'We Are All Trying Here' premieres to 2.2% with powerhouse lead cast

The premiere of 'We Are All Trying Here' has successfully captured the public’s attention through the raw and evocative performances of its lead cast. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode of the new JTBC weekend drama, which aired on April 18, 2026, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 2.2%. Written by the acclaimed Park Hae Young and directed by Cha Young Hoon, the series explores the deep-seated anxieties and feelings of worthlessness among individuals in the film industry. The drama boasts a stellar ensemble including Koo Kyo Hwan, Go Youn Jung, Oh Jung Se, Kang Mal Geum, Park Hae Joon, Bae Jong Ok, Han Sun Hwa, Choi Won Young, and Jeon Bae Soo.

The opening episode highlighted a masterful synergy between the writer’s poignant dialogue and the director’s witty visual composition. Koo Kyo Hwan stars as Hwang Dong Man, a perennial outsider who has spent 20 years stuck on the threshold of his directorial debut. While most see Hwang Dong Man as a nuisance, Byeon Eun Ah, portrayed by Go Youn Jung, is the only person who recognizes his untapped potential. Her simple validation—"I’m curious about your scenario"—triggers a "green light" on Hwang Dong Man’s emotional watch, setting the stage for a narrative of mutual salvation.

The drama reached its emotional peak during a confrontation between Hwang Dong Man and Choi Dong Hyun, played by Choi Won Young, the head of Choi Film. After Hwang Dong Man was rejected for 3 billion won in production funding, Choi Dong Hyun offered a cold suggestion for him to give up his dreams. Despite the devastating setback, Hwang Dong Man responded with a serene, Buddha-like smile before asserting his right to exist on his own terms. The script was filled with resonant lines that struck a chord with viewers, such as Hwang Dong Man’s defiant cry, "Why does my life have to be to your liking?", and Byeon Eun Ah’s vulnerable admission, "If I don’t say anything, it feels like I don’t even exist, so how can I stay quiet?" The second episode of 'We Are All Trying Here' is scheduled to air on April 19 at 10:30 PM.