'Axe PD' Byun Eun Ah — Tough on the Outside, Anxious Within

Actress Go Youn Jung has opened up about her deeply layered character ahead of the April 18 premiere of JTBC's new drama We Are All Trying Here.

The drama follows Hwang Dong Man (Koo Kyo Hwan), a man who feels like the only failure among his successful friends. Consumed by anguish, envy, and jealousy, he sets out on a journey in search of peace.

Go Youn Jung plays Byun Eun Ah, a planning producer at Choi Film. On first reading the script, she noted: "The story is set in my own industry, so it felt natural rather than unfamiliar — there were many moments I could deeply relate to."

A 'Black Sitcom' with Dark, Bittersweet Humor

Go Youn Jung also highlighted the drama's distinctive comedic tone. "The humor isn't simply light — it carries a dark, bittersweet edge that creates a 'black sitcom' atmosphere, which I found particularly compelling," she said.

Byun Eun Ah may be known at work as 'Axe PD' for her sharp script critiques, but beneath that tough exterior lies a character wrestling with deep existential anxiety. Go Youn Jung described her as "someone who sets even stricter standards for herself internally, repeatedly asking, 'Am I truly a person of value?'"

"When overwhelmed by extreme stress, she doesn't cry — she gets nosebleeds. Rather than expressing emotions outwardly, she suppresses them, continuing a quieter but deeper internal struggle."

Capturing Subtle Internal Shifts

Because of this inward nature, Go Youn Jung focused on conveying the character's subtle inner changes. "I paid close attention to slight shifts in gaze, the rhythm of speech, and tonal inflections at the end of sentences. She's a character with a lot of empty space, so I worked hard to fill that space with substance."

Learning from Koo Kyo Hwan's Performance

Go Youn Jung also expressed deep trust in her co-star Koo Kyo Hwan. "I often felt like I was genuinely looking at Hwang Dong Man. He has a bright and cheerful energy, but there's also a constant, unseen effort and inner struggle — which closely resembles the character."

She added: "His acting had a clear sense of order within its freedom. The Hwang Dong Man I had imagined came to life in a far more colorful and multidimensional way than expected. I learned a great deal and felt truly inspired."

Two People Who Recognize Each Other's Worth

The dynamic between Hwang Dong Man and Byun Eun Ah is a key element to watch. Go Youn Jung described their relationship as one where "they're not particularly noticeable in society, but they instinctively recognize each other's value and offer comfort."

Byun Eun Ah is the only one who understands that Hwang Dong Man's constant talking stems from the anxiety and loneliness he hides. "I felt that the words Byun Eun Ah offers to support him are ultimately things she wanted to say to herself — moments where she comforts herself while comforting him, which made their bond feel deeper and more genuine."

Finding Meaning in Feelings of Worthlessness

Go Youn Jung concluded with a heartfelt message: "Through Byun Eun Ah's journey, I hope viewers come to see the feeling of 'worthlessness' not as something that must be eliminated, but as a process of understanding, accepting, and finding new meaning. I hope you can feel a small sense of liberation in acknowledging and accepting yourself."

We Are All Trying Here premieres April 18 at 10:40 p.m. KST on JTBC.