Shocking hustle reveal: Actor Koo Kyo-hwan transforms into a relentless dream-chaser living the ultimate grindset, instantly striking a chord with viewers.
On the 10th, the team behind JTBC’s new weekend drama We Are All Trying Here dropped character stills of Hwang Dong-man (played by Koo Kyo-hwan), who has spent 20 years chasing his dream of becoming a film director while grinding through everyday life without a break.
Despite the “unemployed” label society slaps on him, Hwang Dong-man’s day is anything but idle. He teaches screenwriting at an academy, delivering fiery lectures packed with his love for cinema. Some might dismiss him as just a dreamer, but at the podium he exudes the aura of a seasoned instructor passing down hard-earned know-how. To make ends meet, he even takes on side gigs like working at a catering buffet—never afraid to juggle multiple jobs.
Even with 24 hours never feeling enough, every road leads him back to film. He watches movies whenever he can to refill his inspiration, and locks himself in his studio to write the script Nalssireul Mandeureo Deurimnida. His dogged obsession with filmmaking goes beyond vague admiration—it’s a daily fight to prove his worth against a world eager to drag him into a swamp of “worthlessness.”
The production team shared, “Hwang Dong-man may look stuck to others, but in truth he moves more tirelessly than anyone to prove his value at every moment. Fueled by Koo Kyo-hwan’s signature rhythmic, vibrant acting, this story will offer warm encouragement and deep empathy to everyone battling feelings of worthlessness.”
Meanwhile, We Are All Trying Here premieres on April 18 at 10:40 p.m. on JTBC.