Against All Odds: 'The Match' Hits Over 2 Million Views!

In a remarkable twist, the film 'The Match' has soared past 2 million viewers, making it the second Korean film of 2025 to achieve this milestone, and doing so amidst the storm of a scandal involving one of its stars, Yoo Ah In.

As of April 21, data from the Korean Film Council's ticket sales revealed that 'The Match' accumulated 2,000,933 viewers in just 27 days since its release. Following 'Hitman 2,' this extraordinary feat positions 'The Match' among the top box office contenders of the year, ranking third overall just behind major hits like 'Mickey 17' and 'Hitman 2'.

This success story is particularly inspiring considering the challenges faced by the film's production. The release was initially endangered by the fallout from Yoo Ah In’s drug scandal, which cast a shadow over the film’s promotion. However, with resilience and support from fans, 'The Match' not only overcame these setbacks but thrived in theaters, cementing its place in Korean cinematic history.

To commemorate reaching the 2 million view milestone, the team behind 'The Match' shared a heartfelt thank-you video along with celebratory photos. Cast members, including star Lee Byung Hun and director Kim Hyung Joo, were seen joyfully holding balloons displaying the '2 million' mark, expressing their sincere gratitude to audiences for their overwhelming support. They beamed with pride as they shouted, “Thank you for helping 'The Match' reach 2 million viewers!”

At the heart of the film, 'The Match' narrates the inspiring journey of Go (baduk) legend Cho Hun Hyun, brought to life by Lee Byung Hun. After suffering a defeat at the hands of his own protégé, Cho reignites his competitive spirit for a thrilling showdown, showcasing a narrative filled with passion and tenacity. This combination of a compelling story and a triumphant box office performance only adds to the film’s allure.