The upcoming JTBC drama "We Are All Trying Here" has sparked online debate after some internet users criticized actor Koo Kyo-hwan for his appearance and age compared with co-star Go Youn-jung ahead of the show's premiere.
The show, which will air next month, is about a man who feels alone and inadequate when he is around peers who seem to be doing better than him. Conversations about the cast intensified after the online sharing of early promotional materials and previews for the drama.
Koreaboo says that a viral post on the internet criticized the casting, with some users saying that the actor didn't look like his co-star. The main point of the conversation was the age difference between the two actors, with Koo being 42 and Go being 29.
The main character's emotional problems are at the heart of the drama's plot. Reports say that the story is about "a jealous, envious man seeks inner peace while feeling isolated in a world where others seem to succeed."
Go plays Byeon Eun A, a producer known for her harsh reviews of movies, and Koo plays Hwang Dong Man, a filmmaker who wants to be one but thinks he is behind his peers. Some commenters on Koreaboo's article expressed reservations about the casting choice, suggesting another actor might have been a better match, at least in terms of appearance.
READ MORE: Koo Kyo Hwan Reveals He Didn't Want To Be An Actor— Here's Why
On the contrary, the same discussion saw many others defend the actor, arguing that talent should be given more importance than physical appearance.
According to Soompi, the drama focused on the plot and creative team before it came out. The show is a return for writer Park Hae-young, who is known for writing dramas like "My Mister and My Liberation Notes."
The outlet also talked about the character Koo plays in the drama's promotional materials. The report said that Hwang Dong Man had been preparing to make his directorial debut for twenty years, but he was still insecure and unsure of himself.
The drama's promotional poster gave us a look into the character's emotional struggle. The team talked about the idea behind the images in a statement that the outlet shared.
The production team said, "The title poster portrays the inner darkness that makes one feels worthless through the visual device of a shadow. Although Dong Man appears to have given up on the outside, there are actually numerous fights continuing within him."
The statement went on to say, "We hope that his cry rising from rock bottom becomes a passionate message of support for everyone fighting against their own sense of worthlessness."
Oh Jung-se, Kang Mal-geum, and Park Hae-joon are also in the cast of "We Are All Trying Here."
Even though there has been a lot of debate about online comments about visuals, excitement for the drama is still growing as its April premiere date approaches.
READ MORE: Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung's Behind-the-Scenes Moments Are Making Everyone Swoon
