JTBC has confirmed the star‑studded cast for its upcoming drama We Are All Trying Here, including Koo Kyo Hwan, Go Youn Jung, Oh Jung Se, Kang Mal Geum, and Park Hae Joon, heralding what many hope will be a new emotional drama phenomenon. The series explores how ordinary people, trapped by feelings of inadequacy, strive to find value and peace in their lives.
Written by Park Hae Young, known for the critically acclaimed My Mister and My Liberation Notes, the drama tackles the universal emotion of anxiety and the deep personal battles individuals face when confronting their own sense of worthlessness. Park’s gift for transforming raw, relatable human emotions into elegant and poignant storytelling has driven high expectations for this new project. Director Cha Young Hoon, celebrated for his sensitive and warm portrayal of human relationships in works such as When the Camellia Blooms and Welcome to Samdal‑ri, will helm the series, promising a visual and emotional synergy that brings the script’s introspective themes to life.
At the center of We Are All Trying Here is Koo Kyo Hwan, making his first full television drama lead role. He portrays Hwang Dong‑man, a hopeful filmmaker who, despite his passion, has never debuted. Constantly surrounded by talented peers yet overlooked by them, Dong‑man masks his insecurity with bluster and bravado. Koo Kyo Hwan is expected to lend depth and nuance to a character whose restless struggle and endearing flaws reflect the inner turmoil of many.
Joining him is Go Youn Jung, who plays Byun Eun‑ah, a film producer known as “the Ax” for her sharp script reviews. Though poised and composed on the surface, Eun‑ah battles emotional overload and trauma that manifest in surprising ways. Go Youn Jung’s layered performance is anticipated to beautifully chart Eun‑ah’s journey from self‑doubt toward healing—a narrative arc that resonates deeply with the drama’s theme of turning perceived worthlessness into profound personal value.
Oh Jung Se rounds out the ensemble as Park Kyung‑se, a successful director whose recent flop has left him bitter and insecure, particularly in his strained, competitive relationship with Dong‑man. Oh Jung Se’s talent for capturing complex emotional landscapes promises to heighten the series’ tension and emotional realism.
Kang Mal Geum plays Go Hye‑jin, CEO of a film company and Kyung‑se’s wife. A pillar of calm and decisive leadership, Hye‑jin runs a restaurant where the drama’s core circle gathers, offering grounding perspective and practical wisdom. Kang Mal Geum’s portrayal is expected to balance strength and vulnerability, anchoring the story’s emotional core.
Lastly, Park Hae Joon embodies Hwang Jin‑man, Dong‑man’s older brother and a former poet now adrift in life. Once filled with promise, Jin‑man endures the aftermath of creative disappointment, leading a life of labor and quiet despair. Park Hae Joon’s restrained performance is set to provide depth to the story’s exploration of regret, identity, and familial connection.
The production team describes We Are All Trying Here as a drama about embracing life’s struggles and finding meaning in vulnerability. By candidly addressing universal emotions such as jealousy, insecurity, and isolation, the series aims to offer heartfelt comfort and deep empathy to viewers. With its exceptional cast, insightful writing, and warm directorial vision, We Are All Trying Here is poised to bring a powerful narrative about human resilience and connection to JTBC screens in the first half of 2026.
Sources: Nate
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