The Match () is a 2025 South Korean biographical sports drama film directed and written by Kim Hyung-joo, based on two real-life notable Go players Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jeong-hee, and Kim Kang-hoon. The film was released theatrically on March 26, 2025.
Synopsis Set in the 1980s-1990s and based on two real-life notable Go players, the film tells the story of Cho Hun-hyun, a Go champion who discovers a gifted but untrained young boy Lee Chang-ho in an amateur contest. He takes him under his wing to turn into a professional player. Conflicts arise when the protégé later turns against his teachings.
Cast Lee Byung-hun as Cho Hun-hyun Yoo Ah-in as Lee Chang-ho Kim Kang-hoon as young Lee Chang-ho Ko Chang-seok as Cheon Seung-pil Hyun Bong-sik as Lee Yong-gak Moon Jeong-hee as Jung Mi-hwa, Cho Hun-yun's wife Jo Woo-jin as Nam Ki-cheol Jeon Moo-song as Lee Hwa-chun Jeong Suk-yong as Chang-ho's father
Production Casting In October 2020, Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in joined the cast of the film, followed by Moon Jeong-hee and child actor Kim Kang-hoon.
Filming Principal photography began on December 17, 2020. Filming took place in Yeongnam, Gyeongsang Province and Gangwon Province, and wrapped up in July, 2021.
Release The Match was scheduled to be released on Netflix in 2023. Prior to the release, the film launched international sales and was screened at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market in October 2021. However, it was delayed following Yoo Ah-in's drug use charges.
In February 2025, it was reported that The Match would to be released in theaters in the first half of 2025 after its Netflix release was delayed. The film will finally be released on May 7, 2025 on the platform in selected regions.
Reception
Box office
The film was released on March 26, 2025, on 1,638 screens. It opened at first place at the South Korean box office with 91,471 admissions.
The film has grossed from 2,146,284 admissions.
Accolades Award Year Category Recipient(s) Result Baeksang Arts Awards 2025Best ActorLee Byung-hun Best Screenplay Kim Hyung-joo, Yoon Jong-bin Blue Dragon Film Awards 2025 Best Screenplay Best Editing Kim Sang-bum Best Art Direction Jung Eun-young Buil Film Awards 2025Best DirectorKim Hyung-joo Best ActorLee Byung-hun Best Art/Technical AwardJung Eun-young Director's Cut Awards 2025Best Director (Film)Kim Hyung-joo Best Screenplay (Film)Kim Hyung-joo, Yoon Jong-bin Best Actor (Film)Yoo Ah-in Lee Byung-hun Golden Cinematography Awards 2025Best PictureThe Match Best Supporting ActorKo Chang-seok Korean Film Producers Association Awards 2025 Best Actor Lee Byung-hun Best Art Direction Jung Eun-young
References
External links