At last, Kang-sik agrees to take the lead role in Dong-man’s project after Jeong-hui appears to take another role from him in We Are All Trying Here episode 10.
On May 17, We Are All Trying Here episode 10 aired on Netflix. This episode highlights the upcoming collaboration between Dong-man and Korea’s top actor, Noh Kang-sik. After Kang-sik realizes that Jeong-hui is once again taking another film away from him, he agrees to work with Dong-man. Meanwhile, Eun-a tells Choi that she was “Yeong-sil” all along after he defames her.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers and key details from the series. Read at your own risk.
Dong-man Challenges Kang-sik in We Are All Trying Here Episode 10
Dong-man unexpectedly crosses paths with Kang-sik at a funeral hall in We Are All Trying Here episode 10. The atmosphere already feels tense because rumors about Kang-sik assaulting a junior actor continue spreading through the room.
Despite the uncomfortable setting, Dong-man boldly approaches him. Furthermore, he immediately proposes a project together. He tells Kang-sik to work with him before the scandal destroys his reputation.

The direct challenge shocks everyone around them. Kang-sik rejects the offer without hesitation and orders people to throw Dong-man out. However, Dong-man’s fearless attitude leaves an impression on him.
The moment highlights how much Dong-man has changed. Earlier in the series, he constantly feared responsibility and doubted himself. Now, although he still acts recklessly, his actions carry confidence and determination.
Moreover, Dong-man finally understands what he wants. He no longer waits for opportunities to come to him. Instead, he throws himself into impossible situations if it means moving closer to his dream.
Jeong-hui Recognizes Young-sil
While Dong-man makes a bold direct move, another shift unfolds behind the scenes that could change the direction of the film. Jeong-hui realizes a shocking truth. She identifies “Yeong-sil,” the mysterious co-writer of Knock Knock Knock, as her biological daughter, Byeon Eun-a. Furthermore, this discovery changes how she views the entire project.
Jeong-hui informs CEO Choi Dong-hyun and director Ma Jae-young about her suspicion. She tells them she senses a distinct female voice within the screenplay. Her comment unsettles both men.
In addition, Jeong-hui pushes her artistic opinion further. She argues that the film should avoid actors who overpower the story with force. Instead, she insists on casting someone who understands the script deeply and delivers precise, controlled performance. Her criticism indirectly targets Kang-sik, who already holds the lead role.
Meanwhile, Jeong-hui becomes excited about her discovery of Eun-a. She meets Eun-a in private soon after. However, the conversation turns tense. Jeong-hui criticizes Eun-a for hiding behind a pen name. She accuses her daughter of masking ambition while still protecting her pride. Moreover, she calls this contradiction dishonest.
She does not stop there. Jeong-hui pressures Eun-a further and questions her choices. She reminds her of her earlier confidence and ambition to succeed. Furthermore, she challenges why Eun-a would suppress her talent when she clearly has the ability to stand at the center of everything.
Eun-a Reveals her Identity to Choi
Pressure continues to build on Eun-a when Choi Dong-hyun lashes out at her. He rejects her creative input and pushes back against her opposition to changing the protagonist into a woman. Furthermore, he insults her directly and claims she offers advice without real skill or depth.
Eun-a reaches her limit. She refuses to stay silent any longer. She reveals the truth in front of everyone. “I am Yeong-sil, the writer Ma Jae-young has been trying to hide,” she declares. In that moment, she exposes the pen name she had protected until now.

Choi freezes in shock. However, beneath his stunned reaction, a new interest and tension begin to surface. The revelation shifts everything around Knock Knock Knock. Moreover, it raises the emotional and professional stakes of the project.
Eun-a is no longer just someone supporting Dong-man from the sidelines. She now stands as a writer with real influence. In addition, her identity has the power to reshape the film, challenge existing authority, and pull Jeong-hui deeper into the unfolding conflict.
Dong-man and Kang-sik Will Work Together in We Are All Trying Here Episode 10
For Kang-sik, the situation reopens an old wound. He once lost My Father after the project transformed into My Mother under Jeong-hui’s influence. Now, he watches Knock Knock Knock slip away in a similar way. Furthermore, the pattern fuels his frustration.
At his hideout, Kang-sik explodes in anger. He feels betrayed by Choi Dong-hyun and suffocated by the unpredictable logic of the film industry. Moreover, his pride takes a heavy blow.
At that moment, Dong-man arrives again. Dong-man launches into a passionate, unusual pitch. He talks about his leather jacket in detail. He compares it to a soldier’s jacket that once stopped a bullet during World War II. Through this story, he expresses his desire to wear it proudly and step into the center of history, no matter the risk.

The pitch sounds strange and chaotic. However, it reflects Dong-man’s conviction. He finally speaks with purpose and certainty about his story.
Kang-sik listens closely. Dong-man’s words begin to break through his resistance. In addition, Dong-man delivers a final blow to his pride. He asks, “What is the point of having a lot of money if your life story is lousy?”
That question shifts everything. Kang-sik decides to join the project. He accepts the role and agrees to cut his fee in half since the production uses public funding. Then he declares, “Let’s do it.” Everyone reacts in shock. Meanwhile, Ko Hye-jin worries that he might change his mind. She immediately switches into producer mode and rushes to secure the contract.
After signing, Kang-sik erupts with renewed energy. He shouts, “I don’t know, let’s just go for it! Let’s walk into the center of history!”
The episode ends on a surge of excitement. Furthermore, it sets up a volatile partnership between a rookie director on the edge of his debut and a veteran actor trapped in stagnation. With only two episodes left, their unpredictable collaboration becomes the central question driving the story forward.
Episode 10 of We Are All Trying Here appears more interesting than ever, probably because we finally see Dong-man debut in his chosen industry. The long wait is finally over. Moreover, he gets to work with a well-known actor, Kang-sik. It is also refreshing to see Eun-a talking back to Choi. It is frustrating how Choi believes he knows best just because he is the boss or the highest authority. Even Hye-jin is growing tired of his self-centered behavior.
Catch the next episode of the series on May 23 on Netflix. It airs every Saturday and Sunday at 10:40 PM KST or 9:40 PM PHT.
Sources: JTBC Drama, JTBC (Instagram)
