JTBC's newly announced drama 'We're All Trying Here' has ignited excitement among viewers following the release of its cast lineup and first stills. The network confirmed that the drama will air in the first half of this year.
'We're All Trying Here' follows the journey of a person who, surrounded by seemingly successful friends, is the only one whose life refuses to fall into place. Tormented by jealousy and envy, the protagonist spirals emotionally while searching for a sense of inner peace. News of the drama's casting, featuring a lineup of in-demand actors including Koo Kyo Hwan, Go Yoon Jung, Oh Jung Se, Kang Mal Geum, and Park Hae Joon, has significantly heightened anticipation.
With “anxiety” as its central theme, the drama positions itself as a story that offers a “green light in life” to those frozen at the warning signal of worthlessness, an emotion deeply familiar to modern audiences.
The newly released stills have also further fueled curiosity. One image captures Hwang Dong Man (played by Koo Kyo Hwan) turning his head while wearing a headset, opposite Byun Eun Ah (played by Go Youn Jung), who looks at him calmly. Their intersecting gazes hint at a complex relationship between the characters. A “STOP” sign in the frame appears to symbolize a life momentarily at a standstill, while the accompanying phrase, “When trapped, break through,” adds intrigue and points to the drama’s core message.
As soon as the still cut was revealed, prospective viewers reacted positively. Viewers commented, “The casting choices are impeccable,” “It already looks good,” “Even the title is great,” “This one still makes it feel like it could become my life drama,” “The chemistry looks promising,” and “The atmosphere is unreal just from the stills.”
Koo Kyo Hwan, currently receiving praise for his role in the romance film If Only We, takes on his first leading role in a TV drama with this project. He plays Hwang Dong Man, an aspiring film director who is the only member of the famed movie-industry circle known as the “Group of Eight” who has yet to make his official debut. Desperate to hide his sense of worthlessness, Dong Man flails loudly and awkwardly yet remains oddly endearing. Koo is set to bring depth and individuality to the character through his distinctive and nuanced performance.
Go Youn Jung portrays Byun Eun Ah, a film production company producer at Choi Film, notorious for the razor-sharp script reviews that have earned her the nickname “the axe.” While she aspires to maintain a calm and unwavering inner core, she suffers emotional overload that manifests physically through nosebleeds, forcing her to confront her own trauma. Through Dong Man’s resilient inner world, Eun Ah finds healing, while she, in turn, transforms his sense of worthlessness into something radiant and valuable. Following her acclaimed performance in the Netflix series 'Can This Love Be Translated?,' expectations are high for yet another compelling transformation from Go Youn Jung.
The supporting cast further enriches the story. Oh Jung Se plays Park Kyung Se, a director at Gobak Film whose relationship with Dong Man is bound by a toxic mix of affection and resentment. Kang Mal Geum stars as Go Hye Jin, the CEO of Gobak Film and Park Kyung Se’s wife. Park Hae Joon appears as Hwang Jin Man, Dong Man’s older brother and a former poet, adding emotional weight and narrative depth to the drama.
Most notably, the series is the latest work by Park Hae Young, the acclaimed writer behind 'My Mister' and 'My Liberation Notes.' Known for her profound insight and delicate emotional storytelling, Park’s return has already captured the attention of drama fans eager to see how her signature sensibility will unfold in EIFOW.
'We're All Trying Here' is set to premiere on JTBC in the first half of this year.
SHARE
