New character stills from the upcoming drama We Are All Trying Here have offered a first look at Park Hae Joon in a deeply introspective role, hinting at the emotional weight the series aims to explore.
The drama follows the story of Hwang Dong Man, played by Koo Kyo Hwan, a man who feels left behind while everyone around him seems to succeed. Surrounded by accomplished friends, Dong Man becomes consumed by insecurity, envy, and frustration. Struggling with these emotions, he sets out on a personal journey in search of peace and meaning in his life.

In the series, Park Hae Joon takes on the role of Hwang Jin Man, Dong Man’s older brother. Once a poet with artistic ambitions, Jin Man’s life gradually unraveled after he experienced profound personal and professional failure. Over time, he withdrew completely from society and now lives a quiet, isolated existence.
The character survives by taking on physical labor such as welding or farm work, spending most of his days in solitude. Alcohol and television have become his main companions as he moves through a routine shaped by loneliness and resignation. Through this portrayal, Park Hae Joon presents a character who embodies the lingering weight of unrealized dreams.
Newly released stills from We Are All Trying Here capture Hwang Jin Man in moments that reflect his solitary life. In one image, he sits alone at a dining table, staring into empty space as if lost in thought. In another, he rests under the harsh sunlight in a cabbage field after working in the heat, a quiet pause that emphasizes the stillness of his world.
While Hwang Jin Man remains largely silent, his younger brother Hwang Dong Man expresses his anxieties in the opposite way. The aspiring film director, portrayed by Koo Kyo Hwan, often hides his feelings of inferiority behind long and emotional monologues. Although the brothers share the same home, they face their struggles in drastically different ways.
According to the production team, Park Hae Joon brings remarkable depth to the role, fully immersing himself in the character to the point that audiences may barely recognize him. His performance, particularly alongside Koo Kyo Hwan, is expected to highlight the complex relationship between two brothers navigating feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.
With its focus on personal failure, emotional isolation, and the search for meaning, We Are All Trying Here promises a thoughtful and character-driven story. The drama is scheduled to premiere on April 18 at 10:40 p.m. KST.