The young Lee Chang-ho in 'The Match' is receiving enthusiastic reactions from the audience toward Kim Kang-hoon.
The film 'The Match,' which opened on the 26th, tells the story of Korea's greatest Go legend Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) who, after losing a match against his disciple Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in), challenges to rise to the top again with his innate competitive spirit.
In the film, Kim Kang-hoon portrays the young Lee Chang-ho, demonstrating a strong demeanor that does not falter even during the psychological games with his master. The moment the child introduces himself as "Chang-hon, Lee Chang-ho" and his gaze transforms as he holds a Go stone captures the character's instinct as a competitor.
In the film, Kim Kang-hoon delicately expresses Lee Chang-ho's inner transformation, breathing life into the character. While training under Cho Hun-hyun, he conveys the gradually changing emotions through restrained expressions, eye contact, and steady breathing, enhancing the immersion in the early part of the film. Particularly, even in scenes where he is alone with veteran actor Lee Byung-hun, his unyielding performance creates a tense atmosphere, filling even static moments with intense emotional lines.
Additionally, in this work, Kim Kang-hoon showcased evolved performances that go beyond his existing bright and innocent image. He intricately expresses the dual emotions and inner strength of the Go genius, once called a prodigy, building depth meticulously based on a real-life character. Within the static subject of Go, he releases emotional waves through his eyes and breath, emitting a powerful presence.
In 'The Match,' Kim Kang-hoon serves as an emotional anchor leading the early story, not just a simple child actor. Despite his brief appearance, he firmly establishes an emotional foundation that allows the audience to immerse themselves in the character 'Lee Chang-ho,' dramatically increasing the story's immersion. His performance seems to meticulously design the delicate inner world of the young competitor, heightening anticipation for the spectrum Kim Kang-hoon will showcase in the future.
Meanwhile, the film 'The Match,' featuring Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jung-hee, Kim Kang-hoon, and Jo Woo-jin, has maintained its position at the top of the box office for the second day.
[Photo] 'The Match' still cut
[OSEN]