SBS weekend drama 'Try' featured Yoon Kye-sang and seven members of the rugby team successfully achieving their dramatic first try (score).
On July 26 (Saturday), the second episode of SBS weekend drama 'Try' (written by Lim Jin-a, directed by Jang Young-seok, hereafter 'Try') showcased the first match between new coach Joo Ga-ram (played by Yoon Kye-sang) and the seven members of the rugby team, causing explosive immersion. From the changing relationship between Ga-ram and rugby team captain Yoon Seong-jun (played by Kim Yo-han), who gradually break down each other's walls, the first rugby match delivered a thrilling pulse to the viewers. As a result, 'Try' began an upward trend in both viewership ratings, achieving a peak of 6.3% in ratings, 4.8% in the metropolitan area, and 4.4% nationwide.
During the broadcast, a vote for Joo Ga-ram's dismissal proposal began, raising tension. Seong-jun, unlike the rugby team members who had become more favorable toward Ga-ram, was determined to vote in favor of the dismissal. Along with the three individuals pushing for the elimination of the rugby team—vice principal Seong Jong-man (played by Kim Min-sang), shooting team coach Jeon Nak-kyun (played by Lee Seong-wook), and aerobics coach Bang Heung-nam (played by Jung Soon-won)—his ex-girlfriend Bae Ji (played by Lim Se-mi) also strongly supported Ga-ram's dismissal, amplifying the sense of unease.
However, the vote resulted in a reversal, with the dismissal proposal failing at 22 to 22. It turns out that other sport coaches, including Heung-nam, opposed the dismissal, worried that they would have to take over the rugby team. Jong-man left a meaningful remark to Nak-kyun, who was filled with anger, saying he would find a way to eliminate the rugby team, stirring curiosity. Ji approached Ga-ram, who was elated about remaining as coach, saying, "I wondered why you left me in that way. But now, I don’t want to ask anything. Let’s break up, Joo Ga-ram," abruptly informing him of the breakup, evoking sympathy.
Meanwhile, Ga-ram agreed to face Daesang High School, a team he had never beaten, for the rugby team's first match, heightening interest. When Seong-jun protested, Ga-ram calmly responded, "We need to learn to lose well," and Seong-jun shot back, "I have no intention of learning how to lose" as he stormed out of the training ground. However, what awaited Seong-jun was a deserted home. He couldn't hide the emptiness in his heart due to his mother leaving quietly to follow his twin brother Yoon Seok-jun (played by Kim Yo-han).
Ga-ram reached out to Seong-jun, who was left alone. Ga-ram arrived in front of Seong-jun's house and shouted in a loud voice, "I’m here as your coach! I came to find a good player!" evoking laughter with his distinctive enthusiasm. He said, "As you said, I ruined my athlete life on my own, but since I've been through it, I’ll make sure you don’t ruin it like I did. I don’t know the right path, but I can avoid the wrong one because I’ve walked it. I’ll make sure you don't end up like me," while showing sincerity by offering his shoes to Seong-jun, who was wearing rugby shoes, moving the viewers.
Joo Ga-ram and the rugby team began to synchronize as coach and players for the first time. Ga-ram analyzed all the game footage and put in all efforts, while the players threw themselves into Ga-ram's rigorous training plan. The first match finally arrived. Jong-man secretly called Seong-jun, suggesting he boycott the game by mentioning his Achilles' heel, the college recommendation letter, and his younger brother Seok-jun. However, this plan failed due to Ga-ram's interception.
At the end of the episode, Ga-ram’s first debut match as coach unfolded. The Hanyang Physical Education High School rugby team recorded a score against them within the first 50 seconds and was becoming increasingly weary from the poor performance. At halftime, facing a score of 35:0, Ga-ram declared, "Let's have a real rugby game from now on," stating, "It’s okay if we don't score. We will focus on defense in the second half," shifting their strategy and altering the game atmosphere.
In the second half, the Hanyang Physical Education High School rugby team put their strength into defense based on the strategies devised with Ga-ram, showcasing a solid defense that allowed them to not concede even a single point, instantly changing the momentum. Ga-ram exclaimed, "Now we will play a winning second half," revealing strategies aimed at achieving tries (scores) and heightening viewers' heartbeats to their peak. As time ran out, the rugby players recalled Ga-ram's strategies and ran with all their might, and finally, Seong-jun succeeded in scoring the first try, leading to a thrilling conclusion of the game. At that moment, Ga-ram's narration saying, "Rugby is not about the results, but about the process of attempt and challenge. It’s the process of not yielding to obstacles and tackles that come in every moment," intertwined with Seong-jun's celebration and Ga-ram's celebration shown in the Asian Cup finals, evoking a poignant emotion.
Meanwhile, in the epilogue, Ga-ram learned about the transfer proposal for first-year ace Kang Tae-poong (played by Jo Han-gyeol). Although Ga-ram’s heartfelt advice toward Tae-poong was touching, the crisis of player shortage in the Hanyang Physical Education High School rugby team was announced due to Tae-poong's decision to withdraw, amplifying curiosity about whether the rugby team could overcome this challenge.
'Try' episode 2 vividly captured the first steps of Ga-ram and the rugby team’s seven members as they transformed into true coach and players, providing hope. Ga-ram, who barely survived the crisis of dismissal, tearing down the wall with Seong-jun, and the dramatic turnaround displayed in the first match lifted expectations for the teamwork and growth drama they will create moving forward. In particular, the unpredictable chemistry between the uniquely quirky new coach Ga-ram and the incalculable rugby team draws attention to what thrilling games they will produce.
SBS weekend drama 'Try' is a comic growth sports drama about the unpredictable quirky coach Joo Ga-ram and the perennial last-place Hanyang Physical Education High School rugby team racing toward victory in the National Sports Festival, broadcast every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.
[Photo] 'Try'
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