The fifteenth episode of "You and Everything Else" commences with the urgent transportation of Sang-yeon to the hospital, her former friend Eun-jung in close pursuit, her concern palpable. Thankfully, Sang-yeon survives the ordeal, though another such incident could occur at any moment, mirroring the medical prognosis that had been foreshadowed. This time, Eun-jung hears the grim news from a medical professional, the impact felt all the more keenly.
Upon Sang-yeon's discharge, the two sit by the water's edge, their conversation a poignant reflection on their past and the peculiar bond that has tethered them through the years. Sang-yeon continues to apologize for the wrongs she has inflicted and even returns the camera that Cheon Sang-hak had given her. Her stubbornness prevails, but in a way, Eun-jung is right.
Sang-yeon realizes the bleak truth: in her relentless pursuit of accolades and achievements, she has been left with no one to share them with. Eun-jung has been the constant in her life, enduring through the highs and lows together. Yet, it is heart-wrenching for Eun-jung to witness Sang-yeon's slow deterioration, struggling daily.
Eun-jung confronts Sang-yeon when an email notification appears on her laptop, granting permission for a companion to join her in Switzerland. Sang-yeon confesses her profound pain and despite initially assuring her she could persevere, it is clear that this is too much for her to bear. She has witnessed her own mother living in pain until the end and knows too well the agony of seeing someone she cares about wither away. She does not want to subject Eun-jung to this same fate, and there seems to be no persuading her otherwise.
The reality is that Sang-yeon is destined to die whether they like it or not. At least in this way, she retains control over her situation and can depart on her own terms.
Eun-jung and Sang-yeon embark on their journey to Switzerland, a symbolic escape from the constraints of their past. Hee-jin, though understanding the gravity of Sang-yeon's decision, implores Eun-jung to reconsider joining her friend's journey. Eun-jung, with a heart that understands Sang-yeon's plight, agrees to accompany her under the promise of a vacation-like trip, filled with laughter and shared moments of joy.
As they traverse through Switzerland, the pair savor every breathtaking view of the Alps, capturing memories in selfies that they'll cherish forever. Eun-jung is grateful to be by Sang-yeon's side, even if it means facing the latter's unwavering desire for assisted suicide.
Sang-yeon, despite her resolve, confides in Eun-jung about her marriage over dinner. She admits her efforts to make it work but is haunted by Eun-jung's taunts, wondering who would be by her side at the end. The next day, as she prepares to follow through with her decision, Sang-yeon feels a sense of peace. She wishes for a Switzerland of her own for her brother and mother, where they could go out on their terms.
Yet, on their final evening together, Sang-yeon is grateful for Eun-jung's presence. Eun-jung, in turn, attributes much of her life's success to Sang-yeon, who was not only her inspiration in the film industry but also her only true friend until this reunion. As they lie together, Sang-yeon wonders if her mother would have hugged her if she were there. Eun-jung holds her tight, but when Sang-yeon drifts off into sleep, Eun-jung steps out onto the balcony and weeps. It is here that she realizes the weight of what has happened and how deeply Sang-yeon has suffered from a mother who was never truly there for her.
In this moment of solitude, Eun-jung and Sang-yeon heal their past wounds. They agree that there is no one like the other, and Sang-yeon opens up about her feelings. She admits her confusion about her actions, especially given the loss of her only true friend, Eun-jung. Eun-jung gently encourages her, reminding Sang-yeon that they are now friends again right up to the end. In this shared vulnerability, they find solace in each other's presence and begin to heal the wounds that have festered for so long.
Sang-yeon's journey towards assisted suicide is a poignant one. Before her departure, she entrusts the keys to her office top drawer, where she keeps her diary, to Eun-jung. She speaks of Eun-jung's story, a tale she read several episodes ago, and believes that if she finishes it, it will immortalize their friendship. Sang-yeon wants Eun-jung to continue this and complete the book.
Plainly speaking, Eun-jung agrees to accompany Sang-yeon to the blue house. It is a heart-wrenching sight as Sang-yeon is recorded the whole time as she willingly opens the valve that eventually leads to her slipping into a coma and, subsequently, death.
How does "You and Everything Else" end? As time passes, Eun-jung gathers the courage to place her photo on her desk. The selfie they took together in Switzerland becomes the focal point of her workspace. Eun-jung can finally say goodbye to the woman who was so influential in her life, and this time, there is no hostility or ill-will. Having healed from all the trauma and issues in the past, they eventually part on peaceful terms. Eun-jung's friend, whom she loved and hated so vehemently through all this time, eventually passes away, leaving Eun-jung with only good memories.
If there was ever a drama that effectively portrayed the complexities of love and hate, no other show comes close to "You and Everything Else." The title is quite apt because the constants in both Eun-jung and Sang-yeon's lives have been each other. These two have been there for each other through thick and thin, and in the end, Eun-jung stays loyal to Sang-yeon, while the latter finally reckons with her behavior and makes amends with the one true constant in her life.
What has been particularly interesting in this drama is something I've mentioned in earlier recaps too. This has largely been a drama centering around two flawed individuals, just trying to make it through life and having very different reactions to the things that happen to them. While Sang-yeon started on top of the world and fell from grace through a series of tragic events, Eun-jung started at the very bottom and managed to weather the storm thanks to her upbringing and tough childhood, coming out stronger. There is no "luck" here as Sang-yeon wants to allude to; just grit and determination.
Despite being dominated by a love triangle with Sang-hak in the middle episodes, this has largely been a tragedy rather than a drama or romance in many ways. The two girls both respecting and loathing one another for how they handle various situations is what truly drives this Korean drama. In the end though, they do heal their wounds and move past their issues, but it takes a horrific cancer diagnosis and a bittersweet trip to Switzerland to see that realized.
However, the drama also brings up interesting topics around euthanasia, identity, morals, and the toxicity of the film industry, to name but a few. This has been a really solid watch overall, and the show closes out with an excellent and heart-wrenching conclusion.
