'The Winning Try' Concludes with a Triumphant Finale at the National Sports Festival

The SBS drama 'The Winning Try' wrapped up its remarkable journey with a triumphant victory at the National Sports Festival.

In the final episode aired on Saturday, the story of Hanyang High School's rugby team and their coach, Joo Garam (played by Yoon Kye-sang), reached a thrilling climax. The drama captivated audiences with its portrayal of youthful passion and determination, achieving a peak viewership rating of 7.9% nationwide and 6.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea.

The episode showcased the intense final journey of the Hanyang High School rugby team, now complete with Garam's leadership. Despite the challenging conditions of playing with only seven members, Garam inspired the team with words of encouragement, leading them to an unprecedented victory at the National Sports Festival. Meanwhile, the shooting team coach, Jeon Nak-kyun (played by Lee Sung-wook), was arrested for corruption and assault, and the principal's misconduct was exposed, adding to the drama's satisfying conclusion.

The rugby team's victory also led to personal triumphs, including team captain Yoon Sung-joon's (played by Kim Yo-han) college acceptance and Moon Woong's (played by Kim Dan) selection for the national youth team. Garam and Lee Ji solidified their roles as coaches, marking the beginning of their journey as true leaders. The epilogue hinted at a bright future for the team with the return of Kang Tae-poong (played by Jo Han-gyeol) to Hanyang High School.

'Try' received praise for Yoon Kye-sang's versatile performance and its compelling narrative of growth and camaraderie, continuing the success of SBS's sports drama legacy. The series left a lasting impact on viewers, who followed its journey with enthusiasm.

The drama's dynamic direction and team-oriented storyline captivated audiences, with thrilling game scenes reminiscent of a sports manga. The narrative of players learning teamwork through Garam's guidance added depth, creating an immersive experience that resonated with viewers. The show's popularity even sparked increased interest in rugby, with mentions of the sport rising by 71.71% on portal sites.

Another highlight was the portrayal of 'growing adults' by Yoon Kye-sang and Lim Se-mi, who depicted genuine mentors respecting students' choices and viewing failures as growth opportunities. Their journey as leaders provided heartfelt moments of inspiration.

Yoon Kye-sang's performance was a standout, showcasing his range from comedic to heartfelt scenes, reaffirming his reputation as a versatile actor. His portrayal of the quirky yet passionate rugby coach left a lasting impression on viewers.

The youthful cast, including Kim Yo-han, Park Jung-yeon, Kim Yi-jun, Lee Soo-chan, Yoon Jae-chan, Hwang Sung-bin, Woo Min-kyu, Kim Dan, and Sung Ji-young, brought vibrant energy to the series. Their strong performances and unique characters contributed to the drama's success, earning them praise and support from audiences. The series also delivered humor and touching moments of friendship and youthful romance, adding to its appeal.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr