Koo Kyo-hwan's Uplifting Journey: From Despair to Empowerment with Go Yoon-jung's Support

Koo Kyo-hwan soars with newfound strength from Go Yoon-jung, yet the ratings remain stagnant at 2.2%, matching the premiere episode. This is particularly disappointing as there was no competition from the concurrent show '21st Century Grand Duchess' starring Byun Woo-seok and IU.

The second episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Everyone is Fighting Their Worthlessness' (hereafter 'EFW'), aired on the 18th, opened with a bittersweet portrayal of Hwang Dong-man (Koo Kyo-hwan), who, like the protagonist of 'Billy Elliot', dreams of taking flight but instead stumbles over his own script. Dong-man fails to express his anger elegantly towards Choi Dong-hyun (Choi Won-young), the presumptuous CEO of Choi Film, and resorts to a fake cast for self-pity.

At forty, Dong-man faces collective ostracism from the 'Group of Eight'. Go Hye-jin (Kang Mal-geum), CEO of Go Park Film, bans him from their 'hideout'. Park Kyung-se (Oh Jung-se), who has long been frustrated with Dong-man's chaotic behavior, finally erupts, insisting on removing the 'rotten orange' before it contaminates the whole group. Dong-man's emotional state, once again, flashes red as he is pushed out from the only place that accepted him.

Even when his uncle treats him as a pushover, demanding he book a celebrity for his daughter's wedding, Dong-man remains silent. Despite his brother Hwang Jin-man's (Park Hae-joon) criticism, Dong-man, who has endured 20 years in the film industry, cannot admit his inability to secure a celebrity due to his lack of connections. Jin-man, who scolds Dong-man for being spineless, is also pained by his brother's silent frustration.

It is Go Yoon-jung's character, Byun Eun-ah, who rescues Dong-man from his lowest point. Her emotional state is equally troubled, with stress manifesting physically when Choi Dong-hyun dismisses her sharp insights. Her psychological turmoil stems from a sense of isolation dating back to her childhood. However, unlike before, Eun-ah now feels empowered to confront those who belittle her.

This newfound strength leads to solidarity with Dong-man. When other 'Group of Eight' members dismiss Dong-man as incompetent, Eun-ah defends him, arguing that inhumanity is the greatest incompetence. Her critique of Dong-man's script, lacking audience appeal, prompts him to ask where to find such power. Eun-ah insightfully responds that having someone to love would make his heart race.

With renewed determination, Dong-man confronts Choi Dong-hyun, challenging the elitist world with a bold declaration. His vow to become so insignificant that it infuriates them into surrender brings a sense of satisfaction to all. Watching Dong-man's spirited defiance, Eun-ah smiles genuinely for the first time.

Eun-ah gifts Dong-man with homemade side dishes from her grandmother, symbolizing care and support. As their emotional watches glow green, they share a moment of mutual understanding and hope. Holding the side dish container, Dong-man, filled with joy, rises above his previous failures like a bird taking flight.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr