A Meticulous Recreation of an Iconic Rivalry 🎬

Actor Lee Byung-hun is making a striking return to the big screen, fully immersing himself in the role of legendary Go player Cho Hun-hyun.

🎥 The Essence of The Match

Set in the 1990s, an era when Go (baduk) was revered as the ultimate mind sport, The Match follows Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) as he faces a crushing defeat at the hands of his own protégé. Fueled by his relentless competitive spirit, he embarks on one final journey to reclaim his title.

👀 A Role Tailored for Lee Byung-hun

With The Match based on a real-life figure, director Kim Hyung-joo knew the casting had to be spot-on. From the very first page of the script, there was only one actor in mind.

🗣 Director Kim Hyung-joo's Take:
"Only Lee Byung-hun could capture the essence of a Go master—the commanding presence, the unwavering confidence, and even the raw desperation of defeat. Watching him bring that to life on set was nothing short of mesmerizing."

🔥 Uncanny Transformation

Lee Byung-hun's transformation into Cho Hun-hyun is nothing short of meticulous. The resemblance is uncanny, from his physical appearance to the finest details of his expressions and mannerisms.

💭 Lee Byung-hun on His Role:
"At first, I wasn't particularly drawn to the story since I knew little about Go. But as I read through the script, I was completely captivated by the drama and depth of the narrative."

📚 Mastering the Mind Game

To authentically portray a Go master, Lee Byung-hun dedicated himself to studying the game, diving deep into training materials and even meeting Cho Hun-hyun himself for insight.

"I wanted to make sure even those unfamiliar with Go could follow the intensity of the matches. The key was to convey the emotional tension through every glance, every move, every breath," he explained.

📅 Mark Your Calendar!
The Match is set to premiere in theaters on March 26.

[Photo Credit: BY4M Studio]