According to industry sources on January 20, the film “The Match” starring Yoo Ah-in has confirmed a theatrical release for this spring and has begun large-scale preparations, aiming to be released in March.
Based on a true story, “The Match” depicts the legendary rivalry and mentorship between Korean Go masters Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho. Lee Byung-hun plays Cho Hun-hyun, while Yoo Ah-in plays the role of Lee Chang-ho, drawing attention to the project since its production stage. Directed by Kim Hyung-joo of “The Sheriff in Town” and produced by MoonLight Film Company, the film was long overdue.
The distribution rights have now been acquired by By4M Studio. Initially, “The Match” was an Acemaker Movieworks production, which began filming in 2020 and concluded the following year. However, during the post-production phase, Netflix showed interest, leading to plans for an OTT release instead of a theatrical premiere. Netflix even released a press release in December 2022, officially announcing the film’s release.
However, the project hit a roadblock due to Yoo Ah-in’s legal problems. In February 2023, Yoo faced allegations of illegal drug use, prompting Netflix to indefinitely postpone the film’s release. Rumors about “The Match” returning to theaters began circulating in December of that year. Behind the scenes, Netflix and Acemaker Movieworks engaged in discussions to ensure that the efforts of those involved in the project did not go to waste despite Yoo Ah-in’s controversies.
Eventually the distribution rights were transferred to By4M Studio. Originally a viral marketing company, By4M Studio ventured into film investment and distribution in 2022. It recently found success with “Firefighters” starring Kwak Do-won despite the actor’s DUI scandal. The company is also preparing for the release of “Hitman 2” during the Lunar New Year holiday.
If “The Match” is released in March, it will be Yoo Ah-in’s first film to premiere since the drug scandal. Another film starring Yoo, “Hi.5,” remains without a release date, with distributor NEW dropping it from its 2025 slate. Meanwhile, Netflix’s “Goodbye Earth,” released in April last year, significantly reduced Yoo’s screen time due to his controversies.
As for Yoo Ah-in, he was tried in October 2023 for using propofol 181 times between 2020 and 2022. He was also accused of illegally obtaining sleeping pills using someone else’s name and smoking marijuana with acquaintances in the United States.
In September last year, a lower court sentenced Yoo to a year in prison, charging him with habitual use of medical narcotics and purchasing sleeping pills using someone else’s name. However, he was acquitted of instructing the use of marijuana and destroying evidence due to insufficient evidence. The appeal hearing concluded on December 24, 2024 and the final verdict is expected on February 18.
