In 'The Winning Try,' Yoon Kye-sang, who had to step down from his coaching position due to myasthenia gravis, made a thrilling return during the national rugby championship finals, leaving viewers in awe.
The 11th episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Winning Try' (directed by Jang Young-seok, written by Lim Jin-ah), aired on the 29th, showcased the Hanyang High School rugby team's journey to the national finals for the first time in 15 years, reaching the pinnacle of their growth narrative and delivering an emotional impact. Yoon Kye-sang's character, Joo Ga-ram, who was on the verge of resigning due to his illness, made a surprise appearance at the finals, providing a thrilling and touching ending. The drama achieved its highest ratings yet, with a peak of 7.3% nationwide and 6.2% in the metropolitan area, securing the top spot in its time slot for six consecutive weeks, according to Nielsen Korea.
The episode began with Joo Ga-ram collapsing during a faculty meeting discussing his resignation, heightening the tension. Despite his desire to delay surgery for the national championship, his condition was severe. Vice Principal Sung Jong-man (played by Kim Min-sang) and Deputy Superintendent Na Kyu-won (played by Jang Hyuk-jin), along with shooting coach Jeon Nak-kyun (played by Lee Sung-wook), seized the opportunity to push for his resignation.
Joo Ga-ram reassured the rugby team, worried about competing without him, saying, "A coach observes," and "The players achieve it. From now on, unite as one team, and there's no coach greater than the team." He offered heartfelt advice to team captain Yoon Sung-joon (played by Kim Yo-han), saying, "The efforts you've made over the past three years are still there. Trust in those times, and if not, trust in the team. But I choose to believe in you, Yoon Sung-joon," delivering an emotional moment.
Vice Principal Sung Jong-man pressured Yoon Sung-joon to select a new coach to replace Joo Ga-ram, but Yoon and the rugby team chose to boycott the national championship, stating, "If it's the last game, we want to play with our coach." Principal Kang Jung-hyo (played by Gil Hae-yeon) decided to resign in disgrace to prevent Sung Jong-man from interfering with the rugby team further. She expressed her desire to create a school focused on growth rather than grades, delivering a poignant message to Sung Jong-man. Thanks to her support, the rugby team was able to compete in the national championship with Joo Ga-ram as their coach.
In the shooting team's national representative selection, Seo Woo-jin (played by Park Jung-yeon) secured first place, overcoming injury with the help of playing coach Bae Yi-ji (played by Lim Se-mi). Bae Yi-ji confronted Jeon Nak-kyun, who treated athletes as medal machines, stating, "Athletes don't give up on games, and coaches don't give up on athletes," delivering a powerful message about the true value of coaches and athletes. Shooting team member Na Seol-hyun (played by Sung Ji-young) acknowledged her father's match-fixing and extended a hand of reconciliation to Seo Woo-jin, demonstrating true sportsmanship.
Despite his illness, Joo Ga-ram worked tirelessly with Yoon Sung-joon to analyze strategies and prepare for the national championship. During the send-off ceremony, a video featuring Joo Ga-ram as a former rugby team member was shown. He called out each team member's name, saying, "We gave our best among 16 teams," and "Only those who have fallen many times know how to rise again," delivering a final heartfelt cheer. He promised, "Let's meet in the finals," bringing tears to the team's eyes. The rugby team, inspired by Joo Ga-ram's sincere support, solidified their determination to reach the finals.
The episode depicted the intense matches of the Hanyang High School rugby team at the national championship, interspersed with scenes of Joo Ga-ram undergoing surgery, evoking deep emotions. The rugby team, carrying a rugby ball with Joo Ga-ram's photo, demonstrated unwavering teamwork and achieved the thrilling feat of reaching the finals for the first time in 15 years. On the day of the finals, only Joo Ga-ram's tactical notes were delivered to the team, who entered the field without him.
Just before the game began, Joo Ga-ram made a triumphant entrance to the stadium, greeted by roaring cheers, delivering a thrilling moment. Upon seeing him, the rugby team, with tears in their eyes, heard him say, "I told you we'd meet in the finals," with a bright smile, filling viewers' hearts with emotion. The epilogue showed Joo Ga-ram leaving messages for each rugby team member in the Hanyang High School playbook, with the phrase 'We Become a Miracle,' showcasing his genuine dedication as a coach, moving the audience.
With only one episode remaining, the anticipation for whether the Hanyang High School rugby team, reunited with Joo Ga-ram, can achieve the miraculous victory of winning the national championship is at its peak, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Winning Try' is a comedic sports drama about the unpredictable coach Joo Ga-ram and the perennial underdog Hanyang High School rugby team racing towards a national championship victory. The final episode airs on the 30th at 9:50 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr