In the upcoming JTBC series We Are All Trying Here, which follows aspiring director Hwang Dong-man as he grapples with envy, jealousy, and a search for inner peace amid more successful peers, Go Youn-jung takes on the role of Byun Eun-ah, a no-nonsense planning PD at Choi Film nicknamed “Axe PD” for her brutally sharp script critiques. In a recent interview, the actress opened up about the layered depths of her character and the profound inspiration she drew from co-star Koo Kyo-hwan’s performance.
Go Youn-jung plays Byun Eun-ah, who appears tough and competent on the surface but harbors intense internal struggles with self-worth and anxiety. The actress shared her first impression of the show's script: “Since the story is set in the industry I belong to, it felt natural rather than unfamiliar, and there were many aspects I could deeply relate to."
“The humor isn’t simply light—it carries a dark, bittersweet tone, creating an atmosphere like a ‘black sitcom,’ which I found particularly impressive,” she added, describing the unique tone of the series that explores themes of envy, self-worth, and the search for inner peace.
Go Youn-jung elaborated on her character’s inner world: “someone who imposes even stricter standards on herself internally, repeatedly asking, ‘Am I truly a person of value?’” “When overwhelmed by extreme stress or anxiety, instead of crying, she gets nosebleeds. Rather than expressing her emotions outwardly, she suppresses them, continuing a quieter yet deeper internal struggle.”
To bring this layered character to life, the actress paid careful attention to subtle performance details. “I paid close attention to details like slight changes in gaze, the rhythm of speech, and tonal inflections at the end of sentences,” she explained. “Since she’s a character with a lot of empty space, I worked hard to fill that space with substance.”
She also spoke warmly about working alongside Koo Kyo-hwan, who portrays Hwang Dong-man. “I often felt like I was really looking at Hwang Dong Man. While he has a bright and cheerful energy, there’s also a constant, unseen effort and inner struggle, which closely resembles Hwang Dong Man.” “His acting had a clear sense of order within its freedom. The Hwang Dong Man I imagined came to life in a far more colorful and multidimensional way than expected, and I learned a lot and felt inspired.”
The drama, written by Park Hae-young and directed by Cha Young-hoon, delves into the emotional struggles of individuals in the entertainment industry as they confront jealousy and seek personal peace. Go Youn-jung’s Byun Eun-ah forms a meaningful connection with Koo Kyo-hwan’s character, where their mutual understanding helps each navigate their insecurities.
“I felt that the words Byun Eun Ah offers to support Hwang Dong Man are ultimately things she wanted to say to herself.” She added, “They are moments where she comforts herself while comforting the other person, which made their relationship feel deeper and more genuine.”
Through her portrayal, Go Youn-jung aims to convey a nuanced message about self-perception. “Through Byun Eun Ah’s journey, I hope viewers can come to see the feeling of ‘worthlessness’ not as something that must be eliminated, but as a process of understanding, accepting, and finding new meaning.” She added, “I hope you can feel a small sense of liberation in acknowledging and accepting yourself within that process.”
We Are All Trying Here is set to premiere on April 18, 2026, and will be available on Netflix.
