‘We Are All Trying Here’ Tops Netflix Korea Top 10, Signaling Breakout Success Beyond TV Ratings

The JTBC weekend drama 'We Are All Trying Here,' starring Koo Kyo Hwan and Go Youn Jung, is showing signs of an unusual breakout hit, climbing beyond traditional TV viewership to claim the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s charts.

With its weighty emotional narrative, unique world-building, and the evolving relationship between two characters who recognize and embrace each other’s deficiencies, the series has deeply resonated with viewers.

According to Netflix’s official site, Tudum, the drama ranked No. 1 in the “Top 10 Series in South Korea” for the week of April 20 to 26, proving its strong buzz. Audiences have become immersed in the characters’ inner voids and the story of how they gradually fill those gaps together.

Dong Man’s Inner Struggle Hidden Behind Constant Talk

In the series, Hwang Dong Man (played by Koo Kyo Hwan) is a man battling an inner voice that denies his self-worth. To ward off the anxiety that creeps in whenever silence falls, he talks incessantly, even in the presence of others. Through his “emotion watch,” he constantly checks indicators like “anxiety” and “boredom,” revealing his fragile daily life.

After receiving harsh criticism from CEO Choi Dong Hyun (played by Choi Won Young of Choi Film), Dong Man experiences an abnormal hunger—symbolizing a massive void formed over 20 years of unfulfilled dreams. What he truly longs for is something simple yet perfect: a sense of comfort, like eating tangerines under a blanket.

Eun Ah’s Trauma and Her Path to “Relief”

Byun Eun Ah (Go Youn Jung) suffers from severe nosebleeds whenever she experiences intense psychological pressure. Although her emotion watch labels her state as “unknown,” it actually reflects a tangled mix of anger, despair, and frustration. This stems from childhood trauma—having been abandoned by her parents at the age of nine. For her, the word “mother” does not represent warmth, but rather a painful memory tied to survival.

Finding Healing Through Each Other

As both characters struggle at their lowest points, they begin to discover the possibility of healing through one another. Eun Ah’s nosebleeds, which erupt during moments of unbearable pain, mysteriously stop when she is with Dong Man, replaced by a feeling of “relief.”

Whether it’s sprinting through a school zone to transform pain into a sense of achievement or sharing unconventional coping methods for sleep paralysis, Dong Man gradually becomes Eun Ah’s “green light” and source of comfort. Their journey delicately portrays how they become safe havens for each other.

Viewers are now closely following the pair as they openly share their emotional voids and build a narrative of mutual salvation.

“Possessed-Level Acting” Draws Rave Reviews

Following the release of Episode 4, online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, praising both the drama’s quality and the actors’ performances.

Viewers commented, “Dong Man’s unique way of offering comfort is incredibly endearing,” and “Koo Kyo Hwan and Go Youn Jung’s performances feel almost possessed—it’s so immersive, it feels like watching a monodrama unfold right in front of you.”

Some also offered deeper character analysis. One viewer noted, “I thought Dong Man was pretending to sleep to avoid paying, but it turns out he was fiercely battling his inner demons alone—it was heartbreaking.” Another added, “Eun Ah’s life feels as suffocating as sleep paralysis, yet she’s portrayed as resilient, not weak.”

Praise also poured in for writer Park Hae Young, known for her literary sensibility. Comments included, “Not a single line of dialogue is wasted,” “Every line lingers deeply,” and “The setting is so realistically cruel it hurts to even think about it.” Many also predicted that the drama could become a defining work in Go Youn Jung’s career.

No. 1 on Netflix vs. 2.4% Ratings: A Sign of Changing Viewing Habits

The series also highlights a growing trend where traditional TV ratings no longer fully capture a show’s success. While Episode 4 recorded a modest 2.4% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea), it simultaneously ranked No. 1 on Netflix in South Korea—demonstrating the divergence in platform consumption.

This suggests that rather than tuning in at fixed broadcast times, viewers are choosing to watch the series on their own schedules via OTT platforms. The drama’s dense dialogue and introspective storytelling align particularly well with binge-watching formats.

Strong Filmographies Add to Anticipation

Both leads bring strong track records that further elevate expectations. Koo Kyo Hwan has built a distinctive acting career through works such as 'Jane,' 'Peninsula,' 'Escape from Mogadishu,' 'D.P.,' and 'Escape.' Meanwhile, Go Youn Jung has established herself as a rising star through 'Sweet Home,' 'Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow,' and 'Moving.'

Their on-screen chemistry balances the drama’s emotional weight. Scenes like sharing coping methods for sleep paralysis or running through a school zone add warmth and humanity, preventing the story from becoming overwhelmingly heavy.

Can TV Ratings Catch Up?

A 2.4% rating remains a hurdle the show must overcome. However, its No. 1 Netflix ranking and the synergy between its well-established actors leave ample room for growth. As word-of-mouth continues to spread about its poignant dialogue and emotional depth, attention is now on whether its TV ratings will eventually catch up with its OTT success.

Produced by Studio Phoenix, SLL, and Studio Flow, 'We Are All Trying Here' airs on JTBC every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM.