Lee Byung Hun praises Yoo Ah In's acting in ‘The Match,’ reveals no contact since scandal

Veteran actor Lee Byung Hun has praised the performance of Yoo Ah In in his new film ‘The Match’ despite the recent legal issues faced by the actor. The film, directed by Kim Hyung Joo, is based on the life of legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun, played by Lee Byung Hun, and his complicated relationship with his student, Lee Chang-ho, played by Yoo Ah In.
According to Allkpop, Lee Byung Hun mentions how relieved he is that ‘The Match’ will finally be having a theater release on March 26 after being postponed due to Yoo Ah In's drug controversy. Yoo Ah In was originally charged with habitual use of drugs such as propofol and marijuana and was given probation at an appeals trial last month.
Lee Byung Hun commented on the release, "I'm just happy that it's getting a theatrical release. There were so many ups and downs, but the fact that it's going to be played in theaters makes me so happy. Everyone worked so hard on making this film." He noted that a streaming release could have been seen by more people but stressed the special pleasure of viewing the film on the big screen.
For Lee Byung Hun's own praise, Yoo Ah In had little time to wait: "I think he did a fantastic job. A movie doesn't glitter because of a single actor—when all deliver, that is when the movie works. From that aspect, Yoo Ah In performed wonderfully." He commented on the anxiety brought by the uncertainty about the release of the film, especially for the director who worked for years on it.
Lee Byung Hun also disclosed that he had met with Cho Hun Hyun prior to filming in order to study his mannerisms and habits, saying further, "I attempted to learn from the way he talks and his small habits." He added that the actual Cho Hun Hyun told him how surprised he was at how accurately the psychological and emotional elements of Go were depicted in the film.
Even as he eulogizes Yoo Ah In's performance on screen, Lee Byung Hun admitted he has not heard from the actor since the drug scandal. When prodded, he simply said, "No, we've never contacted each other. We weren't really in touch even before that."
Lee Byung Hun has already wrapped up shooting for his next project, 'I Can't Help It,' with director Park Chan-wook.