▲ This poster of film "The Match," starring actors Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in, is provided by Moonlight Film, BH Entertainment and By4M Studio on Feb. 17, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- Film The Match, starring Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in as legendary Go players Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho, is set for theatrical release on March 26, distributor By4M Studio announced on Monday.

 

The film follows the story of Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun), a legendary figure in Korean Go, as he faces defeat at the hands of his protege Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in) and embarks on a journey to reclaim his title.

 

The Match has garnered significant attention, not only for its compelling subject matter—the intense rivalry between the two Go masters—but also for the powerhouse pairing of Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in.

 

Filming was completed in 2021, and the movie was initially set for a 2023 release on Netflix. However, its premiere was repeatedly delayed due to Yoo Ah-in’s legal issues related to propofol use. Eventually, the decision was made to forgo a streaming release and instead opt for a theatrical debut.

 

The film is directed by Kim Hyung-joo (The Sheriff in Town), with Yoon Jong-bin contributing to the screenplay.

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