Actor Kim Yo-han Returns After Four-Year Hiatus with 'The Winning Try'

"During the four years without work, I felt anxious and restless. But I am grateful for the fans who always supported me, and it brings back touching memories."

Actor Kim Yo-han expressed his feelings about returning after a long hiatus. On the 28th of last month, Kim Yo-han, who stars in the SBS drama 'The Winning Try' (hereafter 'Try'), was interviewed at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. His bright demeanor and constant smile were impressive throughout the interview.

'Try' is a comedic sports drama about an unpredictable eccentric coach, Joo Ga-ram (played by Yoon Kye-sang), and the last-place Hanyang High School rugby team racing towards winning the national championship. Kim Yo-han plays the role of Yoon Sung-joon, the captain of the rugby team.

Kim Yo-han gained fame by winning first place on Mnet's 'Produce X 101' in 2019. He began his acting career in July 2020 with the KakaoTV drama 'A Love So Beautiful'. In 2021, he starred in the drama 'School 2021', but had no projects for the next four years.

Regarding this, Kim Yo-han said, "The anxiety during those four years is indescribable." He added, "I had about three projects that fell through even after script readings, which led to wasting about 2-3 years." Kim Yo-han, who went through tough times, shared, "I was suppressing myself to the ground. I didn't even want to leave the house."

"Still, I kept practicing acting during those four years. I thought things would work out, but they always fell apart at the last minute. As time went on, it became increasingly difficult."

After enduring difficult times, 'Try' was like a gift to Kim Yo-han. He said, "When I first read the script for 'Try', it was so interesting. I really wanted to do it." With a desperate heart, Kim Yo-han prepared thoroughly for the audition, saying, "I analyzed the character Sung-joon diligently. Fortunately, the director liked it, and I was cast."

"When 'Try' first came to me, I had no faith. Since previous projects kept falling through, I thought this one would too. But as I read the script, I realized how much Sung-joon and I were alike. I was also a former athlete. So, I prepared even harder, and it led to good results."

In reality, Kim Yo-han and Yoon Sung-joon share many similarities. Kim Yo-han practiced Taekwondo for 13 years, winning the National Youth Sports Festival twice and the National Taekwondo Championships once. In 2015, he was selected as a reserve member of the national Taekwondo team, showing great promise as an athlete. This experience greatly helped him in portraying Yoon Sung-joon.

"Sung-joon and I have many similar aspects. Like Sung-joon, who despaired after injuring his shoulder in the drama, I also had an ankle surgery in my sophomore year of college, which cost me a season. I remember feeling desperate after the injury. That desperation helped me empathize with Sung-joon's pain more than anyone else."

Kim Yo-han will also play a boxing athlete in the upcoming film 'Made in Itaewon', set to release next year. He commented, "I think I was cast because the character and I fit well, but also because the image of an athlete is firmly imprinted on the industry people. I actually like it. I want to play athlete roles until I get tired of them," he laughed.

Kim Yo-han described 'Try' as "a drama where you can take a refreshing sip of soda" to viewers who haven't seen it yet. He emphasized, "It's the first drama in Korea to feature rugby as a theme, but it doesn't just cover rugby. It also includes the growth of youth and adults."

"Our drama has many frustrating parts like a sweet potato, but in the latter half, there are scenes that relieve that frustration completely. It's like taking a refreshing sip of soda. There are many thrilling game scenes, and it's just so fun. If you haven't seen it yet, I hope you do."

Kim Yo-han expressed his desire to "become an actor who can support others." He said, "My biggest goal is to continue working consistently without interruption. Just as I learned and grew by watching my seniors, I want to become a wonderful senior who can be a source of strength to someone 15 years from now," he said with a sparkle in his eyes.

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr