Why Lee Byung-hun Was Taken Aback by Lee Min-jung’s Reaction to The Match

Veteran actor Lee Byung-hun recently opened up about his family’s response to his latest film The Match, and let’s just say—his ego might have taken a small (but funny) hit.

In a March 21 interview with News1 held at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Lee discussed the preparation that went into playing the legendary Go player Cho Hun-hyun.

“I took lessons in Go technique, especially how to place the stones,” he said. “In the evenings, I’d come home and practice with my son. But I’m not great at Go, so we played Omok instead.”

When asked whether his son helped with the practice, Lee smiled, “He has his own things to do, of course. Sometimes my wife Lee Min-jung would step in and be my practice partner. You can’t enjoy a game without someone on the other side.”

Family Came to Watch—and Had Surprising Reactions

Lee shared that his entire family—including his mother, father-in-law, wife Lee Min-jung, and their 10-year-old son—attended the The Match screening. His father-in-law, a longtime fan of Go, was especially impressed with the film’s attention to detail.

“He even remembered the actual locations and historical context,” Lee said. “He told me the art direction felt incredibly authentic, and that the film had clearly been made with care.”

But when asked how his wife and son reacted emotionally to the film, Lee was caught off guard. “They said it was sad. I assumed it was because of my role, but they said it was Lee Chang-ho’s scene—when he leaves—that really got to them,” he laughed. “Even my son said the same. But hey, I like to think my acting helped make that moment hit harder.”

The Match: From Netflix to Theaters

The Match tells the true story of Cho Hun-hyun (Lee Byung-hun), a Go master who loses to his student and prodigy Lee Chang-ho, played by Yoo Ah-in.

Originally slated for a Netflix release in 2023, the film’s release was delayed and eventually shifted to a theatrical release due to Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal. Yoo was indicted in 2023 after testing positive for multiple illegal substances including propofol and marijuana. Although the controversy cast a shadow over the project, Netflix opted not to release the film on its platform, and the producers restructured its launch for cinemas.

Now, with Yoo’s scenes left intact, the film is finally premiering in theaters on March 26, 2025, offering audiences a long-awaited look at the dramatic showdown between mentor and student.

What’s Next for Lee Byung-hun?

After The Match, Lee Byung-hun will be returning to the big screen in a romantic thriller titled No Other Choice (also titled Can't Help It), co-starring Son Ye-jin. The Netflix original is expected to explore themes of love, betrayal, and moral dilemma, and has already become one of the most anticipated K-content projects of 2025.

He’s also set to return in Squid Game Season 3, reprising his role as the masked Front Man. As the dystopian survival series continues to expand its global footprint, Lee’s return is expected to bring even more complexity and intensity to the unfolding story.

A Happy Life Off-Screen

Off-camera, Lee Byung-hun remains grounded in family life with actress Lee Min-jung, whom he married in 2013. The couple has been praised for their strong, enduring relationship—balancing two high-profile careers with a commitment to family.

In interviews, Lee often expresses gratitude for his wife’s unwavering support, and Lee Min-jung has shared how their son brings joy and grounding to their home life. “We’re happiest just doing everyday things together,” he once said.

With The Match hitting theaters, major Netflix projects in the pipeline, and a supportive family cheering him on (even if they cried over someone else’s scene), 2025 is shaping up to be a big—and beautifully balanced—year for Lee Byung-hun.