The film ‘Victory’, which had been adrift due to controversies surrounding lead actor Yoo Ah-in, is set to hit theaters with a dramatic true story.
On the afternoon of the 19th, a preview and press conference for the film ‘Victory’ was held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Director Kim Hyung-joo and actors Lee Byung-hun, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jung-hee, and Jo Woo-jin attended.
‘Victory’ tells the story of Korea's greatest Go legend, Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun), who, after losing a match against his disciple, challenges himself to reach the top once again with his innate competitive spirit.
Lee Byung-hun plays the living Go legend Cho Hun-hyun. His disciple and world-renowned Go genius Lee Chang-ho is portrayed by Kim Kang-hoon as a child and Yoo Ah-in as an adult.
Yoo Ah-in was imprisoned and faced trial for habitual drug use, including propofol and marijuana, and was released after receiving a suspended prison sentence in an appeals trial held on the 18th of last month. As a result, ‘Victory’, which had been adrift, excluded Yoo Ah-in from the trailers and stills ahead of its release.
Director Kim Hyung-joo stated, “After many ups and downs, we are finally able to release the film in theaters. I am just happy and grateful for that,” and added, “The most important thing was that I, as someone who doesn’t know Go, wanted to ensure that those who also don’t understand Go could watch it without difficulty.”
Regarding the film being based on a true story, he said, “Since it’s the story of two real people, there were moments when we had no choice but to make certain choices,” and explained, “While we follow the larger framework, the first meeting between the master and disciple, and the first match in the film may seem like the first match, but it was created in a cinematic way. Cho Hun-hyun did not impose strict training.”
When asked about his feelings ahead of the release, Lee Byung-hun cautiously replied, “The fact that we are finally meeting the audience on the screen after many ups and downs is exciting.”
Lee Byung-hun shared his thoughts on the film, saying, “When I first read the script and saw various footage of ‘Victory’, I couldn’t believe that such a dramatic event was a true story. It was fascinating that two legends had such a backstory and went through this process,” and added, “While we had decided to do it, during filming, I had to spend time in front of the Go board without emotional changes. I focused on expressing explosive or despairing emotions in a static situation.”
He continued, “Cho Hun-hyun’s life, being the first in the world to win and holding many records, losing to a disciple he raised at home, and then continuously losing and returning to his original mindset to climb back to the top step by step is summarized in a single line, but I felt that the emotions behind that are hard to imagine. It was difficult to act out those parts and internalize those feelings.”
When asked about his chemistry with Yoo Ah-in, he said, “When I heard about the next casting after doing ‘Victory’, my expectations grew, and I felt excited. I thought it would be fun to film. I was curious about working with Yoo Ah-in for the first time. During filming, he was more reserved than I expected. We didn’t have much time to get to know each other. When we were immersed in our roles and rehearsing together, we showed serious sides, which made it easier to get into the scenes.”
Finally, Director Kim Hyung-joo cautiously addressed Yoo Ah-in’s controversy, saying, “To be honest, it was a disappointing incident that could be seen as irresponsible for a lead actor. He committed a wrongdoing as a member of society before being an actor and is currently being punished, so I don’t think I have much more to say.”
He continued, “It felt like being trapped in a hellish tunnel, as mentioned in the film’s dialogue. I felt helpless and overwhelmed. Seeing a ray of light, the light of release, at the exit made me feel relieved. It’s very moving. The staff and actors have been eagerly waiting for the release. Many emotions are intertwined.”
Director Kim Hyung-joo added, “The choice and judgment are up to the public, and I cannot force it. I ask for the difficult favor of watching the film as it is. Before the film comes out into the world, it has been hurt, and I hope you can watch it with a warm heart, as if applying ointment.”
Jo Woo-jin expressed, “It feels special. Personally, it may sound grand, but I feel like I witnessed Lee Byung-hun’s title defense match. I think it’s a work filled with many memorable quotes. I was able to witness moments when those quotes shone like jewels when recited by many great seniors and actors.”
Moon Jung-hee said, “I had the opportunity to see it last week and watched it again today. It was healing. The moments when someone learns and teaches come to people as they live. I hope we can share this warm film together.”
‘Victory’ will be released on the 26th.
