Kim Go-eun Captures the Nuances of Youth in Netflix's 'The Story of Eun-joong and Sang-yeon'

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Kim Go-eun Captures the Nuances of Youth in Netflix's 'The Story of Eun-joong and Sang-yeon'

Jihyun Oh · September 16, 2025 at 11:25

Actress Kim Go-eun is receiving praise for her portrayal of the complex emotions of youth as Ryu Eun-joong in her 20s in the Netflix series 'The Story of Eun-joong and Sang-yeon'.

Released on the 12th, the series delves into the intricate relationships and intertwined lives of two friends, Eun-joong and Sang-yeon, across different stages of their lives. Kim Go-eun masterfully depicted the moments of both excitement and anxiety experienced by Eun-joong in her twenties, resonating deeply with viewers.

In the reunion scene at the university campus, Kim Go-eun expressed the subtle shift from initial joy and excitement to underlying jealousy and insecurity through delicate facial expressions. During flashbacks recalling memories through letters and photographs, she vividly conveyed the instability of youth by embedding the character's confusion and hesitation in every gaze and gesture.

Her performance transcends the confines of her twenties, laying a crucial emotional foundation for the character's subsequent development in her thirties and forties. Critics note that Kim Go-eun has expanded her acting range by showcasing an imperfect and inexperienced side of youth that she had not previously explored.

'The Story of Eun-joong and Sang-yeon' has released all its episodes on Netflix and is currently garnering significant attention and positive reviews from both domestic and international fans.

Kim Go-eun made a memorable impression in the 2016 film 'Canola' portraying the touching relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter. She also gained immense popularity for her role as Ji Eun-tak, the bride of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), in the drama 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.' More recently, she delivered a powerful performance as Seol-hee, an independence activist who accompanied Ahn Jung-geun in his final moments, in the movie 'Hero.'