Lee Byung-hun Shines in 'Victory' Amid Controversy

On March 19, the press screening for the film 'Victory' (승부) took place at CGV Yongsan, where Lee Byung-hun made a striking entrance. The film, directed by Kim Hyung-joo, tells the story of legendary Go player Cho Hun-hyun, who, after losing to his disciple, seeks to reclaim his status as a top player. The screening featured notable cast members including Lee Byung-hun as Cho Hun-hyun, Go Chang-seok as the Go journalist Cheon Seung-pil, Hyun Bong-sik as the pro Go player Lee Yong-gak, Moon Jung-hee as Cho's supportive partner Jeong Mi-hwa, and Jo Woo-jin as his rival Nam Gi-cheol.

Set in the 1990s, when Go was revered as the ultimate intellectual sport, 'Victory' is inspired by the real-life rivalry between Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho, showcasing Cho's journey of resilience and determination after a significant defeat. Lee Byung-hun's performance has been described as captivating, embodying the essence of Cho Hun-hyun with remarkable depth. Despite the surrounding controversies, Yoo Ah-in, who plays Lee Chang-ho, delivers a compelling performance that matches Lee Byung-hun's intensity.

During the event, Lee Byung-hun expressed his disbelief at the dramatic real-life events depicted in the film, stating, "Reading the script and watching the documentary footage made it hard to believe such dramatic events were true. The emotional journey of these two legendary players is fascinating." He emphasized the challenge of portraying the complex emotions required for his character, particularly the need to express intense feelings in a subdued manner.

Lee also shared his excitement about working with Yoo Ah-in, noting that while he initially expected a more talkative co-star, he found Yoo to be serious and deeply focused during their scenes together. The film's director, Kim Hyung-joo, mentioned the challenges faced in bringing 'Victory' to theaters, especially after the pandemic and the controversies surrounding Yoo Ah-in's casting.

'Victory' is set to be released in theaters on March 26, featuring a talented cast that includes Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Go Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, and Moon Jung-hee. The film aims to resonate with audiences, offering a blend of drama and the intellectual challenge of Go.