Netflix No.1 in just 2 episodes? Why 'We Are All Trying Here' is exploding despite 2.2% ratings

At first glance, its premiere numbers were underwhelming. Despite being a highly anticipated new series from JTBC, it recorded just 2.2% viewership for both Episodes 1 and 2. By the numbers alone, it seemed like a lukewarm start. But the real reaction from the market erupted somewhere else entirely.

Starring Koo Kyo Hwan and Go Youn Jung, JTBC’s weekend drama 'We Are All Trying Here' completely shifted the narrative by climbing to No. 1 on Netflix Korea after just two episodes. While its TV ratings suggest a quiet beginning, the series has already become the most chosen title on OTT platforms. It hasn’t yet reached its ambitious goal of surpassing 28.4%, but in terms of buzz, it has ignited far faster than expected.

According to Nielsen Korea on April 20, Episode 2, which aired the previous day, recorded 2.2% nationwide among paid households—identical to Episode 1, which aired on April 18. However, on the same day, it ranked No. 1 on Netflix Korea’s “Top 10 Series in South Korea Today” as of 10 a.m. Titles such as 'Phantom Lawyer,' 'Bloodhounds,' 'Daemons of the Shadow Realm,' 'One Punch Man,' 'Brave Detectives,' 'Kill Blue,' 'Lee Seo Jin’s Dalla Dalla,' 'Beef,' and 'Unanswered Questions' followed behind. The stark contrast between TV ratings and OTT buzz couldn’t be clearer.

What’s even more notable is that this was never a small-scale project to begin with. The pairing of Koo Kyo Hwan and Go Youn Jung alone generated major anticipation. It also brings together writer Park Hae Young—known for 'My Mister' and 'My Liberation Notes'—and director Cha Young Hoon, who helmed 'When the Camellia Blooms' and 'Welcome to Samdalri.' With a strong supporting cast including Park Hae Joon, Oh Jung Se, Kang Mal Geum, and Han Sun Hwa, expectations were high, making the initial 2% ratings somewhat disappointing. Still, topping Netflix opens the door to a completely different interpretation: interest in the series is very much alive.

Why did it take off on Netflix first?

The answer lies in the tone of the drama.

'We Are All Trying Here' doesn’t rely on explosive, fast-paced storytelling. Instead, it slowly delves into envy, jealousy, inferiority, and loneliness—centered on a character who feels left behind among more successful peers. Emotion takes precedence over speed; lingering resonance outweighs plot twists.

This type of storytelling often thrives more on OTT platforms than on live broadcasts. Recommendation algorithms, word-of-mouth, and binge-watching habits all work in its favor, allowing momentum to build gradually rather than explode instantly.

Early viewer reactions were mixed. Some said, “It may divide audiences,” and “The slow pace could be a barrier,” while others praised, “Koo Kyo Hwan’s acting is excellent,” “It feels like watching my own life,” and “It’s perfect for late-night viewing.” Ultimately, this isn’t a drama designed to captivate everyone at once—it’s one that seeps in slowly for the right audience. Its Netflix No. 1 ranking signals that this quiet appeal is already taking hold faster than expected.

Park Hae Young’s signature “healing narrative” shows signs again

At the center of the story is Hwang Dong Man, a man who has failed to make his directorial debut even after 20 years. Played by Koo Kyo Hwan, he struggles with a deep sense of inadequacy as his peers find success in the film industry while he remains stuck. He is shaken by others’ achievements and grows louder in an attempt to mask his own insecurities.

Then comes Byun Eun Ah, played by Go Yoon Jung, a character who recognizes his potential before anyone else and quietly reaches out to him.

This structure closely resembles the signature “healing and redemption” narrative seen in Park Hae Young’s previous works. Like 'My Mister' and 'My Liberation Notes,' the story doesn’t start with a bang but gradually builds emotional depth and word-of-mouth appeal over time. Episodes 1 and 2 feel like the early stages of that buildup—establishing loneliness, awkwardness, and fragile connections that hint at long-term resonance.

Koo Kyo Hwan and Go Youn Jung’s chemistry hits harder than expected

The early buzz is largely driven by the two leads.

Koo Kyo Hwan doesn’t portray Hwang Dong Man as a simple failure. Instead, he creates a character who is pathetic yet strangely compelling—someone you can’t look away from. His portrayal of insecurity, jealousy, and social displacement feels uncomfortably real.

Go Yoon Jung, meanwhile, avoids turning Byun Eun Ah into a typical “savior” female lead. She delicately balances vulnerability and quiet strength, portraying someone who refuses to give up on another person’s potential despite her own wounds.

The latter part of Episode 2 showcased their chemistry at its peak. After being pushed out of his social circle and losing even the one place where he felt accepted, Hwang Dong Man hits rock bottom. It’s Byun Eun Ah who reaches out to him. His bitter outburst—“Go ahead and build a world where only shining people shine. It won’t shine at all”—and the subtle shift in her expression clearly signals where the story is headed. Moments like these explain why emotional engagement is outpacing ratings.

From 2.2% to 28.4%—ambition or a turning point?

At the production press conference, Park Hae Joon referenced the 28.4% record set by The World of the Married and expressed hopes of surpassing it with this drama. While 2.2% may seem far from that goal, it’s too early to define the outcome based solely on the first week.

Director Cha Young Hoon described the series as one that offers warmth, comfort, and empathy rather than instant gratification—suggesting that its true strength lies in emotions that spread gradually over time.

On the same day, MBC’s 'Perfect Crown' recorded 11.1%, dominating in ratings. Yet on OTT platforms, the results told a completely different story.

In the end, the real point to watch isn’t just the opening numbers. It’s whether the early OTT response can translate into sustained word-of-mouth—and eventually, a ratings rebound.

The message of the drama is clear: “Why do we live so painfully, as if we’ll never disappear?”

From that question, it moves toward a quiet reassurance: “You are already enough.”

By confronting inferiority, loneliness, and the fragile power of human connection head-on, the series positions itself for a longer, deeper impact beyond immediate ratings. It may be sitting at 2% now, but once it claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix, its real journey arguably just began.