By Woo Jae-yeon
JTBC’s “We Are All Trying Here”: A Journey of Connection and Self-Discovery
JTBC is set to captivate audiences with its highly anticipated upcoming Korean drama, “We Are All Trying Here,” featuring stars Koo Kyo-hwan and Go Youn-jung. This compelling new series delves into the complexities of life, following Dong-man (portrayed by Koo Kyo-hwan), an aspiring filmmaker grappling with the quiet certainty that his directorial debut and true life are passing him by.
Dong-man’s world takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Eun-ah (Go Youn-jung), a talented producer possessing a sharp instinct for compelling narratives and an unresolved past. Their paths intertwine, sparking a profound connection as they recognize shared struggles within each other. Together, they embark on a delicate journey to confront and heal the long-held burdens of jealousy, inadequacy, and old emotional wounds.
Director Cha Young-hoon’s Vision for Authentic Storytelling
During a recent press conference held in Seoul, acclaimed director Cha Young-hoon, celebrated for his popular K-dramas like “When the Camellia Blooms” and “Welcome to Samdal-ri,” shared his meticulous approach to “We Are All Trying Here.” Director Cha emphasized his commitment to capturing every subtle nuance of the script, stating, “I did not want to miss a single word.” He elaborated on the collective dedication to faithfully translate the writer’s original intentions, aiming to convey an emotional depth beyond the initial script.
Cha Young-hoon clarified that this JTBC drama transcends a typical underdog success story. Instead, it offers a profound exploration of overcoming feelings of self-worthlessness through the transformative power of human connection – specifically, the act of being truly seen and accepted by another. He highlighted the series’ empathetic message, providing “warm words of reassurance” that viewers are not alone in their experiences of frustration, shame, and self-contempt, and that these feelings are transient.
Koo Kyo-hwan on Portraying Dong-man and the Drama’s Universal Appeal
Actor Koo Kyo-hwan shared his enthusiastic response to the script of “We Are All Trying Here,” expressing a deep connection to the role. “I remember thinking, ‘So a moment like this can actually come to me too,'” he recounted, highlighting his excitement. He characterized his character, Dong-man, as an relatable, “ordinary man who could be living right next door,” emphasizing the series’ universal appeal despite its backdrop in the film industry.
Known primarily for his extensive work in films, Koo Kyo-hwan noted the significance of this role as his first television series where he could delve into a single character’s life with such comprehensive depth and duration. The actor admitted to still feeling immersed in Dong-man’s world, finding it difficult to bid farewell, unlike previous roles. This emotional investment promises a powerful performance in the upcoming K-drama.
Beyond the central narrative, “We Are All Trying Here” is poised to explore the distinct and equally profound stories of its supporting characters. The writer’s signature emotional depth and meticulous care in character development, which have resonated deeply with past audiences, are expected to shine throughout this new series.
The 12-episode Korean series, “We Are All Trying Here,” is scheduled to premiere on JTBC every Saturday at 10:40 p.m. Viewers worldwide will also be able to stream this highly anticipated drama on global platforms Netflix and Tving.
