1A rollercoaster ride of powerful emotions and heartbreaking moments
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75 (rounding up to 9.0)It’s hard to describe if I love or LOVE “We Are All Trying Here”. This title aptly matches what every single character is going through. There are so many emotional and special moments that it was hard to pinpoint which I love the best. But the first that came to mind is the end of ep 3, ML’s realization of who he truly is after the accident. What a powerful, powerful moment!!
Having said that, in the end, it didn’t quite hit me in the rating scale as “My Liberation Notes” (between 9.0-9.5). That is not to say “We Are All Trying Here” is not as good, it just brings out different emotions, and for someone like me who loves romance, the romance in MLN hits differently and leaves a deeper impact. I mean, there's Mr. Gu in MLN. But I also LOVE the romance here. It just hits differently.
Even though the drama follows the career of Hwang Dong Man (ML), I think the focus is on the different relationships in this drama. I am not talking about just the romance between Hwang Dong Man and Byeong Eun A (FL). In addition to this romance, we have the complicated friendship/competition within The Eight, different family dynamics, co-workers support/competition/camaraderie, traumatic history, and more. Each character brings out a different emotion in me. Some I want to strangle, some I want to hug, some I want to be friends with and some I want to punch. Even for Hwang Dong Man, he did not have a very likable introduction, but I’ve grown to love him.
I want to highlight a few of those special relationships:
Huang Dong Man + Byeong Eun A = Love this pair. They are soulmates with extremely different personalities. Their “Unknowns” break my heart. Their romance is so subtle yet so powerful. They show a different side of themselves when alone. They share their darkest secrets, deepest fears, full emotions, honest feelings and open communication. I am so happy that they found each other.
Hwang Dong Man + Park Gyeong Se = I have to say, I was a little annoyed by their back-and-forth childish behavior in the first half of the drama, and I might have found it a little repetitive. But I was deeply moved when I learned about their deep friendship, and Hwang Dong Man’s confessions and regrets. That confession is one of the highlights of the show for me.
Ko Hye Jin + Park Gyong Se = I love Ko Hye Jin. She’s such a kickass bosslady. I enjoy witnessing the dynamics and relationship between them. Their heartbreaking realization towards the end was further magnified by these two veteran actors' excellent performances.
Hwang Dong Man + Hwang Jin Man = These brothers have an unconventional way of caring and protecting each other. I wanted a little more of their past, but maybe the writer wants me to fill in the blanks given what I’ve been told.
I really didn’t have any expectations coming into this, even with all the rave reviews I’ve seen. I wasn’t sure if it’s really my cup of tea but I was craving something melo. In the end, I am so glad I chose to watch this, and will recommend “We Are All Trying Here” wholeheartedly if you are looking for powerful stories about deeply flawed characters. The acting is terrific all around and their stories bring me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This drama might not have hot oppas (trust me, there isn’t any) but the real plot is enough to keep you engaged and entertained.
Completed: 5/27/2026 Review #690
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A hauntingly beautiful drama that understands human brokenness
I’ve been watching K-dramas since 2015, but honestly, no drama has ever made me feel this attached. We Are All Trying Here, is hauntingly beautiful in the way it portrays human emotions and inner struggles.What I love the most is that no character feels purely bad or cruel. Every character is carrying their own wounds, their own sense of worthlessness, and trying to survive life in their own way. That’s what makes this drama feel painfully real and deeply human.
Even the smallest lines somehow carry so much meaning. The writing is subtle, melancholic, comforting, and emotionally overwhelming all at once. And the casting? Perfect. Not just the main leads, but the entire cast feels born for these roles.
Tbh, I genuinely can’t find a single flaw in this drama so far. Every episode leaves me wanting more while also making me scared to continue because I know I’ll have to wait another week again 😭
For me, this is one of the best slice-of-life dramas ever written n portrayed perfectly, and once again, Park Hae-young proves why no one understands human emotions quite like she does.
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We are all trying here especially when trying to write a half decent review
Okay I don't usually write reviews of dramas or movies I've watched because I suck at it like really bad. However this was a drama that I i just had to express my love for so here we go.The story was something that personally i had never seen before. In all my life that i have watched hundreds and hundreds of dramas, shows and movies I have never really given a thought for the directors, writers and crew. When watching this drama it felt as if a door cracked open and there was this whole new world in another perspective. The story felt real and painful. It felt as if it was actually happening and it seemed like it wasn't fiction. The whole time I was watching the show I felt this thrill and excitement which was unusual because this wasn't a thriller. I was waiting for what could happen next?
But even though I was invested in the story and the characters I cant say it didn't feel jarring at some points. Some moments felt a little too long. To watch this guy just write nothing but even then i stayed and watched. I watched and remembered the feeling of being trapped because you are not brave enough to write what you want. The agony of being scared of hurting others with your writing or so atleast i read it. Even in the jarring moments i thought and wondered. It felt fresh to always see something in the smallest scenes that usually mean nothing to me.
If we talk about meaning nothing, we need to talk about the characters in a deeper level. Every character in the drama felt real. They felt like they were there and they were living. It felt real. I couldn't bring myself to hate anyone in this drama because everyone was so real. I could see what was going on. I couldn't see it from their words that said it straight but the mannerism, their lifes and their actions. As if they were actually living and breathing.
The love and romance need to be mentioned too. This drama showed love and relationship in such a raw and real way. The romance was suddle and secret it didn't yell and it didn't scream that "hey im here im here" but it was secret and quiet about it even in the moments that it wasn't.
The relationships in another hand were all beautiful in their own way. It showed the hardships of loving someone and the beauty too.
Though after all this the drama wasn't perfect. Nothing is perfect. The drama had it's problems here and there like the ending that kinda felt perfect but still as if something was rushed. It had scenes that got you thinking whatt. But like i said nothing is perfect.
Now I know that this review isnt the best like i said I suck at this but overall this drama opens your eyes and makes you realize how important the small wins are. It makes you realize that you are not the only one trying and that even in the hardest times you can find a reason to continue. And now to end this yapping seasson please no one attack me I wrote this review on my own interpretation.
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We Are All Trying
One thing that amazed me about this drama is the number of different characters and how we somehow grew attached to all of them. They are all incredibly endearing, and you can relate to each of them in one way or another.There were times when I felt like I had enough of this drama, yet somehow I already miss them. It is a slow, healing drama about passion, dreams, and life. It reminds us that regardless of what we are going through, we are all trying our best
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Koo Kyo Hwan is definitely not an actor I actively follow, but I know that when he is in a drama, it is going to be good. On that note, Go Youn Jung is the queen of picking scripts. Her range will forever amaze me and how different each of her characters feels from the last.
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A Slice of Depression
Starting this review of by saying acting was amazing. I had some reservations about GYJ's acting which she sucessfully overcame. Since I had seen other actors in other dramas, I wasn't really worried about overall quality of the performances.What left me somewhat cold was the writing. I understood what the writer was going for, but some of the comedic and melodramatic moments felt out of place. Overall, directing and music choices fit the drama genre very well.
My review probably leaves you wondering why I gave this drama only 7.5. The reason is quite simple. If you're already struggling mentally, this drama will likely leave you feeling even more depressed. Because of that, I think it's important to watch it at the right time.
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Saddest One
I have seen just 4 eps and I’m already sad like each eps shows each pain and suffer of each individual through two great actors. when Dong-Man said that he wanna be in the other side of the world, I was in tears. And when Dong-Man and Eun-a both fought up there places it was masterpiece, like showing that quiet people can sparkle very thoughtfully. it a best one to watchWas this review helpful to you?
Unpopular opinion...
But I didn't enjoy as much as everyone else :(The beginning was SO difficult to really relate with the main leads (honestly both of them). Their "understanding" for each other seemed forced? Like especially the female lead; like yes let me be the one person to go for the craZy guy...
Even after watching the entirety of all the episodes; YES I did get more context as to why each person is as so (this is for ANYONE in life) BUT there were so many instances that I didn't agree with some of the actions and words said by the main leads... Of course no one is perfect and we all fall short, make some regrettable decisions... but it was just really hard to really LOVE the leads.
I do think this storyline was realistic as in terms of some people really do never make it (whatever career choices, sports, blah blah) so I totally can see why others have really enjoyed and loved the artistic approach.
Definitely a more slice of life sort of drama, daily life, and a lot of emotions...
I would say, I would WARN those that are maybe not emotionally stable (very depressed or anxious); I think the beginning is a really hard watch.
Acting was definitely great though!
Overall; I would not recommend this drama however I do think it had a unique and artistic approach that others have already and would enjoy.
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Great Ideas, Untapped Potential
I thought this drama was okay, but it never became much more than that for me. On paper, it has everything I usually enjoy. I liked how it explored loneliness, low self-esteem, and that feeling of existential emptiness through characters who are just trying to get through life while carrying the weight of their past choices and struggles. The drama handles these themes with empathy and ultimately delivers a comforting message about healing, self-acceptance, and finding the strength to move forward.The two leads were easily the strongest part of the show. Dong-man is deeply flawed and often his own worst enemy, which makes him feel incredibly human and relatable. Eun-ah carries a quiet sadness tied to her past and her mother's abandonment. What I appreciated most about their relationship was how grounded it felt. It wasn't some idealized romance; it was built on mutual understanding and support. They accept each other's flaws, stay true to themselves, and refuse to let other people's expectations define who they are.
One of the most interesting aspects of Dong-man's character was his struggle to fit in, even among people he's supposed to call friends. As those around him become more successful, they gradually turn him into the group's scapegoat, constantly pointing out his failures while ignoring their own flaws. He's loud, impulsive, and frustrating at times, but the more I watched, the more those traits felt like defense mechanisms against the judgment he's constantly dealing with. Despite all his flaws, he remains authentic and unapologetically himself, and I often felt that's exactly what the people around him resented.
The cinematography and soundtrack were also great and added a lot to the overall atmosphere of the drama.
That said, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. While the drama touches on several interesting and sensitive topics, it rarely goes beyond the surface. A lot of the ideas it introduces are compelling, but it never fully commits to them or explores them as deeply as it could have. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I was hoping for a more nuanced approach to some of these themes, but it never quite got there. In the end, it felt like a salad without any seasoning: all the ingredients are there, but it's missing that extra layer that would bring everything together.
The writing also feels uneven at times. Some subplots are introduced only to be sidelined later, several narrative threads feel underdeveloped, and the pacing can be a bit choppy. The dialogue is often fairly simple and occasionally falls into cliché territory.
The acting is also inconsistent. While some performances are solid, others feel exaggerated and unconvincing. There were quite a few moments where I became too aware that I was watching actors rather than real characters, which broke the immersion for me.
Despite its flaws, I still think it's a well-intentioned drama with likable characters and meaningful themes. I appreciated what it was trying to say, but I couldn't help feeling like it only scratched the surface of the story it really wanted to tell...
☆My summary rating:
● Script : 6.4
● Execution : 7.8
● Acting : 7.2
● Pacing: 7
● Enjoyment: 6
Final Score: 6.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐½
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Drama of the year ?
This drama shows how two persons heal each other when there having different personalities.. tbh it's a masterpiece they wrote so wellAll characters did their best..you will be involved and feel the pain with them, cry with them, laugh with them..you will enjoy every part of the drama.. first few episodes you may feel dong man talks so much but after watching him, you will like him more and Eun-a always calm and face every emotion without expressing her inner feelings..but it's turned out different when dong man and Eun-a met each other..that's where you will start connecting to this drama..i can talk more about this drama but i will say just watch it
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A quiet drama that stayed with me
“We Are All Trying Here” felt comforting in the most natural way possible. At first I kept wondering how they would carry the story till the end because it felt so simple and quiet, and my brain started making theories about the watch and everything. But somehow the drama just pulls you into everyday life naturally.There isn’t even a single kiss scene, yet the love between them overflowed in every interaction. Honestly, some scenes felt more intimate than actual romance dramas.
The chemistry between Koo Kyo-hwan and Go Youn-jung was amazing — silly, constantly yapping boy meets quiet introvert listener girl. Their dynamic felt so human instead of scripted.
What I loved most was the emotional realism. They supported each other exactly when they needed it most. The “cry for help” line still stays with me.
The drama is very calm with minimal fighting. Sometimes you hear only the voices of the characters and soft background sounds, which made everything feel even more real. The OST was used only when necessary and every track felt soothing. The opening song was beautiful too.
“If you want to run away together, I’ll run away with you.
If you want to live in hiding forever, I’ll hide with you.
I like that.”
One scene that will stay in my head forever is when Dong-man hugs Eun-ah while she’s wearing that oversized sweater. Somehow it felt hotter and more intimate than a kiss scene. Another memorable line was Eun-ah asking, “Are we human beings better?” during the early episodes.
This drama won’t be for people looking for constant action or typical rom-com tropes. But if you love slow slice-of-life stories that quietly heal you while breaking your heart a little, this is a hidden gem.
I genuinely don’t understand why it’s sitting around 8.3 ratings because this was easily a 10/10 for me. While everyone was busy watching bigger trending dramas, this one felt underrated and special.”
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Another Masterpiece From Writer Park Hae Young! Quiet, soft and painfully human...
DON'T HESITATE TO WATCH BECAUSE THIS DRAMA TRULY WORTH YOUR TIME!What makes this drama beautiful is how 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 it is. The emotions are never overdone, yet somehow they hit harder than loud melodramas. It reminds you that everyone is simply trying their best to survive life, love people and at the same time, heal quietly. Even the smallest moments feel meaningful.
Watching them feels less like escaping reality and more like being comforted by it The loneliness, regrets, dreams and the simple desire to keep going. No exaggerated drama, no overly perfect characters. Kinda soft reminder that healing isn't always loud or life-changing. Sometimes it's just having someone beside you who understands not only your silence but also when you're being talkative.
And the ending? Intriguing with solid 10/10. I love how the ending makes my chest ache a little while staring at the credit, realizing how deeply the each character touches my heart. The emotional payoff feels gentle instead of explosive and somehow that makes it hurt more.
Today, 25/5/2026, as this review was written, I can proudly announce that my personal podium of healing dramas from Writer Park Hae Young is finally complete. My Mister, My Liberation Notes and We Are All Trying Here will forever got a special place in my heart.. They don't just entertain but sit with you emotionally.
"Love isn't always grand... sometimes it is just staying, understanding and growing quietly beside someone."
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My mister-esqe
I headlined this as "My Mister-esque" because, honestly, I didn’t know how else to capture the specific feeling it evokes. It is undeniably deep. It pulls you in, making you feel sorrow, warmth, and happiness, keeping you constantly emotionally engaged with what unfolds on screen. At times, you even catch yourself wondering just how long a particular actor’s monologue is going to last—or exactly how much more food he can physically keep stuffing into his face. :)The supporting cast is fantastic. Oh Jung-se, playing the male lead's nemesis-turned-friend, does a phenomenal job—as he always does. He keeps you laughing, occasionally gets under your skin, and then suddenly makes you genuinely pity him. That is a notoriously difficult balance to strike, but he pulls it off effortlessly. The rest of the ensemble performs just as well, adding substantial weight to the overall narrative.
About eight episodes in, I discovered that this was penned by the same writer behind *My Mister* and *My Liberation Notes*. It finally made sense why that train signal scene felt so suspiciously familiar! Naturally, finding this out made me worry that we might not get a neatly tied, positive ending—even though this writer’s work is famously more about the journey than the destination. Still, I was really rooting for a happy resolution here, because the story built up a premise where the characters just needed to win *once*.
**Edit:** The final episode—or at least the last few minutes—felt noticeably rushed. The pacing and placement were a bit out of sync with the rest of the story's careful build-up. Despite that slightly clumsy landing, however, I thoroughly enjoyed the immense depth of acting from the entire cast.
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