SBS Drama 'The Winning Try' Continues to Break Viewership Records Amidst Rivalry

SBS's 'The Winning Try', starring Yoon Kye-sang, is dominating the ratings battle against MBC's 'Mary Kills People', led by Lee Bo-young, airing every Friday and Saturday. 'Try' continues to break its own viewership records, with the latest episode showcasing a heartfelt moment as Yoon Kye-sang's character and the Hanyang High School rugby team unite to help Kim Dan's character overcome his tackling trauma.

In the 8th episode, aired on the 16th, viewers witnessed a touching scene where Joo Garam (played by Yoon Kye-sang) and the rugby team help Moon Woong (played by Kim Dan) confront his fears, delivering an emotional impact. However, tension rises as Bang Heung-nam (played by Jung Soon-won), who is pushing for the disbandment of the rugby team, is on the verge of discovering Joo Garam's myasthenia gravis condition. The episode achieved a peak rating of 8.8% nationwide, with 7.3% in the metropolitan area, setting a new record according to Nielsen Korea.

During a match against Daesang High School, Moon Woong admitted, "I can't tackle," prompting Joo Garam and the team to devise a strategy to cover for his inability. Despite their efforts, Hanyang High School narrowly lost by two points, leading to a moment of frustration. Moon Woong, feeling responsible, was comforted by his teammates who expressed, "Even though we lost, it feels like we won," evoking a sense of camaraderie.

The match caught the attention of Song Hyun-jong (played by Kang Shin-il), the coach of Yeonhui University's rugby team, whose scouting report sparked interest in the rugby community. As inquiries from scouts poured in, Vice Principal Sung Jong-man (played by Kim Min-sang) shifted his stance to support the rugby team, heightening the tension. Joo Garam, responding to Heung-nam's comment about his seemingly easy life, emotionally retorted, "I've never had anything easy, especially rugby."

The Hanyang High School rugby team embarked on special training to help Moon Woong overcome his tackling trauma, even bringing in a cow and undergoing marine corps-style training, adding a touch of humor. However, a shocking revelation surfaced online, accusing Moon Woong of being a school bully. Despite this, Yoon Sung-joon (played by Kim Yo-han) and the team stood by him. Moon Woong had pushed a delinquent student to protect his father, resulting in an injury.

Determined to protect Moon Woong, the rugby team confronted the students responsible for the post. Team captain Yoon Sung-joon, despite their taunts, declared, "We need Moon Woong," and successfully persuaded them to delete the post by kneeling. Left alone at school, Moon Woong confided in Bae Ji (played by Im Se-mi) during her yips training, who reassured him, "You're not at the stage to worry about yips yet."

Joo Garam scolded the team for risking themselves to confront the delinquents, admitting, "As the coach, I did nothing, so I should be punished," and challenged them to tackle him. This was part of his plan to help Moon Woong practice tackling. Joo Garam urged Moon Woong, "If you avoid tackling out of fear, your teammates will get hurt. Are you okay with that?" Moon Woong, expressing his fear of causing harm again, was given an ultimatum: tackle or end his rugby career. In a dramatic turn, Moon Woong overcame his fear and successfully tackled Joo Garam, who congratulated him, "You're finally a rugby player," as the team celebrated their unity.

However, a crisis loomed for Joo Garam as his myasthenia gravis symptoms worsened. Bang Heung-nam, suspecting something, awaited him in his room, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.

Meanwhile, the shooting team faced its own challenges. With only one spot available for Korea National Sports University, Coach Jeon Nak-kyun planned to recommend Na Seol-hyun (played by Sung Ji-young), the deputy superintendent's daughter, over top shooter Seo Woo-jin (played by Park Jung-yeon). Upon discovering this, Seo Woo-jin confronted Jeon Nak-kyun, who brazenly threatened her. The situation escalated as Jeon Nak-kyun pushed Seo Woo-jin, causing her to hit her head. Bae Ji, entering the shooting room, demanded Jeon Nak-kyun back off, and when he refused, she pointed a gun at him, leading to a gunshot and ending the episode on a cliffhanger.

SBS's 'Try' is a comedic sports drama about the unpredictable coach Joo Garam and the underdog Hanyang High School rugby team striving for a national championship, airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr