The Winning Try ventures into fresh territory for Korean dramas by diving into the lesser-known sport of rugby. While the game itself might be unfamiliar to local audiences, the story is anything but — a classic tale of redemption, unlikely mentorship, and underdog perseverance.
At the heart of the show is Joo Ga-ram, played by Yoon Kye-sang, a former rugby superstar disgraced by doping charges just after leading South Korea to victory in the Asian Cup. Now shaggy-haired and sidelined, he returns to the public eye as an unlikely coach for the failing rugby team at Hanyang Physical Education High School. The team, winless the previous year, is on the verge of being disbanded.
His appointment is met with hostility from all sides. The players don’t trust him — especially team captain Yoon Seong-jun, portrayed by Kim Yo-han — and the faculty are already moving to have him dismissed. Even Bae I-ji, a sharpshooting instructor and Ga-ram’s former flame, reacts with fury upon seeing him again, threatening to follow through on her promise to kill him if he ever reappeared.
In a memorable comedic moment, Ga-ram interrupts a ceremonial school event by launching a rugby ball into the mouth of a ceremonial pig cake, splattering frosting onto the scheming vice-principal Song. It’s an act of defiance and arrival — a bold gesture that hints Ga-ram won’t be easily pushed aside.
His only real ally is Principal Kang Jeong-hyo, who brought him in but plans to retire in six months. With the conniving vice-principal already maneuvering to take her place, Ga-ram’s mission becomes more urgent. He must rally a demoralized team, navigate bitter personal relationships, and challenge a school system riddled with favoritism — all under the looming threat of losing his job.
While the storyline follows a predictable sports drama formula, its charm lies in the execution. Yoon Kye-sang delivers charisma and warmth, and the setup between him and Im Se-mi hints at a potentially rich emotional arc. The Winning Try may not reinvent the genre, but it promises enough heart and humor to make the journey worthwhile.
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