JTBC's upcoming drama 'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness' is raising anticipation with the release of its first stills featuring the charismatic actor Koo Kyo-hwan.
The new weekend drama 'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness' (directed by Cha Young-hoon, written by Park Hae-young, produced by Studio Phoenix, SLL, and Studio Flow) follows the journey of a man struggling to find peace amidst jealousy and envy towards his successful friends. Koo Kyo-hwan, known for his unique acting style, takes on the role of Hwang Dong-man, a character who has been dreaming of debuting as a film director for 20 years, showcasing the essence of black comedy.
Dong-man is a character who talks incessantly to erase his anxiety. His envious and spiteful demeanor towards his successful friends is actually a desperate attempt to break the silence and assert his existence. Afraid of being exposed as worthless or abandoned by the world, Dong-man finds solace in constant chatter. His loud monologues are not malicious but rather a transparent survival signal to the world, saying, "I'm here, alive." Viewers are expected to feel a sense of empathy and connection with Dong-man, seeing a reflection of their own struggles in his frantic efforts to push away his insecurities.
Dong-man's 'pathetic yet endearing' traits are likened to a 'tear-stained Maltese.' Constantly battling feelings of worthlessness, he accumulates 'emotional tear stains' while barking at the successful, embodying a 'Maltese that doesn't hold back.' Beneath his seemingly carefree exterior lies a wounded soul.
His unwavering determination to write his own story, regardless of the world's gaze, is a charming point that draws viewers in. His eccentric acts, like trying to capture falling leaves or shouting his name from a neighborhood hill, are romantic resistances against sinking into the abyss of worthlessness. His insistence on wearing a WWII veteran's leather coat daily, despite the weight of reality, showcases his romantic eccentricity and desire to prove his worth.
Koo Kyo-hwan brings these facets of Dong-man to life with his unconventional acting, representing a universal self that modern individuals have pondered. As a persona revealing our most honest inner selves, he is set to resonate with viewers. His desperate battle against worthlessness aligns with Koo's humanistic charm, creating a character that audiences will want to support. The drama promises to offer comfort to those halted at life's red lights, ultimately igniting a green light within their hearts. Koo Kyo-hwan's heartfelt performance is eagerly anticipated.
'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness' is a collaboration between writer Park Hae-young, known for crafting noble sentences from life's lowest emotions, and director Cha Young-hoon, who captures the extraordinary bonds of ordinary people with warm humanism. The drama premieres this April on JTBC.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr