“He was...” Lee Byung-hun’s Honest Take on Yoo Ah-in—Not the Answer You’d Expect!

Actor Lee Byung-hun shared his thoughts on co-starring with Yoo Ah-in in the upcoming film 'The Match' during a press screening held on March 19 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. While Lee was present at the event, Yoo did not attend.

When asked about Yoo Ah-in, Lee carefully responded, “It was my first time working with him, so I was curious to see how it would go.”

Describing their on-set chemistry, Lee added, “Since it was our first collaboration, I had my curiosities. Yoo Ah-in turned out to be more reserved than I expected. We didn’t get much time to really get to know each other or have long conversations. But even so, we both focused deeply on our roles, went through rehearsals together, and gradually found our rhythm. His serious approach helped me connect with him as a scene partner.”

Director Kim Hyung-joo, however, was more candid in his comments about Yoo Ah-in, who has been at the center of controversy due to a drug scandal. “As the lead actor, he caused an irresponsible and disappointing incident,” Kim stated firmly.

He recalled the initial excitement when the film’s star-studded cast came together. “When Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in were first cast, I felt like I had the whole world. With Lee joining first, I was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation—but also pressure.”

However, after Yoo Ah-in was embroiled in drug allegations, Kim admitted, “I felt like I was trapped in a hellish tunnel, just like a line from the movie. I was helpless and lost. Now that we’re finally heading toward release, it feels like I can finally breathe. I’m overwhelmed with emotion. Both the cast and crew have been desperately waiting for this moment.”

Due to Yoo’s pivotal role as Lee Chang-ho, a legendary Go prodigy, the team said they could not significantly reduce his screen time despite the scandal.

A Once Highly Anticipated Blockbuster, Delayed by Scandal

Originally hailed as a potential box office hit aiming for 10 million admissions, 'The Match' is based on the legendary mentor-mentee rivalry between two icons in the Korean Go world—Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho. The film boasts a massive production budget of over 10 billion KRW (approx. $6.8 million USD), and generated enormous buzz for bringing together two of Korea’s biggest actors, Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in.

Although filming was completed in 2021 and the movie was initially set for a Netflix release, its premiere was indefinitely postponed after Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal surfaced.

Now, after a four-year delay, 'The Match' is finally set to hit theaters on March 26 across Korea.

The film has a runtime of 114 minutes and is rated 12+.