Koo Kyo-hwan, right, appears as Hwang Dong-man in JTBC’s drama “We Are All Trying Here.” Courtesy of JTBC
JTBC’s weekend drama "We Are All Trying Here" is gaining traction through word of mouth and online buzz, rather than rapid plot twists, sensational themes or clips designed to spread on social media.
The series follows Hwang Dong-man, played by Koo Kyo-hwan, an aspiring director gripped by jealousy as his friends move ahead in life. Instead of affairs, heavy melodrama or easy emotional hooks, the drama leans into discomfort, moral ambiguity and emotional depth.
Written by Park Hae-young, whose previous works include "My Mister" and "My Liberation Notes," and directed by Cha Young-hun of "When the Camellia Blooms" and "Welcome to Samdal-ri," the drama drew attention even before its premiere. Their collaboration brings together two creators known for character-driven storytelling and grounded portraits of ordinary people.
The cast also raised expectations. Koo is joined by acclaimed actors Oh Jung-se, Kang Mal-geum and Park Hae-joon.
This slow-burning success defies a content market driven by quick-hit entertainment. Shorts and other short-form formats have pushed creators toward fast-paced storytelling, clear conflicts and clips that circulate easily on social media. "We Are All Trying Here," however, moves the other way. Its early episodes build emotion slowly and leave viewers to interpret pauses, facial expressions and lines of dialogue.
Koo Kyo-hwan, left, and Go Youn-jung are seen in a scene from JTBC drama "We Are All Trying Here." Courtesy of JTBC
Most characters stand between good and evil. Some seem villainous but carry understandable pain, while others act righteously but reveal selfish motives. The moral ambiguity gives the drama realism. People in everyday life are rarely pure heroes or villains, and the show draws strength from that uncertainty.
Hwang is not built for easy sympathy. He makes others uncomfortable, yet the drama shows the insecurity and sadness behind his resentment. Koo’s restrained and layered performance gives the character force. He reveals Hwang’s fractures through subtle changes in expression, breathing and rhythm rather than emotional outbursts.
The complexity has shaped audience response. On online communities and social media, viewers analyze expressions, debate lines and read meaning into individual scenes. Some view Hwang with pity. Others say they cannot understand him. The argument itself has become part of the drama’s appeal.
Source: Korea Times News
