Koo Kyo-hwan Shines in New Drama 'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness'

Koo Kyo-hwan, currently in a public relationship with director Lee Ok-seop, continues to prove his irreplaceable presence through his work. He showcased his solid acting skills alongside Moon Ga-young in the film 'If We', released late last year. He is also continuing his acting synergy with Go Yoon-jung, portraying a range of emotions including romance.

On the 18th, JTBC's new weekend drama 'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness' ('Fighting Worthlessness') premiered, featuring Koo Kyo-hwan as 'Hwang Dong-man', a character who has dreamed of debuting as a film director for 20 years. From his first appearance, Koo filled the screen with his passionate performance.

In episodes 1 and 2 of 'Fighting Worthlessness', the story of Dong-man struggling to prove his existence among successful acquaintances unfolded. Despite teaching students at a creative writing academy and working part-time jobs to make ends meet, he continued to write a screenplay titled 'We Make the Weather', never letting go of his dream. However, due to his personality that often irritates others, many around him viewed him unfavorably, labeling him as a pathetic person stuck in the same place for 20 years, often treating him as an outsider.

This sentiment was epitomized by Choi Dae-pyo (Choi Won-young), who questioned Dong-man's perseverance, asking, "You've been at it for 20 years. Why do you think it's not working?" and advised him to live a more realistic and constructive life. Yet, Dong-man responded to the belittling remarks not with despair but with a firm stance on his life, saying, "Why does my life have to please you?"

Furthermore, when his brother Jin-man (Park Hae-joon) asked, "What do you want? A debut? Success? What is it?", Dong-man replied, "Just not to be anxious. I just don't want to be anxious," revealing his anxious inner self and evoking sympathy. His words resonated deeply beyond the screen. Notably, at the end of episode 2, Dong-man visited Choi Dae-pyo's office and, as if declaring war on those who belittled him, said, "I will retrieve the shining truth from the end of my worthlessness. Look forward to my shining story," portraying an unyielding spirit that garnered viewers' support.

Koo Kyo-hwan convincingly completed the complex emotions of 'Hwang Dong-man', who can be both annoying and delightful, pure yet pitiful, with his solid acting skills. He wrapped himself in bravado and jokes outwardly, but intricately unraveled the 'hunger' and anxiety within, expressing the character's ever-changing inner self, making him feel like a real person somewhere, enhancing immersion and firmly anchoring the drama.

Particularly, the scene where Dong-man, after a film screening party with Kyung-se (Oh Jung-se), boards a bus alone, trying to hide his emptiness and tears with a forced smile, and later, after hearing Choi Dae-pyo's advice, returns home to binge eat to fill the 'hunger' displayed on his 'emotion watch', conveyed Dong-man's lack without words.

Koo Kyo-hwan's unique rhythmic dialogue delivery, casually throwing out lines filled with the universally relatable emotion of 'anxiety', moved the viewers' hearts. Additionally, the preview of a green light relationship with Eun-ah, who will illuminate each other's value, piqued curiosity about the narrative of 'Hwang Dong-man' that Koo will portray.

JTBC's 'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness', featuring Koo Kyo-hwan, airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr