Actors Jung Ryeo Won and Lee Kyu Hyung are the main casts of the new drama ' Start Defense'.

' Start Defense' is a legal mystery drama that takes place as two lawyers become entangled in a case of serial murder. Jung Ryeo Won plays the role of Noh Chak-hee. is a lawyer who was relegated to the public election from the famous law firm ACE, which has the highest win rate. As if 'No' in the name given to 'live kindly', he kept his distance from being good and lived fiercely without any fuss in order to win. Then, he was mistakenly entangled in a case he took over before being promoted to a partner, and his qualifications were almost suspended for one year, but instead, he became exclusively responsible for public defending. Her goal is to become an icon in the public sector by taking on a case of a major player, and to make a comeback to a law firm as soon as possible. Jung Ryeo Won will finally return in the small screen after two years.

While, Lee Kyu Hyung , who has shone his presence across good and evil, takes on the role of Jwa Si-baek, a public defender called 'Torai'. A person who is not likely to get a drop of blood even if he stabs the strong, but can give his own blood to the weak. Maybe that's why, after graduating from the Judicial Research and Training Institute as a senior, he was able to choose any of the judges, prosecutors, and top 3 law firms, but he rejected all offers and offered free arguments. However, there is something so mysterious that even the secretary who has worked with him for a long time does not know about his private life.

The production team said,

"The casting of Jung Ryeo Won and Lee Kyu Hyung has earned me a thousand mama. I am already looking forward to the passionate acting competition between the two actors. 'Start Defense' will be completed as a well-made mystery with a high degree of perfection and presented to the viewers." Filming will start in January 2022, and OTT platform formation is in discussion in the second half of the year.

Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]