fans could only write, “unnie 🥺🥺”, as if they had no words left.
With 15 episodes set to be released in full on September 12, Eun-joong and Sang-yeon is clearly poised to become one of the most emotional Korean dramas of the year. It is not only a story of friendship but also a portrayal of loss, acceptance, and love that endures until the very last moment.
Sources: OSEN, TenAsia, iMBC, Yonhap News, MK Sports, Daily Sports, Daum, Dispatch
I can tell this drama will break our hearts. I need to prepare my emotions and lots of tissues! 
it’s heavy but so beautiful, definitely gonna make us cry