20 years of jealousy and wandering from an unknown director

JTBC's new drama 'I'm Working Hard' has released still cuts of the supporting cast surrounding lead character Koo Kyo-hwan. This work depicts the journey of Hwang Dong-man (played by Koo Kyo-hwan), who feels he is left behind among his successful friends, and sets out to find peace of mind as he is overcome by anguish, jealousy, and envy.

The released still cut shows a group of eight filmmakers who started out as seniors and juniors in a college film club and went on to make a name for themselves in the film industry. Everyone has succeeded except for Hwang Dong-man, who has been pursuing his dream of becoming a film director for 20 years.

The reality of the movie industry shown by the characters

Hwang Dong-man, the only one who did not debut, is the person who talks the most and criticizes all movies the most harshly. Although it can be a source of inspiration for seniors and juniors, the constant nagging can also be difficult to ignore.

Park Gyeong-se (played by Oh Jeong-se) is a film director who has had the most intense love-hate relationship with Hwang Dong-man for 20 years. Although he has achieved success by releasing five movies, he is still shaken and agitated by Hwang Dong-man's words.

Go Hye-jin (played by Kang Mal-geum) is the CEO of Gobak Films and a strong supporter behind Park Gyeong-se's success. He guards the group's hideout with the charisma of an adult and patiently listens to Hwang Dong-man's long stories, but he firmly stops anyone who crosses the line. Even her husband Park Gyeong-se's anxiety is put to rest with a sharp word.

The most senior film director, Park Young-soo (played by Jeon Bae-soo), plays the role of mediating conflicts within the group and maintaining the center of gravity. Sometimes he only comforts and consoles the brass, and sometimes he sharply scolds them and takes on the role of the group's moral leader.

Lee Jun-hwan (played by Shim Hee-seop) is the director of Choi Films, and the only member who truly understands and takes care of Hwang Dong-man. On the other hand, Choi Films directors Lee Ki-ri (played by Bae Myung-jin), Seung-tae Woo (played by Cho Min-guk), and planning producer Choi Hyo-jin (played by Park Ye-ni) are completely exhausted by Hwang Dong-man's endless nagging. Even as he pursues success, he cannot hide his complex and nuanced feelings toward his colleagues, showing the vivid reality of the film industry.

‘Hideout’, a space where conflict and reconciliation intersect

In particular, 'Hideout', a restaurant run by Go Hye-jin on the first floor of Gobak Films, is their main meeting place. It is depicted as a space where competition, jealousy, friendship and reconciliation collide without filtering.

'I'm Working Hard' will premiere on April 18th at 10:40 PM.