Oh Jung Se reflects on his accomplished yet uncertain character and complex dynamic with Koo Kyo Hwan in "We're All Trying Here"

Oh Jung Se shared more insights about his character in JTBC’s upcoming drama “We’re All Trying Here”!

“We’re all trying here” tells the story of Hwang Dong Man (Koo Kyo Hwan), who, surrounded by successful friends, believes he is the only one whose life is not working out. Consumed by anxiety, envy and jealousy, he sets out on a journey in search of peace.

Oh Jung Se takes on the role of Park Kyung Se, a successful director who has helmed five films and is a member of an elite group of eight prominent film producers.

Sharing his thoughts on the character, Oh Jung Se described Park Kyung Se as “an adult who is still growing,” adding, “He may seem successful, but he constantly strives to prove his worth – either to climb higher or to avoid falling from where he stands.” He continued, “Every line that Park Kyung Se has is so valuable that I wanted to deliver them exactly as written. It almost felt like I was pushing myself, so I aimed to portray about 98 percent of them faithfully.”

The drama is also a reunion between Oh Jung Se and director Cha Young Hoon, who previously collaborated on “When the Camellia Blooms.” Oh Jung Se shared, “I felt grateful and at ease to reunite with a director I worked with on such a wonderful project.” He added: “On set this time too, I provided a strong sense of direction while leaving the actors the freedom to act.”

The dynamic between Hwang Dong Man, who has spent 20 years as an aspiring director without success, and Park Kyung Se, who feels anxious despite his success, serves as both a source of humor and a portrayal of characters struggling with feelings of worthlessness. Underlying their relationship lies a mutual desire to hide their most insecure selves from each other.

Oh Jung Se commented, “While the world may see Hwang Dong Man as someone full of inferiority complex, Park Kyung Se actually sees him as a different version of himself.” He added, “They support and envy each other at the same time – an indispensable relationship. Therefore, for Park Kyung Se, Hwang Dong Man is a ‘well-trimmed’ life that cannot”.

He also talked about his chemistry with the other members of the eight-person cast, saying, “It felt incredibly real, like real movie directors brought together, so I could comfortably enjoy every scene.”

In particular, I expressed deep respect for Kang Mal Geumwho plays Go Hye Jin—his wife and the head of the production company Gobak Film—who says, “It was a very special experience as I could feel emotions beyond what I imagined while reading the script at my desk. I often encountered raw, unfiltered emotions that could only be experienced on set.”

Finally, Oh Jung Se shared his confidence in the drama, saying, “Even after watching just two episodes, you’ll find yourself recommending this drama to someone,” adding, “If you have the time, I hope you’ll watch ‘We Are All Trying Here.'”