We Are All Trying Here sets the stage with a distinct atmosphere from the get-go, which is replete with elements to keep you hooked. The aspect of struggles, envy, along with the depiction of the characters trying to move past these complications, denotes that this series will become a memorable one for the viewers.
The storyline of We Are All Trying Here is also rooted in realism, especially the manner in which Kyeong-se’s struggles and Dong-man’s life are depicted.
Please be prepared for the spoilers ahead.
Kyeong-se gets tormented while Dong-man hits rock bottom in We Are All Trying Here Episode 1
The first episode of We Are All Trying Here starts with Kyeong-se in a state of disarray. He arrives at an office and opens his laptop, trying to write something. The scene cuts to Kyeong-se sitting in a bar. A man comes up to him, asking him about his writing.
The man asks him the reason why Kyeong-se has started to write when he already has an upcoming movie. Kyeong-se begins to speak about stress and the impact it has on people. He is also worried about Hwang Dong-man and is losing sleep because of him. Dong-man is Kyeong-se’s “muse”, however, things have not been going according to his plans.
This episode of We Are All Trying Here continues with Kyeong-se opening up about Dong-man’s actions at the kimchi stew restaurant. He did not like the manner in which, despite not liking spicy food, Dong-man ate a lot at the restaurant. During this incident, Kyeong-se was not able to make the group laugh with his jokes as Dong-man kept talking throughout.
Things took a turn at the restaurant when Kyeong-se spoke about his movie not doing well, which Dong-man heard. Dong-man then told him that if he kept going like that, he would end up just like him, which angered Kyeong-se as he had already done five movies while Dong-man had not even debuted.
This episode of We Are All Trying Here continues with Dong-man waking up in his house and getting ready to go out before his landlord catches him. However, his plan is unsuccessful, as his landlord is able to catch him and threatens him to pay the rent on time. Dong-man also works as a lecturer, helping aspiring screenwriters with his knowledge.
His lecture sessions continue with him telling the students about the significance of poverty as a propelling factor for the writers to become successful. Though Dong-man causes trouble for Kyeong-se, his life is also filled with an array of troubles. He gets calls from loan sharks for the money that he has yet to return to them and also suffers from a distinct sense of resentment about his life.
The money he took from the loan sharks was to pay for the surgery of his cat. The loan sharks begin to threaten him for the money. On the other hand, he is also eager to join the club of The Eight. Though all the members of The Eight have made their debut, it is not the case for Dong-man. This episode of We Are All Trying Here continues with seven members of The Eight eating at a restaurant.
Dong-man also arrives to join them, which quickly ruins Kyeong-se’s mood. Just as Kyeong-se feared, Dong-man completely takes over the conversation with his incessant stories. Completely frustrated with Dong-man’s stories, Kyeong-se asks Dong-man about how he is able to tell the same story as if it’s the first time. Kyeong-se then leaves the restaurant, angry at the condescending manner in which Dong-man spoke to him.
This episode of We Are All Trying Here continues with Jun-hwan supporting Dong-man even when everyone else is irritated by him. On the other hand, Byeon Eun-a gives her senior a script; however, her senior is not happy with the contents. While returning from work, Eun-a comes across Dong-man. While speaking about the jacket that Dong-man is wearing, their conversation takes a turn.
Dong-man opens up about not having anyone to talk to, even though he feels energized when he speaks. Eun-a then asks about his screenplay, as she is curious about it. Eun-a’s words take Dong-man by surprise, leaving him speechless. This episode continues with Dong-man beginning to give his all to the screenplay, Weather Maker. He practices his speech continuously so that he does not make any mistakes.
At the Korean Film Association Mid-Budget Korean Film Production Funding competition, Dong-man waits for his turn to give his speech. On the other hand, Kyeong-se’s movie releases and gets an immense positive response, which further irritates Dong-se.
He opens up about his thoughts on how the movie did not have any good scenes. His words are heard by the lead actress of the movie, who confronts him right away. It can be understood that Dong-man is getting immensely affected by the situation getting completely out of his hands. Though he is emotionally struggling, he does not want to let it affect him.
At the end of this episode of We Are All Trying Here, Dong-man begins to ponder the choices that he has made in his life, while his phone continuously begins to ring as the loan shark keeps calling. Eun-a, on the other hand, reads the screenplay of Weather Maker. At the office, Eun-a watches Dong-man arrive at her senior’s office to speak about the screenplay.
Things take a turn when Eun-a begins to point out the faults that the screenplay has after her senior asks her to. Dong-man sits there and listens to the multiple mistakes in the screenplay that Eun-a points out. After the meeting ends, Eun-a returns to her desk, immensely impacted by the whole situation. At the very end of this episode of We Are All Trying Here, Dong-man gets a reality check from the senior. He asks him not to waste his time anymore.
The complex emotional note at the end of this episode sets the stage with a distinct intrigue for the next episode of the series. The members of The Eight also speak harshly about Dong-man and his actions. They want Dong-man to quit. While the members speak about Dong-man, Eun-a hears all about it and gets angry at them.
She then leaves the restaurant, which baffles the members of The Eight. Though Dong-man tried his best to keep smiling throughout. He eventually breaks down, unable to control his emotions. This episode captures the struggles that Dong-man and Kyeong-se are going through in a nuanced manner, resonating deeply with the viewers.
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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY