Leading Actor Labeled “Unattractive” and “Overaged” for New Show Sparks Visual Appearance Debate
Koo Kyo Hwan is facing controversy over his casting opposite Go Youn Jung in the new JTBC drama We Are All Trying Here.
The issue? Fans say Koo, 42, doesn’t visually “match” Go, who is 29. Some called out his visual appeal compared to hers, saying she deserves a younger or more traditionally handsome male lead.
The show focuses on Go playing Byeon Eun A, a sharp film producer. Koo plays Hwang Dong Man, an aspiring filmmaker feeling left behind in life.
no hate to him and I know he is a good actor but give her a male lead worth of her visuals and one that matches her age??
— swaraa (@ladydiorz)
Some agreed, wanting an equally attractive and talented younger actor.
people be jumping on you but i totally agree yes he is talented but why cant her male leads be all talented, equally as attractive as her and not too old for her
— gurbahj (@gurbahj2)
Others slammed the visual-focused critiques, defending Koo’s talent over looks.
people like you are exactly why kdramas keep casting dudes who got nothing going for them except a face and zero acting skills. then everyone wonders why the acting is mid. please just shut up.
— (@hyepepi)
The obsession with “matching her visuals” is so weird… this is a drama not a couple photoshoot. Acting + chemistry matters more than your personal visual rankings….REST PLEASE!
— harii (@hailsjbbb)
The number of likes are speaking how K-drama fans tear down actors with actual range & hype pretty faces who can barely deliver a line & still wonder why the quality keeps dropping. The irony writes itself.
— AiSh TLG (@MeeeAisha)
imagine choosing looks over talent. the funny thing is, he’s not even the ugly man you want him to be. the real problem is that some of you prefer actors who are “handsome” (according to some of you) but have botched faces and can’t even act properly in front of the camera
— 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂 ☾⋆⁺₊ (@mnly_lunarr)
The drama’s first teasers sparked this viral debate online about casting visuals versus acting skill. For now, JTBC is moving forward with Koo and Go as leads.
Fans will be watching closely to see if chemistry and talent win over look clashes when We Are All Trying Here airs.