100 Billion KRW Korean Film Finally Hits Theaters—Director Calls Out Lead Actor’s “Irresponsibility”

After a four-year delay due to lead actor Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal, the highly anticipated Korean film The Match (Seungbu) is finally set for theatrical release on March 26. With a production budget exceeding 100 billion KRW, the film was once considered a potential 10-million-ticket blockbuster, but its journey has been anything but smooth.

On March 19, director Kim Hyung-joo held a press conference at CGV Yongsan, where he spoke candidly about the film’s struggles and Yoo Ah-in’s controversy, stating, “As a lead actor, he acted irresponsibly and caused great disappointment.”

A Star-Studded Film Overshadowed by Scandal

The Match was originally produced for Netflix, starring Lee Byung-hun as legendary Go master Cho Hun-hyun and Yoo Ah-in as his protégé Lee Chang-ho. The film explores their intense mentor-protégé rivalry, showcasing the mental and strategic battles behind the game of Go.

However, the film’s 2021 completion was followed by indefinite postponement due to Yoo Ah-in’s drug abuse scandal. His 2023 conviction led to major distribution changes, ultimately pushing the film into a 2025 theatrical release instead of a Netflix debut.

During the press event, director Kim Hyung-joo expressed his mixed emotions:

- On the casting: “When Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in were cast, I felt like I had won the world.”

- On the scandal: “After Yoo Ah-in’s controversy, I felt like I was trapped in a tunnel with no way out.”

- On the release: “Now that we’re finally releasing the film, I feel a sense of relief and gratitude. Our team—both cast and crew—waited for this moment for years.”

Despite his disappointment in Yoo Ah-in’s actions, Kim took a cautious approach, acknowledging, “He is facing legal consequences, so I will refrain from further comment.”

Go Beyond the Game: The Battle of Two Minds

The Match is not just a sports film, but a psychological drama about two contrasting philosophies: Cho Hun-hyun (Lee Byung-hun) plays bold, aggressive Go, taking risks to secure victory. Lee Chang-ho (Yoo Ah-in) adopts a calculated, defensive approach, preferring to never lose rather than always win.

The film’s Go matches are visually stunning, using creative cinematic techniques to depict the mental calculations behind each move—even those unfamiliar with the game can follow the intensity.

Yoo Ah-in’s Scenes Remain Untouched

Despite the scandal, Yoo Ah-in’s scenes remain unedited, as his role is integral to the film. He portrays Lee Chang-ho’s youth and rise to greatness, with child actor Kim Kang-hoon playing his younger counterpart. Editing him out was impossible, given the film’s core narrative of mentor-protégé conflict.

Lee Byung-hun, when asked about working with Yoo Ah-in, responded carefully: “I was curious about working with him. He was more reserved than I expected, and we didn’t have much time to bond. However, he was fully immersed in his role, which helped me engage with my character as well.”

Despite his co-star's negative reputation, Lee Byung-hun seemingly remains positive. While promoting The Match, Lee Byung-hun is reportedly also preparing for his highly anticipated return in Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3, set to premiere later in 2025.

Netflix has already confirmed a Season 3, and reports suggest Lee Byung-hun’s role as the Front Man will continue, making him one of the franchise’s key stars moving forward. With Squid Game’s massive global reach, Lee Byung-hun is poised to further solidify his status as Korea’s biggest international actor, bridging both Hollywood and K-drama industries.

A Strong Supporting Cast Brings Depth

The film features top-tier supporting actors, including:

- Go Chang-seok as reporter Cheon Seung-pil, closely following the legendary rivalry.

- Hyun Bong-sik as fellow Go player Lee Yong-gak, who introduces Chang-ho to his mentor.

- Moon Jung-hee as Cho Hun-hyun’s wife, caught between loyalty and neutrality.

- Jo Woo-jin (special appearance) as rival player Nam Ki-chul, offering a key turning point for the protagonist.

- Kim Kang-hoon as young Lee Chang-ho, showcasing his early brilliance.

Overcoming Obstacles: Can The Match Become a Box Office Hit?

Distributed by BY4M Studio, the company behind recent hits like Hidden Face, Decision to Leave, 12.12 The Day, The Firefighter and Hitman 2, The Match is aiming for a three-hit streak at the box office. However, the lingering “Yoo Ah-in controversy” could impact its commercial success.

Meanwhile, Yoo Ah-in, after receiving a suspended sentence of one year with two years of probation in his drug-related trial, remains out of the public eye. Lee Byung-hun is currently handling all promotional activities alone.

Director’s Final Message to the Audience

Kim Hyung-joo made a heartfelt plea to moviegoers:

“I can’t force anyone to watch, but I hope people judge the film for what it is. This movie suffered before even seeing the light of day. If viewers can watch it with an open heart, that would mean the world to us.”

With high expectations, a gripping storyline, and Lee Byung-hun’s powerhouse performance, The Match is finally ready to take its place on the big screen. Will it overcome the burden of its four-year delay and achieve box office success? That remains to be seen.