Difference between revisions of "We Are All Trying Here"

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Drama: We Are All Trying Here (English title) / Everyone Is Fighting Against Their Own Worthlessness (literal title)
Revised romanization: Moduga Jashinui Mugachihamgwa Ssawoogoidda
Hangul: 모두가 자신의 무가치함과 싸우고 있다
Director: Cha Young-Hoon
Writer: Park Hae-Young
Network: JTBC
Episodes: 12
Release Date: April 18 - May 24, 2026
Runtime: Saturday & Sunday 22:40
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

A story of the struggles and journey of people tormented by envy and jealousy, while trying to find their own peace.

Hwang Dong-Man (Koo Kyo-Hwan) is an aspiring director, who is the only one in the famous film industry group "The Eight" that hasn't debuted. He tries not to get up caught up in feeling worthless. Byeon Eun-A (Go Youn-Jung) works as a producer for Choi Film. She's called The Ax due to her sharp screenplay reviews. She hides her anger and fears inside. Park Gyeong-Se (Oh Jung-Se) is a film director. He is particularly swayed and stressed by Hwang Dong-Man, after his recent movie bombed at the box office. Ko Hye-Jin (Kang Mal-Geum) is the CEO of Gobak Film and married to Park Gyeong-Se. She is broad-minded and steadfast enough to embrace Hwang Dong-Man's long-winded talks. Hwang Jin-Man (Park Hae-Joon) is Hwang Dong-Man's older brother and former poet. After experiencing the end of incompetence, he, whose inner self collapsed, feels empty.

Notes

"We Are All Trying Here" takes over JTBC's Saturday & Sunday 22:40 time slot previously occupied by "The Practical Guide to Love" and followed by "Reborn Rookie" on May 30, 2026.

Cast



Koo Kyo-Hwan	Go Youn-Jung
Hwang Dong-Man	Byeon Eun-A



Oh Jung-Se	Kang Mal-Geum	Park Hae-Joon	Bae Jong-Ok	Han Sun-Hwa
Park Gyeong-Se	Ko Hye-Jin	Hwang Jin-Man	Oh Jeong-Hui	Jang Mi-Ran

Choi Won-Young

Choi Dong-Hyeon

The Eight Club



Jeon Bae-Su	Sim Hee-Seop	Park Ye-Ni	Bae Myung-Jin	Jo Min-Kook
Park Yeong-Su	Lee Jun-Hwan	Choi Hyo-Jin	Lee Ki-Ri	Woo Seung-Tae

JH Entertainament

Park Soo-Young

Park Sang-Jin

Choi Film



Cho Su-Yeon	Kim So-Yul
Im Na-Young	Sae-Bom

Kopark Film



Lee Han-Sol	Jung Min-A
staff	Park Jeong-Min

Byeon Eun-A's Family



Yun Woon-Kyung	Han Si-A
Ga Su-Ja	Byeon Eun-A (child)

"Knock Knock Knock"

Kim Jong-Hoon

Ma Jae-Yeong

Movie/Drama Industry People



Sung Dong-Il	Kim Man-Ho	Park Jae-Chul	Kim Jung-Min	Park So-Yeon
Noh Kang-Sik	director	props master (ep.4)	Lee In-Yeong (ep.7)	KFA staff (ep.8-9)

Choi Tae-Hwan

Jung Hyeon-U (ep.9)

XimFit



Choi Hee-Jin	Jung Hye-Ji
psychiatrist	staff

Agit

Do Keon-Woo

bartender

Hwang Jin-Man's Group



Kim Ho-Won	Seo Ji-Won	Park Ok-Chool	Lee Ja-Ryoung
professor (ep.8)	poetry student (ep.8)	poetry student (ep.8)	poetry student (ep.8)

Others



Park Se-Hoon	Park Seok-Sang	Ha Sung-Min	Lee Seung-Joon	Jeong Jong-Jun
landlord (ep.1-2)	Loyal Catering staff	crosswalk pedestrian (ep.1-2)	writing academy student	Hwang Dong-Man's uncle (ep.2,5)



Lee Jeong-Geun	Seo Mi-Young	Lee Hyeong-Woo	Choi Min-Kyu
detective (ep.4-5)	adoption staff (ep.6)	loan shark (ep.9)	loan shark's enforcer (ep.9)

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul
2026-04-18	1	2.173%	2.481%
2026-04-19	2	2.239%	2.834%
2026-04-25	3	2.147%	2.540%
2026-04-26	4	2.441%	3.014%
2026-05-02	5	2.467%	2.708%
2026-05-03	6	2.901%	3.396%
2026-05-09	7	2.565%	3.079%
2026-05-10	8	3.869%	4.535%
2026-05-16	9	-	-
2026-05-17	10	-	-
2026-05-23	11	-	-
2026-05-24	12	-	-

Source: AGB Nielson

Comments

Eun-a Jun 05 2026 5:00 am I'm so curious of director Hwang's movie

IMO007 Jun 04 2026 1:40 pm Ok,, lol I just started this drama,, and wanted to comment about ep1, how can anyone keep a straight face,, I laughed so hard about DongMan repeating the story about the watch, also the imitation of Tony Leung, lmao.. so far so good.

Russell Jun 04 2026 11:27 am I liked it but it's really for adults, not teenagers. They're better off with flower boy type shows. This is for mature adults who understand suffering in life, and how to (slowly) rise above it.

And I would love to try out one of those feelings watches! It could tell me my innermost feelings when I don't want to acknowledge them. lol

Daniella Jun 02 2026 5:36 pm Women are not rehabilitation center for men. From what I have seen so far great drama with good depth but I can't help but perceive that some of he actions are perceived in line with male toxic behavior and bring a woman to make him look redeemable

Jillibean Jun 02 2026 12:05 am It definitely has some My Mister vibes since the same writer wrote it.

Hamyuzai Jun 01 2026 3:23 am I am at Episode 6, no doubt this drama is great but I just can’t accept the way Hwang Dong Man acted. He basically have the best friends that supported him for 10 plus years and he failed because he refused to make changes and learn but still talked crap about others.

Sabna May 30 2026 9:01 am Thank you to the writer and the entire cast for portraying such a beautiful story. This drama feels so deep and painfully realistic. Usually people watch dramas to escape the bitterness of real life, but from the very first episode, this one forces you to face that discomfort head-on. No escaping it, real life is hard, and the drama is hard too. That’s probably why it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and can make a lot of people uncomfortable.

But that’s also what makes it special. The deeper the story goes, the more you realize that all of us imperfect humans are carrying our own struggles. We can also be annoying or difficult in someone else’s eyes. Not everyone will understand or like us, and that’s okay. It’s amazing how this drama slowly makes you realize it’s basically a reflection of the kind of reality we usually try to avoid.

Thank youuuu for giving us one of the most incredible shows of 2026.

Peju May 29 2026 2:58 pm 1000/100?❤️ This kdrama is really good

Trad Factor May 29 2026 8:20 am Hands down is one of the best dramas this year. We need more dramas like this.

sonofriver May 29 2026 2:33 am This is the brilliance of writer Park Hae-young. I once started watching Another Oh Hae-young, but I never finished it—not because it wasn’t interesting, but more because I didn’t have the time. Then I got the chance to binge-watch My Mister, because it was simply that addictive from episode to episode.

The signature of Park Hae-young’s work is its dark, deeply relatable slice-of-life storytelling. Every character is crafted so carefully that viewers can’t help but love them—not merely because they’re protagonists, but because they are brought to life by outstanding performances, supported by excellent costume design and hairstyles that deserve praise.

The writer’s intelligence is evident first in the conflict that brings the two main characters, Dong-man and Eun-a, together. They are connected through technology. Both are struggling with issues involving family members, and both are dealing with problems caused by other people. They offer each other solutions because they feel they can fill the gaps in one another’s lives. One needs to let everything out, while the other continues to keep everything bottled up.

Notice how cleverly the writer even conveys that Gyeong-se’s scenario becomes more engaging in Episodes 3 and 4—which is exactly what viewers experience. Episodes 1 and 2 feel somewhat dragging and aren’t particularly captivating. Personally, it was only in Episode 3 that I decided to continue all the way to the finale. It’s almost as if the writer knew that the first two episodes might feel boring to some viewers.

The melancholy and soothing atmosphere constantly pulls us into the characters’ emotions. Watching WAATH feels like reliving the experience of watching My Mister.

And my prediction is that this drama will receive numerous nominations and win plenty of awards: directing, screenplay, cinematography, lead actor, and supporting actor. Koo Kyo-hwan will almost certainly add another trophy to his Baeksang collection. And honestly, Go Youn-jung, this is your best performance yet! You deserve to win as well.

As for Park Hae-young, this could very well become his third major award-winning work after My Mister and My Liberation Notes.

9.5/10. A perfect drama. Best K-Drama of the Year. ??

Mendungdisana May 29 2026 2:23 am Beautiful drama Its deep Its hurt Its fun

Edward May 28 2026 10:07 pm One of the best dramas I’ve seen. It had depth in so many aspects. It had no silliness - just a human story. So many newer dramas seem to be recreations of anime with over exaggeration. This was like My Mister - serious and deep. This was an intelligent drama. I wish more dramas were like this.

Karupin May 28 2026 12:21 pm A masterpiece. The drama was so good; each character showed how their story unfolded and had their own spotlight on how they fought their own 'worthlessness.' Personally, I wanted more screen time for Hwang Jin Man because his words carry heavy meaning that reflects our lives, and I wanted to hear more of his poetry.

Somewhere ovee the rainbow May 28 2026 11:42 am Masterpiece! This writer is an absolute genius. Dong Man acting, I feel like I am on the scene with him, all actors portray all mixes feeling. Genius, absolute genius. Kudos!

Sue May 26 2026 7:47 pm I'd venture to say this is up there as one of the best dramas worldwide today. It has everything and does it all so well. The casting is superb. The characters and acting are sublime and storyline is outstanding. Korea has caught up to Hollywood and has even met the UK with this series. It is world-class and the humour is understood across all cultures. That scene of Park Gyeong-Se's tantrum - absolutely priceless.

SJ May 26 2026 4:58 pm If you want to experience every feelings from one series, then this is the drama you should watch.

Excellent writting, direction and acting.

When I watched My Mister some years ago, I would always wish they make more dramas like this. My wish was answered with this drama.

I feel dejected seeing the writer takes his time with each winning story, but at the same time I am glad it takes time, for that is why it is always exceptional.

Great job to every actor that did an amazing job. Hoping the Korean industry will start taking notice of dramas like this and churn out more strong story telling dramas rather than the usual templates.

So don't hesitate, just watch, and enjoy.

Hinykim May 26 2026 11:37 am Why is there such importance for directors writing their own scripts?

Smiles May 26 2026 10:16 am This movie is so great All I can say is we are all trying here

No words can describe how I’m feeling about this movie I want to talk more about it but I don’t know exactly what to say but it’s great

Kudos to the cast, director, writer and everyone that come together to make this great drama

Jenn93 May 26 2026 7:54 am This drama is my best for the year so far. It made me believe in pushing forward and not giving up, self love, believing in yourself and not being in a competition with anyone. My gratitude goes to the Screen writer, the casts and crew members for making this drama. Thank You So Much !!

GMoney May 25 2026 1:07 pm I posted earlier that it was good this was only 12 episodes and that the story would not be dragged out to to complete 16 episodes. I take it back! I want more. What a masterpiece. Characters, writing, story, casting. I have seen many KDramas and this is my #1. I hope all involved receive the recognition they deserve. Thank you for creating a beautiful story!

Brian V May 25 2026 1:26 am I'm three episodes in, and I'm enjoying this show. It's a bit more cerebral than other kdrama's, and requires some emotional empathy and intuition. Allow the characters to be who they are without judging them.

I want this show to make me feel the same way My Liberation Notes made me feel. It doesn't yet, but I'm hoping. My Liberation Notes is in my top3 kdrama's ever watched, and I'm well over 100 watched.

Park Hae-Joon is playing another troubled soul, similar but different than in My Mister. Oh Jung-Se is perfect for his part, and I'm really liking Kang Mal-Geum.

I have to mention how well Go Youn-Jung is playing the vulnerable one. I feel so much empathy for her character.

There's so much more to go, I'm glad to have a good kdrama to watch.

Cara May 24 2026 11:01 pm This is one of the best series I've seen in my life. Definitely one for the books, the story, the cast, the acting were all great. Words used and even scenes that were just quite were the ones that really touched my heart. To the writer, director actors and everyone involved in this series, thank you for bringing this to our screen. It was an amazing experience to watch.

MagdaUSA May 24 2026 8:28 pm Wow!!!!!!! What an excellent Series! Great plot! Outstanding top notch performance by all the leading actors and actresses! And very very good acting from all supporting actors and actresses! This series covered all kinds of emotions! Kindness, funny, love, emotional healing, forgiveness, action, loyalty and friendship! Hoping there will be a sequel to this series! I want to see more! Loved it! Main male actor and actress deserve an award!

justafan May 24 2026 5:38 pm This series comes to end but it feels like there's some missing parts or I just miss them already. It's a masterpiece. I hope there would be season 2 or a series like this <3

Big_kay May 24 2026 4:47 pm A masterpiece, Props to the entire cast, every role was perfectly embodied to the Tee.

Chisom May 24 2026 2:37 pm Sigh. Park hae young has done it again. I’m such a big fan, I can’t help myself. This drama dug deep into my heart and tugged at it. It’s really not easy to balance slice of life with comedy but it was done perfectly. Dong man was a thoroughly embarrassing man who was envious of everyone. Eun a was someone who didn’t wanna stand out but they found eachother and made eachother better.

Let us endeavor to live life like a comedy. It doesn’t always have to be difficult, let’s laugh, live and love.

Steve May 24 2026 1:24 pm A brilliant and thoroughly satisfying drama. On the surface it's a story about struggling to make it in the film industry and the screenwriting profession in particular, but underneath it's a story about being seen and heard as a the person we are. The show was written by Park Hae-Young who also wrote My Mister among other well received dramas. Like My Mister, the relationship between brothers is central to the plot and underscores the male lead's motivation for acceptance. While American television is still producing good dramas (i.e. The Pitt, Severance, Succession), it feels like they have moved away from nuanced, character driven dramas like We Are All Trying Here. This was an especially well written drama whose characters felt both familiar and surprising. Highly recommended.

Hirma May 24 2026 11:57 am We Are All Trying Here is such an amazing drama with a brilliant screenplay. The character Hwang Dong Man could never have been played by anyone other than Koo Kyo-hwan, and Byeon Eun Na would not have felt the same if she had not been portrayed by Go Youn-jung.

I feel like my life is similar to theirs — like a loser compared to the people around me. But my fate is still better than theirs. Watching this drama gave me the motivation to keep living and reminded me not to compare my life to others.

It’s such a shame that this drama only has 12 episodes. This drama proves that we do not only need romantic, comedy, or horror dramas — we also need soul-touching dramas like this.

All of the actors in this drama delivered incredible performances. And I truly hated Ma Jae Yeong, played by Kim Jong-hoon — which only proves how amazing his acting was. Sometimes I even felt like saying, “You should have been the one who didn’t deserve to live in this world.”

Thank you to the director and writer for bringing this drama into the world.

Chy James May 23 2026 7:30 am Best so far ! Love it

Miracle May 22 2026 9:20 pm One of the good drama of the year, Nice storyline ??

RoI May 22 2026 11:57 am Best drama of 2026! Amazing cast and storyline. I can’t wait to watch the final episodes. Thank you for this amazing drama!

virabiro May 22 2026 11:56 am I'm pretty sure the director/producer were like "Ohh yeah that man what was he called ahh yes Bang Gu-Ppong on Extraordinary Attorney Wo will play this character perfectly." I mean he just remind me of him on that Drama.

Sky May 20 2026 2:19 pm Wonderful storyline. Great cast. its a really good drama. The script is a masterpiece. Everything about this drama is so amazing, its realistic, so impactful, I just love it so much!

Rosie May 20 2026 5:00 am I started watching this drama because of Go Youn-Jung. I loved her in Can This Love Be Translated? I'm on the 2nd episode. It got me interested with the loser of the Eight Club. I want to see what's going to happen with him because he met with The Ax. I like this drama better that The Art of Sarah.

boohoo May 19 2026 4:24 pm Good drama. I like the flaws in all the characters, it is realistic. Even their relationships with each other, all realistic, nothing is perfect.

Dan May 19 2026 9:26 am God i hate the MC. A worthless loser who think he's better than everyone. This drama is catered to male fantasy of being toxic shitty human being and then getting the female lead just because she think he's redeemable.

I dropped the series after the 6th episode.

Ladies beware, you can't fix a shitty human being.

Another_bina May 18 2026 6:24 pm Best kdrama for 2026. I really liked every single sentence in this korean drama, the way the writer scripted everyone in this serie is amazing... it's another healing drama...

Jasvir May 18 2026 11:20 am One of the best series I've watched. Hwang Dong Man truly made an impact. He is truly a performer! He drove me up the wall, cried with him and laughed, smiled with him. This guy is just amazing. Well done!

MaddieB May 18 2026 10:59 am What an intriguing script. Lingers in the mind long after switching off. We’ve all met a Hwang Dong-hyun in our lifetime.. I certainly have. Pain in the back side and intense:) So brilliantly acted. Hope KK hwon will get the recognition he deserves over there in Korea. Great casting too.

Niel May 18 2026 8:41 am The Best of all Best

Jade May 17 2026 10:30 pm Daesang for Koo Kyo Hwan performance!!

Brilliant!!

Chey May 17 2026 1:20 pm Addendum: Do not trust your bestfriend! They may be happy for your success but deep inside they aren't and they are crippling with Envy. This is what my late mother often told me. And that is Park Gyung Se

Chey May 17 2026 1:17 pm This Writer never fails!!!! So far, so very good!!! Park Hae Young, you truly are one of a kind Scriptwriter, you are a league of your own!

Sung Dong-il, man! You always are one of my great favourites SKorean actor. Noh Kang Sik...his ego was hit thus he took the job.

Dong Man-ssi, Fighting!!!

AND Eun-a, don't forget that more often than not, Mothers are always right.

Ryan May 17 2026 12:03 pm The only Kdrama where I enjoyed every line, whether its important or not. I really love the character of Hwang Dong-Man. Especially his story telling habit. Thank you so much for the writer of this Kdrama, I enjoyed every second of this series.

Raven May 17 2026 2:07 am I can't stop praising this one. Just wow!

Rasha May 16 2026 12:21 pm This series is one of the best I've seen in the last few years. Everything about it is real, deep, true and calm. There's beauty in the world still despite of all the pain and sorrow. I love all the actors and I wish they give awards for this to the whole cast and the writer.

Ahn11 May 14 2026 7:20 pm I absolutely love it! The plot, the cast, music, scenes, play... What a masterpiece! I enjoy every second of the series, enjoy their relationships, struggles, the way of expressing emotions. Wanna say thank you to everyone who created it.

Ish May 14 2026 3:22 pm For those of you who are fascinated by this series (just like me), take a look at who wrote it: Park Hae-Young. That explains it all...

Habeeb May 12 2026 7:36 am This is what you call a masterpiece, It's so amazing that I think of the Series as something I can't express an emotion for, but it's so good, I will call it a premium package! The Chemistry amidst all the actor and actress needs a fitting award for it ...

Fahad H May 12 2026 1:00 am It’s my first time writing on this platform after so many years of learning about shows and this one made me have to express what a great piece of film this is. The first episode is a bit slower but it holds a lot of weight and as i progressed I couldn’t wait for more. It is actually so wonderfully filmed, the performances were brilliant by both MLs. And my favorite GYJ absolutely killed her role. These guys all deserve a couple awards. It’s more mature, grows into a complex and dark slice of life that borderlines into a modern day tragic love story. Director absolutely deserves all praise

Raven May 11 2026 11:13 pm I have waiting this kind for years. Honestly these past five years or more Kdrama have been producing recycled trash. The pace, writing, cinematography, acting, etc. wow. I read below comment about disliking Dong Man character is toxic. Lol. You live in a fantasy. I think one of the reason the writer wrote this is for the viewers to get back to our messy realities and try to understand it more. This is exceptionally outstanding drama. If this drama don't have award I am pretty sure that there's something really wrong with the judges. Yo, I'm not saying this is the best of all. But this one is a rare stuff in Kdrama galaxy. You wouldn't be surprised if it in kmovies. But Kdrama can make this? Salute!

Weather maker May 11 2026 11:46 am 2 more episodes to go and things are heating up. Team Dong Man/Eun A/Hye Jin are going to Knock Knock Knock down frauds Choi and Ma...maybe with the financial help of Jeung Hui's master card?

Ari May 11 2026 10:02 am Cannot wait for ep 9!!! It's getting funnier and exciting!

Kdrama May 11 2026 8:49 am Dong man is obviously ADHD

Noonana May 11 2026 7:06 am The actors and actresses are all the best...But I can only watch the first 3 episodes. I love the casts; I think they have potrayed the characters magnificently but I don't have the heart to understand someone so toxic become the heroin since I have the experiences dealing with dong man kind of people and is destroying me as well.

Joy May 11 2026 3:19 am At first i thought it was boring. But got me hooked as each episodes goes by. I’m so loving it!

SerialKdramaWatcher May 10 2026 11:02 pm Episode 8 / 12

Amazing writing and realistic development. Time has not passed so fast for me in a slice of life (SOL) drama in a long time. One of those shows where the ratings do not justify the quality of the show. Low ratings are understandable considering the genre of the drama is rather heavy and characters are too imperfect, leading to it not being popular for the masses. Feels like we will finally have another masterpiece writing from start to end (Hope I don't jinx it) in a long time.

Steve May 10 2026 5:15 pm The writing in this drama is off the charts - moving, poetic, dense, purposeful

Yeongsil May 10 2026 4:27 pm I started this drama and after 1st episode I know it will be different from the cliche drama ongoing because of the writer and I was correct. It keeps getting raw and you will realize that those kind of people really exist irl.I can’t wait to see the new episodes and the ending. I hope the FL and ML together with his brother get the happy ending they deserve

Deen May 10 2026 11:00 am At first I started watching this story, it was boring. But then I really liked it. I want to wait for the next episode. Again and again.

Htike May 10 2026 2:27 am I respect and wanna kiss not only the actors but also the director and script writer. I discovered the reason why I love to watch the drama.

v May 09 2026 4:05 pm Just finished watching ep 7. There's this scene at the restaurant where Eun-a was telling Dong-man that this present is actually the past and that they are currently 99 and dying and just trying to relive their memories. A similar idea was also laid out by this writer in Another Oh Hae Young. She must have done this deliberately since it was kind of mentioned in the story how you can typically hear the voice of the writer in her work. ?

Soleil May 09 2026 4:35 am Whoever write this story, it was a beautiful story. And actor and actress potray the emotions so well. This drama should get an award.

Kevssss May 07 2026 5:07 pm Man, i dont know why I like Dongman and Mi Ran ? I want them to be together than DongMan and Eun-A

Z May 07 2026 2:36 pm This drama hits twice as hard when you’ve lived through similar struggles. It perfectly encapsulates that mid-life feeling where there’s barely any room left to grow. It shows how deeply anxiety, depression, and your environment can shape and destroy a person’s life, and how, by mid-life, people often just keep rolling with the misery because they feel trapped in it.

The male lead does an insanely good job portraying a deeply depressed yet warm-hearted person, someone who is naturally kind and caring, but slowly crushed by the pressure of everything and everyone around him.

Lanz May 06 2026 10:09 pm After watching the 6 episodes I can't wait for more ! This is truly a masterpiece film. I'm wondering why are the ratings low? This is so heartwarming and one of the best series I've watched. Must-see and both koo kyo-hwan and go youn-jong deserves an award for their acting. Thank you so much for making these. You don't know how this series comforted me.

Yuna May 05 2026 5:15 am Can someone explain why Jin man keeps doing that?

Jemight Koranteng May 04 2026 7:42 pm I really enjoy this kdrama, it makes me feel alive. Somehow I relate to the events in the movie. I just hope the rest of the episodes will come quickly cause I'm burning up. Thank you.

claire May 04 2026 8:50 am My favorite kdrama at this point. Great scenario, great acting. Fantastic. Bravo. Thank you ?

Reina May 04 2026 4:05 am Since I started watching this drama, I'm always wanting to have more episode. I feel the pain for the both character. The pain the I'm feeling right now is almost the same with the pain in this drama. The reason unknown is really giving me anxiety and mental breakdown. But because of this drama I still wanted the next week pass by so that I cant watch it again. I want to know how are they going to conquer their pain. To the male lead brother, I feel bad for him, to the male lead I even more feel bad for him, and to the other character they're just trying to survive the sadness, the emptiness and the anxiety of what life have given to each an every one of them. Thank you for the director and producer for giving us this wonderful drama. - Reina.

Crystal May 04 2026 1:35 am KKH acting is superb! No one can potray the male character in this series better than him. He is the best!

Sushi87 May 04 2026 12:56 am I cried at ep 6. This is KKH and GYJ best acting in a drama. KkH should sweep all the awards.

ValenSayang May 03 2026 11:44 am @Gmoney : I do agree with you. The scenes and dialogue don’t need background music to make people emotional, crying, angry sp on. What a breathtaking Korean drama I’ve ever watched.

Chloe May 02 2026 11:09 pm My heart aches for Ean-a. I hope she can find her peace and light in thia life. I hope she will be with people who will not hurt her. The show is amazing. Thank you writer-nim for this truly masterpiece (once again from you).

Lululu021 May 02 2026 10:58 pm Only 5 episode and i put this drama as my #kdrama of all timelist

hinykim May 02 2026 10:09 pm Wow.. this is second time I’ve ever cried watching a drama. The one other time was the ending of the smile has left your eyes and this emotion came at episode 5. This show is beautiful..

GMoney May 02 2026 2:38 pm I don't normally leave comments but felt compelled to for this drama. I just finished Ep. 5 and it's been amazing up to now. The fact that this drama is 12 episodes is also positive in my eyes as many times other dramas are stretched out unnecessarily with slow moving stories to fill content to complete 16 episodes. The story telling, the dialouge, the interaction, the emotions between the characters is so good. It's grownup, realistic and raw.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I hope it maintains its momentum and ends well.

Kudos to the writer, the director and everyone involved.

Steve May 02 2026 1:37 pm Terrific drama through five episodes. The writing and acting are excellent, the dialog is sublime. Dense, nuanced dialog seems rare in k-dramas today. This is an uncommonly good drama that rewards the viewer in each episode. Highly recommended.

v May 02 2026 11:14 am I guess this drama is not for everyone. But I like it. KKH plays the ML character well. He is a flawed character. He comes of as annoying but as the story unravels, we get to peek at why he behaves the way he does. Honestly, it is heartbeaking.

This drama is well written. The past three dramas written by this writer were some of my favorites.

scotchtape May 01 2026 10:25 am I couldn’t even get through episode 1. The MC is just too annoying. He comes off as unnecessarily toxic, constantly criticizing everyone else’s work like it’s not good enough but he’s worse than the people he looks down on.

With a title like We Are All Trying Here, I expected someone relatable, someone struggling but genuinely putting in the effort to succeed. Instead, it feels like his attitude is exactly what’s holding him back. It’s hard to root for a character who refuses to grow and just drags everyone else down. Not even Go youn jung could save this drama for me.

Pam Apr 29 2026 5:06 pm Just finished episode 4 !! Very well written script with well chosen actors for their parts. I laughed and cried . Definitely a good watch !!??

Coffee kat Apr 27 2026 5:08 pm So far so good a drama that can make me laugh and cry at the same time makes me keep waiting each weekend:) When dong-man brother yelled at him at the funeral I felt so bad and when he said he didn’t want be anxious what a relatable character :(

Jjoo Apr 27 2026 6:53 am Came here after episode 4 and it was such a brilliant episode. I laughed so hard and cried and was shocked when it ended because I didn't feel the time at all. This writer never fails in making great dramas. The dialogues and monologues are so interesting and genuine that I really wonder what was the thinking process that led the writer to come up with such ideas. Like, the writer thinks of such creative ways to describe emotions that we normally won't think of delivering this way. I can't wait for the next episode.

Raven Apr 27 2026 4:03 am This very refreshing. Of all the cliche romcom, thriller, and action Kdrama have producing lately. Got to see other series this writer works. ?

SerialKdramaWatcher Apr 27 2026 3:04 am Episode 4 / 12

Park Hae-Young is truly an amazing writer. Raw slice of life. The casts are doing an amazing job so far in portraying each of their characters, bringing life to these amazing characters. Characters are interesting and consistent, albeit frustrating, but it is well depicted how circumstances shaped each of them so far. Hopefully the character growth is well depicted as well like in her previous works.

Waiting with anticipation!

SillyValley Apr 27 2026 12:00 am Ep 4!! This series feels like it's for people who know what it’s like to keep trying and still come up short, to feel stuck, overlooked, or quietly worn down. It's for anyone who has ever felt like they’re standing outside the circle of what society calls “normal". And especially on how to persevere when you're at your lowest..."A wanted poster is better than a memorial photo. So, attack, don't self-destruct". This is definitely not a typical cute rom-com because it's Go Youn Jung. It's intense and doesn't sugar-coat messy emotions and relationships. It's not always easy to watch but that's what makes it so honest and real. I’m really glad I stuck with it. It’s turning out to be way more meaningful than I expected.

jome Apr 26 2026 12:10 pm I love the character of dongman! Goodjob koo kyo hwan you did a great act on this one. I really appreciate it because it moved me to the point that I relate myself to the life of the ml. Please dont be annoyed with ml character, cuz as episode goes by you will understand him better. Try and wstch it now!

jjame Apr 26 2026 12:06 pm I love this! Please watch it and give it a try, soon you will understand each of the characters.

Cute i pie Apr 26 2026 5:56 am I'm not ready for another go youn jung project, still currently rewatching can this love be translated and still attached to it, let's just see the review and decide later lol

Luke Apr 26 2026 3:43 am I watched this from episodes 1-3. IMO this is not a good series, the MC / Dong Man is very annoying. I bet if you know someone like him in your real life, you won't like him and will try to avoid him. He's a typical toxic friend who has no life, no progress at his work, and will try to mess everyone near him. He loves it when everyone is struggling or failing, but he has nothing to brag about. The only reason I watch this series is that I want to see Go Young-Jung acting. That's all

Alvrn Apr 24 2026 9:59 am Just finished ep.1 and im hooked. The series is better than i expected. It's so fresh and the plot is realistic.

Andrea Apr 22 2026 12:02 pm Of course, this drama will be phenomenal. From the same writer of Another Ms. Oh, My mister and My liberation notes.

bichwi Apr 22 2026 2:31 am Koo Kyohwan as Hwang Dongman is sooo perfect! Thank you so much you gave him this opportunity! I like him since I saw him in Peninsula and then DP!

Chloe Apr 22 2026 2:01 am First I was not into it, but then I decided to give it a chance and omg it is amazing. I had a thought that it resembles somehow my liberation notes and yes, the writer is the same.

So sad that current series almost always have 12 eps. This one definitely deserves all 16.

truth Apr 21 2026 1:12 pm very promising, KKH and GYJ are doing well

Eddie. Apr 21 2026 6:04 am A masterpiece. I will be back for a proper review.

For now, I just wanna say that the ML was designed to be a complete showcasing of the ugly depth of the average human's condition when faced with that type of lonesome failure in the midst of fellow comrades now doing well for themselves.

The beauty of this series, though, I believe, will be the character development Dong-man (ML), even as he walks this narrow path with Go Youn-Jung.

Mon29 Apr 20 2026 11:40 pm the plot is very promising!!!! very raw and something could happen in real life! kudos to the great writer, cast and crew!!!

and Koo Kyo-Hwan, justified his role so wellllllll

fightingg!!!

Brian V Apr 20 2026 9:45 pm I watched the first episode, and then read some comments here. First off, the main characer, Hwang Dong-Man, is supposed to be annoying, because that's how he's written. He is supposed to irritate you, and dislike him. They chose a good actor for this role, the nutbar from the DP series, Koo Kyo-Hwan. Be patient, there a good chance that we're being set up to dislike him, and he will be redeemed through flashbacks and his friends will remember why he is a part of the group, and maybe not. Just wait and see, and enjoy the ride.

Also, his face was banged up after running down the road and falling on his face. Let him be who he is. None of us are perfect, and this is just his version.

Episode 1 spoiler alert.......

I found it very interesting when it was mused that Hwang Dong-Man feels that he might disappear if he stopped talking.

I'll continue watching this show.

Cil Apr 20 2026 8:09 pm it’s boring. don’t love the actress

Dhw Apr 20 2026 9:04 am Great cast, interesting and important topic, good directing - but seriously Hwang Dong Man is so insufferable and unlikable. I know the drama is all about dreamers struggling in a world that scoffs at them, but you can understand why Dong Man is struggling - he's a self centered pain in the ass with main character syndrome who takes people around him for granted. Ratings are still low because it's hard to cheer for an unlikeable protagonist, let's see if he becomes more sympathetic later

blah Apr 20 2026 6:45 am plenty of romance in other dramas. every once in a while it would be refreshing to see two people commiserate and empathize with each other without going all googly-eyed and hearts aflutter.

if this show does the romance route, fine, as long as it's done in service to their growths as characters and not for cheap parasocial thrills. maybe there's a spark, they connect, but incompatibilities arise, split amicably. better as friends, perhaps. maybe power of loveᵀᴹ will prevail, but i don't think this is that kind of drama.

Ecalih Apr 20 2026 5:40 am Why is everyone against romance? I mean it wouldn’t hurt to have a little romance bloom for people filled with anxiety, jealousy and fear! A little love would help to overcome those!

sarah Apr 20 2026 4:04 am I hope there is no romance here because for me the plot is promising as it is.

dong man was hella toxic to the eight club Apr 19 2026 10:34 pm Why is the drama acting like the eight club are being bullies for trying to cut Dong Man out? He is so toxic, every single point that Gyeong Se brought up in episode 2 was correct; why should they have to tolerate someone who constantly shits on them about how their films are terrible and seems to find pleasure in their failures? Especially considering the fact that he is supposed to be FORTY years old. The bigger question is how these people have tolerated him for even twenty years because I wanted to yell at him after half an episode.

I started this drama because I thought I could relate to Koo Kyo Hwan's character a lot, and I did. There were some scenes where I could literally see myself in his situation, making the same facial expressions and echoing his same words. However, the way he acts in practically every other scene is completely unacceptable, even if he is depressed or in a frustrating situation where nothing seems to work out (which, again, is something I can relate very heavily to). Why is he taking that out on innocent people? We're supposed to feel bad for him, but it was really difficult, like those scenes where he is screaming at the top of his lungs at odd hours, and overall just acting like the entire world should cater to him because his life isn't working out. Even the "friends" talking shit about him while still inviting him to places should be considered mean, but that just furthers my point that they should've cut him off decades ago. And I couldn't even feel bad for Dong Man when they shit-talk him because they literally never lied or exaggerated. Dong Man is the one with the inferiority complex, not them. I am rooting for him to grow and succeed, but the way his brother and Eun-ah treated the eight club felt so self-righteous and left such a bad taste in my mouth.

Abc Apr 19 2026 1:06 pm Hwang dong man enough to carry whole drama. I wish the writer should NOT introduce romance. Because then it will get diverted and boring. It should be focused only on Hwang dong man and his struggle and his brother helping him.

Scott Apr 19 2026 1:34 am Why was Dong-man’s face all bruised in the script interview. I may have missed how it happened, but I can’t remember. It could be the loan sharks. I just don’t recall.

Now being very suspicious, Kyeong-se ran into the street sign and banged up his face. Could Dong-man be a character of Kyeong-se’s imagination? If so this could truly be a great drama.

If I’m wrong it still holds my interest.

Abc Apr 18 2026 11:21 pm KKH is the best

Sushi87 Apr 18 2026 7:19 pm Ep 1 and I'm already hooked! KKH is a fantastic actor. GYJ this is a better project for her than Can this love be translated. Kdrama portrays loneliness, sadness, feeling inadequate well.

Chey Apr 18 2026 1:38 pm The pilot is truly promising!!! Koo Kyo Hwan, and Oh Jung-se did impeccably well. And here we'll be watching a vulnerable Go Youn-Jung with flabby clothes and unsophisticated makeup and hair. I'm already drawn to the emotions in this series! Fighting! ?

I’m trying here too Apr 16 2026 6:00 pm Here on April 16 before the premiere declaring this will be drama of the year! adding this to the writers perfect trifecta with my mister and my liberation notes!

Inmo Apr 10 2026 6:42 am @Jillibean Try "Because This is My First Life"

Jillibean Jan 25 2026 10:35 pm Lol, it must be the longest title for a Korean drama I've seen yet.

Andrea Jan 25 2026 8:51 pm Since Another Ms. Oh, I watched every drama written by writer-nim and everyone became my top favorite, Oh Hae Young, My Mister and My Liberation Notes. I hope this one delivers too. I am looking forward to add this on my list. Park Hae Young, No Hee Kyung and Kim Eun Sook are my favorite writers.

Drama of the Year incoming Jan 20 2026 2:43 am Every 4 years writer Park Hae-Young delivers magic! This year will be no different! You will be in for a treat! Drama of the year incoming!!

External Links

Official Website

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Difference between revisions of "We Are All Trying Here"

Revision as of 00:57, 17 May 2026

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

The Eight Club

JH Entertainament

Choi Film

Kopark Film

Byeon Eun-A's Family

"Knock Knock Knock"

Movie/Drama Industry People

XimFit

Agit

Hwang Jin-Man's Group

Others

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Comments

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Comments

External Links