Netflix has dropped the official trailer for We Are All Trying Here, the highly anticipated Korean drama starring Koo Kyo-hwan and Go Youn-jung, offering viewers an intimate look at the quiet battles faced by those chasing dreams in the cutthroat film industry.
The plot follows Hwang Dong-man (Koo Kyo-hwan), an aspiring director who has spent two decades pursuing his debut feature film yet remains the only undebuted member of his prominent industry group “The Eight.” Surrounded by successful peers, he battles deepening feelings of envy, jealousy, isolation, and worthlessness while striving to maintain inner peace. His path intersects with Byeon Eun-a (Go Youn-jung), a dedicated producer at Choi Film known as “The Ax” for her brutally sharp screenplay critiques, who conceals her own anger, fears, and emotional overload as she navigates intense workloads and personal vulnerabilities.
Their evolving connection offers a glimmer of mutual support amid shared struggles, as the story explores how individuals in creative fields confront self-doubt and seek healing through relationships rather than solitary triumphs. The trailer highlights these quiet moments of introspection, fleeting hope, and the subtle weight of unfulfilled ambitions with a restrained, emotionally resonant tone.
You can watch the trailer for We Are All Trying Here below:
Written by Park Hae-young, the celebrated screenwriter behind acclaimed series such as My Mister and My Liberation Notes, and directed by Cha Young-hoon, We Are All Trying Here delves deeply into themes of envy, jealousy, and the search for inner peace. The story follows individuals in the filmmaking world who confront feelings of worthlessness amid the success of others, presenting a nuanced portrayal of personal and professional struggles that many creatives experience. The trailer's measured pacing and emotional undertones suggest a drama that prioritizes character development and authentic relationships over high-stakes plot twists.
Following the trailer's release, Netflix Korea unveiled a new poster for the series on its official X account, showcasing the leads in a visually compelling composition that further heightens anticipation.
At the heart of We Are All Trying Here is Hwang Dong-man, played by Koo Kyo-hwan, a long-suffering aspiring director who has spent two decades pursuing his first feature film only to watch peers achieve the milestones that elude him. Surrounded by accomplished friends and colleagues, he grapples with isolation, envy, and a profound sense of failure. Go Youn-jung portrays Byeon Eun-a, a capable yet overburdened producer at Choi Film, often called “The Ax” for her no-nonsense approach, who juggles intense workloads while managing her own emotional vulnerabilities. Their evolving dynamic forms the emotional core, as the two find unexpected solace in each other amid shared challenges.
Koo Kyo-hwan, known for his compelling performances in DP, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and Parasyte: The Grey, brings a layered authenticity to Hwang Dong-man’s journey of self-discovery. His ability to convey quiet desperation and gradual hope adds depth to a character defined by prolonged setbacks. Go Youn-jung, building on her roles in Alchemy of Souls, Sweet Home, and other notable projects, infuses Byeon Eun-a with resilience and subtle fragility, making her a relatable figure for anyone balancing ambition with personal tolls. The strong supporting cast includes Oh Jung-se as Park Gyeong-se, Kang Mal-geum as Ko Hye-jin, and Park Hae-joon as Hwang Jin-man. This ensemble is poised to deliver performances that illuminate the interconnected lives within the industry, where professional pressures often blur into personal identities.
The series stands out for its realistic depiction of the entertainment business’s hidden costs—failed projects, constant comparison, and the quiet erosion of self-worth. Rather than glamorizing the creative process, We Are All Trying Here examines how these elements foster hopelessness and how human connections can serve as anchors. Park Hae-young’s signature writing style, characterized by introspective dialogue and understated emotional revelations, aligns seamlessly with Cha Young-hoon’s direction, which has previously balanced tenderness with raw honesty in character-focused narratives. Together, they craft a story that feels both specific to the film industry and universally resonant, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences with doubt and perseverance.
Production details emphasize attention to authenticity, from the depiction of film set dynamics to the everyday realities of producers and directors. The drama avoids sensationalism, opting instead for grounded storytelling that highlights small victories and supportive relationships as pathways to rediscovering value. With its focus on empathy and gradual growth, the series promises to offer comfort and insight to those who have ever felt adrift in their ambitions.
We Are All Trying Here will premiere on April 18, with new episodes arriving every Saturday and Sunday. The 12-episdoe series will air in JTBC in South Korea.
