We Are All Trying Here: JTBC’s New Drama Explores Jealousy, Healing, and Human Connection
JTBC has unveiled the first poster for its upcoming drama We Are All Trying Here, a series that promises to deliver a raw and deeply human exploration of envy, self‑doubt, and the search for inner peace. The drama was highlighted during the Next on Netflix 2026 Korea showcase held on January 21 in Seoul, where Netflix and JTBC jointly introduced their ambitious lineup of Korean content for the year.
At the center of We Are All Trying Here is the story of a man who feels left behind in a world where everyone else seems to be succeeding. Struggling with jealousy and envy, he spirals into isolation, yet continues to fight for a sense of calm and meaning. The drama captures the quiet battles of ordinary people, offering viewers a mirror to their own insecurities and resilience.
The series marks the highly anticipated return of acclaimed writer Park Hae Young, celebrated for her poignant works My Mister and My Liberation Notes. Known for her ability to weave stories that balance emotional vulnerability with sharp social commentary, Park once again turns her lens toward the inner struggles that define modern life.
Actor Koo Kyo Hwan takes on the role of Hwang Dong Man, an aspiring film director who has yet to make his debut. He is the only member of “The Eight,” a well‑known film industry circle, who remains on the outside looking in. Like an uninvited guest, Dong Man lingers at the fringes of success, masking his insecurities with endless chatter and bravado. His character embodies the painful reality of those who feel perpetually overlooked, yet still cling to their dreams.
Opposite him is Go Youn Jung, who plays Byun Eun Ah, a producer at Choi Film. Eun Ah has earned the nickname “The Ax” for her razor‑sharp script reviews, a reputation that reflects her professional precision and uncompromising standards. Outwardly, she strives to remain calm and balanced, but beneath the surface she carries deep trauma. Her emotional wounds manifest physically, with nosebleeds whenever she becomes overwhelmed. Eun Ah’s journey is one of quiet endurance, and through her connection with Dong Man—who may appear weak by society’s standards but possesses an inner strength—she begins to heal. In turn, she helps transform Dong Man’s sense of worthlessness into something luminous and meaningful.
The newly released poster captures this dynamic beautifully. Set against a nighttime street, Dong Man and Eun Ah stand facing each other, their intense gazes hinting at the emotional depth and tension that will define their relationship. The image conveys both confrontation and connection, a visual metaphor for the drama’s themes of vulnerability, healing, and the fragile bonds that hold people together.
With its introspective narrative, We Are All Trying Here is poised to resonate with audiences who have ever felt left behind or burdened by comparison. It is not a story of grand victories, but of small, profound triumphs—the courage to keep going, the strength to connect, and the quiet beauty of trying, even when the world feels overwhelming.
JTBC confirmed that We Are All Trying Here will premiere in the second quarter of 2026, making it one of the most anticipated dramas of the year. With Park Hae Young’s thoughtful writing, Koo Kyo Hwan’s layered performance, and Go Youn Jung’s emotional depth, the series promises to be a moving portrait of human fragility and resilience.
Read: Koo Kyo Hwan Lands Lead Role With Go Youn Jung in ‘Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness’
