A Come From Behind Story
An all-around good sports story about a losing team who gets a boost from their coach with a scandalous past. The actors did a nice job with their roles. The characters are all likable, except the antagonists who were devilish in their deceit. The only downside was in the story's predictability. It's a typical come from behind sports story. There are a million of these out there. But it was still enjoyable. There are funny moments that carry the story. The seven-man rugby team were cute together and I wonder how many of their funny antics were scripted versus improvised.Was this review helpful to you?
Fun to Watch, But Not That Good
To be honest, the last minute of episode 1 determined whether it was worth continuing to watch or not. It made me feel like I had to watch until the end — it was so good, funny, and full of chaotic situations, which I really liked.Episode 3, however, almost made me drop it because I didn’t like the part where he finds a new player. That scene felt boring and too dramatic. The conversation between Jugaram and the headmaster about the past, with just a short flashback, also felt like a boring dialogue scene.
Yoon Seong-jun and Seo U-jin’s mom felt like useless characters. Jeon Nag-gyun (the shooting coach), the deputy headmaster, and the office of education were all really annoying characters. Kang Tae-pun also felt unnecessary for the rugby team since he didn’t come back and was just forgotten.
The romance between Ju Garam and Bae I-ji was a bit too much, which made it feel boring. I don’t know why it seemed like the show focused more on the shooting players than on the rugby team’s training or matches.
I also don’t understand why the headmaster felt like such a coward. He wasn’t strict or brave enough to reprimand the deputy headmaster or the shooting coach for being rude to the rugby team.
The drama feels way too predictable. For example, Bae Heung-nam wasn’t as rude as expected and ended up taking Jugaram’s side, and each rugby team member had their own problem, got angry because of it, and then just apologized afterward.
I don’t like how the rugby team wasn’t highlighted enough, which made the funny scenes less frequent. Personally, I really enjoyed the comedy, but I didn’t like the epilogues at the end of every episode.
In the end, I don’t know why the deputy headmaster and Jeon Nag-gyun never showed a sincere, official apology — that scene felt like nothing.
For me, it’s a good drama because it’s fun and emotional, but overall it’s not that great. Not bad for a school drama, though.
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This review may contain spoilers
"Tackles, Tears & Try-Hards: The Winning Try Scores Big!" ?✨
🎬 What makes “The Winning Try” a winning ride so farThe ultimate underdog sports story, built around rugby—a bold first for a K‑drama. Coach Joo Ga‑ram (Yoon Kye‑sang) steps in to save Hanyang High's perpetually losing (25‑loss season, anyone?) rugby team from getting disbanded
Perfectly cast lead chemistry: Yoon Kye‑sang’s quick‑witted, eccentric coach full of one‑liners and awkward charm meets Kim Yo‑han’s stern, perfectionist team captain who despises being coached by his disgraced hero—sparks fly in the best way
Second‑chance vibes for days: Joo Ga‑ram’s disgraced past—once MVP of Korean rugby now ruined by a doping scandal—fuels his redemption arc as he rebuilds not just the team, but his own purpose?
🎭 Highlights of premier emotions and standout moments
Episode 1 immediately hooks with high‑stakes drama, sports action, and emotional layers that make you care—about everyone. You’ll feel like you know them in an hour. Writer Im Jin‑ah’s story hits hard while keeping the levity
Coach vs. Faculty showdown: Joo Ga‑ram clashes with cunning school admin (enter Vice Principal Seong Jong‑man played by Kim Min‑sang), who’d rather alphabet‑ize budget cuts than value rugby sweat and dreams
Throwing a rugby pass into a pig-head cake during a serious school ritual? Iconic. It’s exactly the kind of off‑beat humor that says “don’t expect predictability”
💬 Why I’m totally hooked (so should you)
Coach Ga‑ram is a riot: Every scene he’s in is a lesson in deadpan delivery, expressive faces, and bizarre motivational tactics. Yoon Kye‑sang returns to SBS after 18 years—and he’s back with a bang
Team vibes! The ragtag rugby crew includes a wide ensemble of young actors who bring energy and authenticity. Their early training scenes hype the athletic intensity already
Heart over hype: No flashy celebrity match‑ups—just flawed humans, family drama, rivalry, and that steaming hot quest to win the National Sports Festival and save the team (and reputations)
Final thoughts: what to expect next
If Episode 1 is any indication, this show is serving up laughs, heart, and the thrill of second chances—all in a sweaty jersey. Expect training montages, intense school politics, clashing personalities, and heartfelt growth. Coach Ga‑ram is running head‑first into the beliefs, souls, and stubbornness of his students—and it’s a treat watching them finally learn to tackle life as a team.
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A Winning Formula
Every now and again you get these feel-good underdog stories that are executed so well. After watching, you sit there for a moment satisfied like you just finished eating your favourite meal. Inspired to take on tomorrow's challenge.Your stomach is full and your heart is warm and content.
You don't need to know about the sport Rugby to enjoy this drama. The characters are relatable and the story imparts life lessons, while cliche never get old and stay true throughout life.
It's Okay to Fail, Don't Give Up, Learn, Grow, Pick Yourself Up and Keep Moving Forward.
Better to have Tried and Failed than Never Tried at all.
So go ahead and give it a Try!
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A try is better than a loss and certainly close to a win.
"The Winning Try" is an inspirational sports drama that scores big on heart and grit. The story follows a former rugby player, once shamed by a doping scandal, who finds redemption as a high school coach for a struggling team. The film masterfully balances the highs and lows of the game, weaving together themes of growth, friendship, and family.
The narrative is both direct and surprisingly complex, keeping viewers engaged with its relatable characters and compelling plot. While the team faces off-field challenges from antagonists with selfish motives, the film never loses its inspirational core. The lighthearted moments of comedy provide a perfect counterpoint to the heavier themes, making the journey all the more fulfilling.
From the veteran actors to the rising stars, the cast delivers outstanding performances.
Before you ask, yes there is a bit of romance, it's not direct but happens on the sidelines between the coach and his ex girlfriend and between the captain of the rugby team and the captain of the shooting team...it's subtle.
"The Winning Try" is a must-watch for rugby fans and anyone who loves a good underdog story. It's a winning combination of sports drama, character development, and heartwarming moments that will leave you cheering.
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Maul: a rugby tactic where players bind into each other to score a try
A former rugby star player, retired due to a doping scandal, returns to coach a promising and ambitious high school team.✅ The narrative of the story was satisfactory and interesting to watch.
✅ The reality, victory, and failure of the sports field were skillfully executed.
✅ The camaraderie of the players and the team was cute and charming.
✅ The character development was amiable and actors did a phenomenal job.
✅ The balance between the motivational aspect and the comedy was carried out well.
❌ The internal politics of the coaches and the management was frustrating. It would have been better if it had been kept to a minimum or as an obstacle for the team.
❌ For a sports drama, the matches we see are fewer. I wish they had shown more matches played and practiced rather than just showing the result.
❌ The team except for two had zero background details; the motivation and determination of players could have been added.
Overall, a satisfying watch. Recommended if you like sports and the internal aspects of them.
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sport drama of 2025 year. DONT MISS IT
The Winning Try just made my favorite list of the year. I was genuinely obsessed with the trailer, and the drama itself was so good. The characters, the plotline, and the story were all incredibly well done. I laughed, giggled, and cried. Maybe one day I’ll end up rewatching it.The relationship between Ju Ga-ram and Bae I-ji reminded me so much of Yun Seong-jun and Seo U-jin — that same emotional push and pull, the quiet understanding, and the way they carry their pain without always saying it out loud. Both pairs had me rooting for healing just as much as romance.
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First of all, a huge applause 👏👏👏 goes to the amazing leads Yoon Kye-sang and Im Se-mi. They portrayed the roles of coaches so beautifully—charismatic, warm, sometimes tough, yet always filled with heart. Their chemistry as mentor figures was so natural that it felt like they were truly guiding not just the students on screen, but also us as viewers 💕. Every scene they had together brought so much weight and meaning to the story.
And let’s not forget the students! 🌟 They were absolutely incredible in bringing their characters to life. A special shout-out to Kim Yohan 🙌—I honestly didn’t expect him to pull off such a strong performance, but he completely surprised me! His acting was fresh, heartfelt, and he gave so much personality to his role. The supporting cast as a whole did such a great job making the team dynamics feel real, funny, and emotional at the same time 💫.
Now… the OST 🎶🔥. Don’t even get me started! Every single track is pure gold. The music fits perfectly with the emotional highs and lows of the drama. I find myself constantly replaying the songs on Spotify—they’ve already become my number one playlist 🎧💯. The soundtrack doesn’t just accompany the story, it elevates it, making the emotional scenes even more powerful and the joyful ones even more unforgettable.
I have never been this active in waiting for new episodes 😍📺. Every week, I was counting down the days just to see what happens next, because the story is that addictive. It gives you laughter 😂, motivation 💪, and heartwarming emotions 💖 all in one package. It’s the kind of drama that makes you cheer for every character, cry at their struggles, and smile at their victories.
Honestly, I can already see this drama becoming a huge success 🌟🌍. It deserves all the love and recognition, not just for the main leads but also for the students and everyone behind the scenes who worked so hard to bring this project to life. Hats off and hails up 🙌💐 to the entire cast and crew—you all made something truly special that will stay with viewers for a long time.
If you’re still wondering whether to watch it or not, my answer is simple: YES, don’t miss it! ❤️ Whether you’re into sports dramas, school vibes, inspirational stories, or just looking for something that will make your heart feel lighter, The Winning Try is a drama that checks all the boxes ✅.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the best sports dramas I've watched!
The drama had a very satisfying ending and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! It's a fun, inspirational drama with an impeccable cast.Wasn't sure if I was gonna like it in the beginning since I'm more of a romance/slice of life enjoyer and this was more sports and teamwork heavy. But I was surprised to say the least! The characters were well developed (fav character Mun Ung- he's so cute!), the romance was there but not too prevalent, and the relationships and teamwork between all the characters... *chef's kiss*.
Giving this drama a 9.5/10 just because I felt like it was missing a bit of "oompf" i.e. that cherry on top. I would've loved if they included Ju Ga-ram's revenge arc. i.e. tell the reporters the real reason behind his doping scandal etc. I understand that, of course, the main people who needed to know were the ones from the highschool. But it would've been so much more satisfying if they revealed his condition to everyone who hated on him.
I also would've preferred if they didn't focus too much on the shooting team lol. Like it was great, with Bae I-ji and Seo U-jin and all, and since one of the main villains was the shooting coach, its understandable that the shooting characters would have mroe focus. But I feel like since they showed that much, there should've been more plot afterwards- like the big coach and Seo U-jin scenario... then what? Like there could've been more ygm. Or, if they just didn't put too much focus on the shooting team, and just added more rugby team scenes, then it would've be perfect.
Other than that, the drama is great! I for sure recommend! So fun and so inspirational. Definitely watch even if you're not that into sports dramas. You'll surely fall in love with the rugby team and Ju Ga-ram!!
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One Good Win
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.Overall, this was a very good series. This had the right combination of comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments. The first few episodes are rough around the edges, just stick with it because it does get better. I have to admit that the script was not perfect. It had parts in the beginning that made me want to drop it, but then gave me sections that made me care about the end game. What the script did a great job in was having very well-developed characters in which the cast did an incredible job making you either love or hate them. I also like how some of the characters fell in the gray area and had more than meets the eye. The music and cinematography were awesome.
Random Note:
Two minor critiques: There was one character that received a weak redemption arc and there was one missed opportunity in the last episode.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
The weak redemption arch involved Na Gyu Won (Seol Hyeon’s father), but at least he admitted he was correct his mistake.
It would have been nice to see a scene with Yun Seong Jun’s mother meeting him after watching his match in the last episode.
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A heart warming story with a happy ending
Its a nice feel good drama, this is the best way to describe it, it will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.The drama tells a story of a school rugby team that has been written off by nearly everyone a disgraced former rugby player who comes in and helps the team turn things around.
It's not a complicated or unique drama but its enjoyable. Watch if you are looking for an easy to watch semi fast paced story, where the underdog comes out on top and everyone gets what they deserve and it has a happy ending.
Definitely worth a watch even if you don't enjoy sports.
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Charming, funny but it could have beeen better
The Winning Try is my first sports kdrama and it's safe to say that my introduction to this genre started with a blast!From the very first episode, I was immediately hooked by the story and the characters. I love stories about rookies who want to prove their worth. Add funny moments, personal growth and strong bond and you've officially won me over. I rooted for the Hanyang rugby team from the moment I got introduced to the players and I was so excited to see their growth.
The direction of the series was very good, the games were very intense and the editing in the funnier scenes enhanced the comedic elements. The OST was perfect, very charming and hopeful and the intro song is stuck in my head. Kudos to the actors for singing it, when I learned that they were the ones who sang it I was ecstatic! They brought the right energy!
The acting in The Winning Try really elevated the story and the dynamics between the characters. All of them poured their hearts out forthese roles and it showed. Yoon Kye-Sang delivered an amazing performance as Ju Ga-Ram, I literally fell in love with the character shortly after his introduction and that didn't change throughout the series. He owned this role, it was as if it was written for him specifically. He portrayed many different emotions and conveyed Ju Ga-Ram's complexity in a way that made you understand him and feel sympathy for his character. He also had great chemistry with Im Se-Mi, who portrayed Bae I-ji, Ju Ga-Ram's former girlfriend.
I was very impressed by Kim Dan who portrayed Ung. For a rookie actor, he did a marvelous job. He was also given the task to portray a complex character and he gave his everything. The scene with Ung and his father before he went to Hanyang almost brought me to tears. Kim Dan was excellent playing the kind and kinda naive Ung but he did a terrific job in the dramatic scenes as well, showcasing more of his talent. It goes without saying that from now on, I'll keep track of his future projects.
Last but not least, Kim Yo-Han was another actor who caught my eye. He was great as Seong-Jun and as the episodes went on, he won me over more and more. He nailed Seong-Jun's awkward character and he never came across as too cringe. At the same time, he was a determined leader of the team who knew when he had to step up and guide his teammates. The scenes between Seong-Jun and his mother or Ju Ga-Ram where the ones where Yo-Han shined the brightest. He portrayed Seong-Jun's desperation and sadness very convincingly, it always broke my heart seeing him experiencing feelings of inferiority and self-doubt.
One of the best elements in the series and one that has been praised the most was the chemistry between the rugby team. Whether it was between Ju Ga-Ram and the boys or the boys only, you couldn't question how close they were. The chemistry on and off-screen was more than evident and I was always looking forward to their interactions. They were so funny and yet so heartfelt. Comedy blent with emotional impact and in the end, I couldn't help but feel so proud and nostalgic of how far they had come. I could have watched scenes between Ju Ga-Ram and the team for hours, he became the guardian they needed and he really turned into their shield by protecting them from other people's doubtful and belittling words.
As a sports kdrama, The Winning Try did a decent job in bringing light to the world of sports. It portrays both the beauty and the ugliness of it. We see how delighted the athletes were once they got good results but we also see the pressure that is put on them. Just Ga-Ram himself felt suffocated from that. Being the No1 rugby player in South Korea, he had a great weight on his shoulders and he couldn't stand not being able to play well or stop playing rugby altogether - which led him to questionable choices.
In contrast to JU Ga-Ram and I-Ji's gentle and supportive attitude towards their athletes, the shooting coach Nak-Gyeon worked as a reminder of how many incapable coaches are out there. Not only was he sexist towards I-Ji by belittling her and questioning her abilities both as a coach and athlete, but he played favouritism with U-Jin and Seol-Hyun. Out of all the villains in this series, he was by far the most despicable one. It's really sad to think that there are many people like him in the sports industry and my heart breaks just from thinking of all these athletes who break down under the false guidance of incompetent trainers.
The Winning Try gave great emphasis on the importance of a good relationship between a reliable coach and an athlete. From Ju Ga-Ram's relationship with the rugby team to I-Ji's bond with U-Jin, the series portrays howgood coaches should be with their athletes. The coach is the catalyst to an athlete's career. An athlete needs the right guidance in order to succeed. No matter how talented you are, unless you have the right coach, you cannot go far. Both Ju Ga-Ram and I-ji cared about their kids (for this is how they viewed them) so much and they were willing to go to great lengths in order to support them.
In addition to the pressure that comes with bringing good results, through Seong-Jun and U-Jin's mothers, we see another obstacle that halts an athlete's progress: the pressure some parents will put on their children. In Seong-Jun's case, his mother disapproves of him playing rugby because she believes he won't get far and urges him to sacrifice his career in order to support his star football player brother. As for U-Jin, she tries to live up to her mother's dream, who was a former shooting player and who was unable to go far in her shooting career. We have two sides of the same coin: two mothers who ruin the mentality of their children for different reasons. One who doesn't support her child's dream of becoming a rugby player and one who sees her own child as a trophy in which she can object her bitterness for her career. The fact that the athletes felt safer and more comfortable around their coaches says a lot and it was emotional seeing how much Just Ga-Ram and I-Ji cared for them and showered them with the love and support they had been deprived from.
So, as you can probably see, I have praised The Winning Try a lot. It was a refreshing kdrama, with many important messages and one that I mostly enjoyed.
But unfortunately, I must say that even though I had a good time for the most part, it failed to become a favourite of mine as I initially expected.
First of all, the major problem with the series was the amount of subplots. We had so many issues going on at once and the story became messy. The preparations for the Nationals, Ju Ga-Ram's illness, Ju Ga-Ram and I-Ji's loveline, the villains schemings against the rugby team, the drama with the shooting team, the players' evolution...I get what the writers wanted to do but you cannot fit so many things in just 12 episodes and deliver a smooth result. Yes, most of these subplots connected with each other but some of them took too much screen time which could have been used for other aspects.
After the first two episodes, for the majority of the episodes, the drama started to focus less on the rugby team itself Yes, each episode had its own moments but it was as if their bond was not the heart of the series anymore. I totally understand that The Winning Try wouldn't center around the rugby team only. I also understand that we couldn't get them playing rugby matches in every single episode. If the audience wanted pure rugby, they could watch actual rugby matches instead. But it would have been nice to see them playing against other teams or watch them train more in order to observe their development and teamwork even better. We had three actual rugby matches and all of them were against the same school. At one point, you almost forgot you're supposed to watch a kdrama that advertised itself around rugby.
Unfortunately, due to the numerous subplots, the interactions between the rugby team weren't as many as in the first episodes. There were some nice moments here and there but at one point, their relationship was sidelined by the rest of the story. And that applies to their individual development. Besides Ung and Seong-Jun (and Yeong-Kwang, to some extent), the rest of the players got crumbs.
The politics and the drama with the shooting team frustrated me but for the wrong reasons. I didn't mind that the drama wanted to address the ugly side of the sports industry. But I got fed up by the amount of screen time the villains were getting. Too much time wasted on them circling around the rugby team's disband and Ju Ga-Ram's resign when we could have gotten more interactions between the rugby team and Ju Ga-Ram. Politics are nice and interesting but in a sports kdrama like The Winning Try, they dragged the story so much and made it less interesting. The actions of the vice principal felt way too cartoonish, I couldn't take his beef with the team and Ju Ga-Ram seriously. I understand his reasons and why he didn't approve of the rugby team but his philosophy regarding sports was explored in a very poor way.
At one point, the plot began going around in circles. When things seemed to settle, something bad would happen and the characters were called to find a way to solve it. It's a typical structure for kdramas but all of this drama felt way too tiring. I really wish the writers had toned it down. I especially disliked the subplot about Ju Ga-Ram's illness. Again, I understand that it was supposed to fuel the story and add more depth to Ju Ga-Ram's actions and emotions but honestly, had they kept the original concept of him doing dopping, the drama would have been far better. We wouldn't have to play this hide-and-seek game of him hiding his illness and we would see how he would make amends with everyone and grow as a person in the process.
Due to the various subplots and the limited screen time, some characters were not explored as much as they could have. I am very disappointed with how underutilized Seong-Jun's inferiority complex compared to his brother was. We should have seen more of him and the writers should have explored his feelings in more depth. He never had a proper confrontation with his mom and his character lacked some depth in some areas to make me fully connect with him. Another missed opportunity was Seol-Hyun and the aerobics coach. Both characters were handled in a rushed way, the writers clearly intended to make them appear evil at first only to be redeemed later but their writing felt superficial.
It's a pity I didn't get to love The Winning Try as much as many people did. I loved some aspects like the rugby team but they unfortunately couldn't make up for my lack of interest. I admit that the ending was satisfying and provided a proper closure but had the series been 16 episodes long, the plot would have developed more smoothly. Even though I overall liked the plot and the characters, I couldn't connect with them fully because the way they got explored did not allow me to feel anything deeper about them.
Nevertheless, The Winning Try remained a good watch and I recommend it if you're looking for something fun with important messages. I myself do not regret watching it so give it a try! Who knows, it might win your heart!
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