Controversial Film 'The Match' Set for Release Amidst Challenges

The film 'The Match' is finally making its way to theaters after facing significant hurdles. The movie, starring Yoo Ah-in, was embroiled in controversy due to the actor's alleged habitual drug use. Director Kim Hyung-joo stated, "Although the film is centered around the game of Go, it's enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with the game."

On the 19th, a press screening and conference for 'The Match' were held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included director Kim Hyung-joo and actors Lee Byung-hun, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jeong-hee, and Jo Woo-jin.

'The Match' tells the story of Go legend Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) who, after losing to his disciple Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in and Kim Kang-hoon), strives to reclaim his position at the top with his innate competitive spirit. Director Kim shared, "I don't know much about Go myself. I made the film with the premise that it should be accessible to those unfamiliar with the game."

Yoo Ah-in, one of the lead actors, has been absent from promotional materials due to his recent drug-related controversy and did not attend the event. The film's release was delayed but is now set to hit theaters.

Director Kim expressed his emotional struggles, saying, "I wish I could have a drink with Yoo Ah-in and talk things over," with a wry smile. He added, "Lee Byung-hun was cast first, and at that time, it felt like I had the world. Yoo Ah-in's incident was irresponsible as a lead actor. He made a mistake as a member of society and is facing the consequences." He continued, "When the issue arose, I felt trapped in a 'hellish tunnel,' as the movie's dialogue suggests. I felt helpless, but now I see a glimmer of hope with the release, and it feels like a breath of fresh air."

Lee Byung-hun plays Cho Hun-hyun, a top player in the World Professional Go Championship. He shared, "Despite the challenges, I was thrilled and pleased with the news of the release."

'The Match' is based on the dynamic true story of the master-disciple relationship between Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho, from living together to the disciple surpassing the master, and the master's comeback after a slump. Lee Byung-hun explained, "I found it dramatic that such a story existed. It was fascinating that these two legends went through this process."

Lee Byung-hun, who previously played gambler Kim In-ha in the drama 'All In,' noted a special connection, saying, "While filming, I met Cho Hun-hyun 9-dan, and I had heard from Cha Min-soo, the model for Kim In-ha, that they were close friends. When I mentioned this to Cho Hun-hyun, he confirmed they were childhood friends." He added, "'All In' is also a story about a gambler. I felt a connection between the two stories during filming."

Lee Byung-hun decided to buy a Go board after joining 'The Match.' He humorously shared, "I kept a Go board at home and played Omok with my son. Honestly, I didn't play Go, but I needed to get used to placing the stones."

Yoo Ah-in plays Lee Chang-ho, the youngest world champion in Go history, while Kim Kang-hoon portrays his younger self. Director Kim did not deliberately reduce Yoo Ah-in's scenes, as the story could not progress without Lee Chang-ho.

Lee Byung-hun commented on working with Yoo Ah-in, "I was curious as it was my first time acting with him." He added, "Yoo Ah-in was more reserved than I expected. We didn't have many conversations about the scenes or social gatherings. We didn't have much time to get to know each other, but he was serious during rehearsals and filming, which helped me immerse myself in the scenes."

In the film, Cho Hun-hyun begins to falter after losing to his disciple. Lee Byung-hun explained, "You have to spend all your time at the Go board without showing emotions, but there are explosive emotions and despair within. I focused on expressing these extreme emotions in a static situation." He continued, "The film briefly mentions the feeling of returning to the basics and climbing back to the top after losing repeatedly to a disciple. However, the actual feeling is unimaginable. It was challenging to understand and internalize those emotions."

When asked about portraying a petty character after losing to a disciple, he humorously replied, "I didn't need to act petty; I already have that side within me."

Moon Jeong-hee plays Jeong Mi-hwa, Cho Hun-hyun's wife. She shared, "Even though it's our movie, I found it healing. It's a fresh film that's not overly stimulating yet still impactful." She added, "I had many concerns about portraying the complex emotions of being one with Cho Hun-hyun while feeling differently when Chang-ho enters the picture. There were moments of hesitation during the actual performance."

Moon Jeong-hee described the film as "a family and coming-of-age movie that many will feel proud of."

Ko Chang-seok plays Cheon Seung-pil, a professional Go player and journalist. He described his character as "someone who loves Go and professional players, feeling more joy and sorrow than the two protagonists (Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho)."

Ko emphasized, "Even those unfamiliar with Go can enjoy the film, and Cheon Seung-pil's role is to spark interest in Go among viewers." He added, "It's a challenging time for many, and I hope 'The Match' contributes to overcoming these difficulties. I hope many people love this film."

Hyun Bong-sik plays Lee Yong-gak, who recognizes Lee Chang-ho's talent. He shared, "I don't know much about Go either, but I thought it was important for viewers to find interest in Go after watching the film." He added, "I practiced placing Go stones, but I didn't get to film actual Go scenes. I prepared a lot, but I feel sorry for not showing much."

Lee Byung-hun shared a behind-the-scenes story about a styling competition with Hyun Bong-sik. He said, "When I first styled my hair with a 2:8 part, I thought I'd rely on makeup, but when I saw Hyun Bong-sik's styling on set, I thought, 'I lost,'" eliciting laughter.

Jo Woo-jin makes a special appearance as Nam Ki-chul, Cho Hun-hyun's rival. He shared, "It felt like watching my respected senior Lee Byung-hun defend his title," and praised the film's intensity. He added, "Nam Ki-chul is like a shadow, witnessing and narrating the events, contributing to the authenticity of the master-disciple showdown."

Regarding scenes where he advises Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho, Jo Woo-jin said, "I wanted to move their hearts in a simple way, but I realized how difficult that is."

Director Kim expressed, "I hope people watch the film as it is. The film suffered many wounds before its release. I hope viewers can offer a warm balm." Jo Woo-jin reminisced about the late Nam Moon-chul, saying, "It was nice to see him on screen after a long time." Lee Byung-hun added, "My heart was like a volcano, but I had to act with my eyes in a static setting. You can feel those details on screen." Director Kim emphasized, "Please watch this film, which can be described as an acting omakase, in theaters."

'The Match' is set to release on the 26th.

By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr