The upcoming JTBC drama We Are All Trying Here has unveiled its first poster featuring leads Koo Kyo-hwan and Go Youn-jung, generating anticipation for the series set to premiere in the second quarter of 2026. The drama, which will also be available on Netflix, was highlighted during Netflix’s Next on Netflix 2026 Korea event held in Seoul on January 21, 2026. Penned by acclaimed writer Park Hae-young—known for the emotionally resonant series My Mister and My Liberation Notes—the project promises a thoughtful exploration of personal struggles amid a competitive world.
The newly released poster captures the central tension between the two main characters. It shows Hwang Dong-man and Byun Eun-ah standing on a street at night, staring intently at each other, their locked gazes conveying unspoken depth and connection against the quiet urban backdrop. This visual perfectly hints at the evolving dynamic that forms the heart of the story, where mutual understanding becomes a catalyst for healing and growth.
Koo Kyo-hwan takes on the role of Hwang Dong-man, an aspiring film director who remains the only one yet to make his debut among the prestigious film industry collective known as “The Eight.” Feeling like an uninvited guest, he lingers on the periphery of success, desperately clinging to his dreams while concealing his mounting anxiety behind endless chatter and bravado. His character embodies the quiet desperation of someone perpetually on the outside looking in, battling a sense of inadequacy in an industry that moves forward without him.
Go Youn-jung stars as Byun Eun-ah, a producer at the film company Choi Film, where she has earned the formidable nickname “The Ax” for her incisive and unforgiving script evaluations. On the surface, she strives for composure and equilibrium in every situation, projecting an image of unflappable professionalism. Beneath that facade, however, she grapples with profound trauma that surfaces in intense moments, manifesting physically as nosebleeds when emotions overwhelm her carefully maintained control. The narrative traces how Dong-man—who might appear left behind or diminished by conventional measures of achievement but possesses remarkable inner resilience—becomes the unlikely source of her healing. In turn, she helps him reframe his feelings of worthlessness, illuminating his true value and allowing it to shine brightly.
The series delves into broader themes of envy, jealousy, and the search for inner peace in a world that often feels rigged against the individual. As described in official synopses, it follows a man tormented by these emotions as he spirals in isolation while everyone around him seems to succeed effortlessly. Through the lens of the film industry, the drama examines the personal costs of ambition, the masks people wear to hide vulnerability, and the redemptive power of genuine human connection. Additional cast members include Oh Jung-se as Park Gyeong-se, a director burdened by his own inferiority complex toward Dong-man; Kang Mal-geum as Ko Hye-jin; and Park Hae-joon as Hwang Jin-man, rounding out a talented ensemble poised to bring depth to the interconnected stories.
Directed by Cha Young-hoon, We Are All Trying Here is produced through a collaboration involving Studio Phoenix, SLL, and Studio Flow. With its blend of introspective character study and romantic undertones, the drama stands out as one of the most anticipated JTBC offerings on Netflix next year. Fans of Park Hae-young’s previous works will recognize her signature style of quiet, character-driven storytelling that uncovers profound truths in everyday struggles.
As the second quarter of 2026 approaches, audiences can look forward to a series that not only entertains but also offers a poignant reflection on resilience, self-worth, and the ways people quietly support one another through life’s challenges.
Source: Netflix (via Soompi)
