This film is based on true events
After a truce agreement 60 years ago,
Korea remains the only divided country in the world
CJ ENTERTAlNMENT PRESENTS
A THE TOWER PlCTURES PRODUCTlON
IN ASSOClATlON WlTH CJ ENTERTAlNMENT WELLMADE
North and South Facing Off at Semi-final!
HYUN Jung-hwa's Best Performance
HYUN Promises Swift Revenge
HA Jl-WON Table Tennis Queen HYUN Jung-hwa, My One and Only Goal is Gold Medal
The Steel Net of North Korean Table Tennis
Confident North Korean Ll Bun-hui!
BAE DOO-NA Will Not Go Easy!
Fateful Match Between North and South! New Korean War to the Finals
1990, Beiijing Asian Games
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JAY GlL
Hyun and Li! Furious rally between two true rivals!
It hits the net North Korea's Li closing in!
Hyun! Are you having fun? Finish this off!
Don't overdo it, save your energy for the finals!
I can do it!
Here comes Hyun's serve! Li receives!
Look at this! This is a table tennis war!
Point!
South's pride Hyun Jung-hwa!
She beats world #3 seed and moves up to the finals!
And yet again, she conceits the gold to the Chinese
Yes, she could not overcome the Great Wall of China
It's a shame
You played that hard for a measly silver?
Congrats... for your bronze
This marks 5 straight tournament wins for China's Deng Yaryung
She truly is unrivaled
They look so envious
It's a shame but they still have WTTC next year to look forward to
Yes, that's right
We hope to see them hurdle over the Great Wall in Japan
DlRECTED BY MOON HYUN-SUNG We hope to see them hurdle over the Great Wall in Japan
DlRECTED BY MOON HYUN-SUNG
AS ONE
6 months later, Busan
Good morning!
Hi, you're up so early!
Ping-pong craze is sweeping the nation
ever since the Asian Games 6 months ago
How do you think our players will do in Chiba?
Only gold medal! Hyun'll bring home the gold!
Hyun Jung-hwa, I love you! We believe in you!
Hyun Jung-hwa, you can do it!
So much pressure on sis What if she doesn't win?
Won't we have to emigrate?
Ow!
What?!
Don't say such a thing! Shouldn't you go to school?
My dear famous sister! How's allowance for your baby?
Could you lay off? She has only few more days to prep
Can't I express my love for her?
Sis!
- You're the best! - Alright, off you go!
Here
Keep them in the fridge and drink twice a day
Why did you buy so much?
It's made with antlers
Even if it's a hassle, drink them for me
Your hands are full with dad, no need to look after me
I hear ya
Alright, let's eat
Dad, I'm off to train today
I won't be back until end of the tourney
Aren't you sick of silver? I'll swap the color this time
To gold!
Reach for the Gold in 1991 WTTC One, two, one, two!
Gather around!
I welcome you all with every fabric of my being
Now! Let me introduce myself...
What's with the formality?
We all know you, coach Lee
Coach? No, no, no!
Doo-man and everyone, I've been given a new title
I, Lee Eun-il!
As of last night, My 1 0-year coaching career ended
National table tennis team! Head coach!
Lee Eun-il!
- Until that day when Mt. Baekdu's worn away - What's with him again?
What are you doing on Sunday?
How about a blind date?
Forget it, I'm fine
Hey, ping-pong!
Make some North Korean friends, and introduce us to girls there!
North and South Korean governments decided to form a single team
Unified Korean Team Formed North and South Korean governments decided to form a single team
for the world championships in Japan next month
Reporter Suh has the full story
At the North-South summit today, our officials agreed to form a unified team
for World Table Tennis Championships and settled on all basic principles
Jung-hwa, what's going on?
The Chinese kick our asses even with 5 years of teamwork
how are we supposed to start over with them?
Won't some of us get the boot because of them?
I said, no one's getting kicked out
Some of us won't play, what's the point of going?
We're not international bench warmers
Is it true? Forming a team with the North?
Yes, it's true. What can I do? I gotta follow their orders
Sir! That's irresponsible thing to say!
Hyun Jung-hwa! What's with you too?
I just got a demotion!
Head coach role is going to some bastard from the North
Exactly who allowed this to happen?
Why, wanna go see the President? Want some cab fare?
Tell them we won't do it
This is totally out of my hands
It's not something I can challenge
It's the government's decision, and if you have a problem, walk away
No one's getting the boot
If you still have a problem, let me know
I'll wipe you off from the national team list
It applies to everyone, no exception
Narita Airport, Japan
Hey hey! Will you settle down?
Yes, sir
Attention please!
I am Democratic People's Republic of Korea security chief Jang Myung-gook
My security team will oversee the unified team's protection
For a safe and smooth stay, please follow my team's guidelines
and rules during our time here
Please take your keys to the room
North Korean players are assigned to 2nd and 3rd floors
and South Korean players will use 4th and 5th floors
Jung-hwa! Don't waste your energy
You focus on Deng Yaryung, leave everything to me
The elevator's this way...
Jung-hwa!
Did you see their faces? So morbid!
I got the chills
And the look on that Jang guy...
How can we play well under these circumstances?
That's good then, you need some pressure
That positive mind of yours!
Comrade Soon-bok
First world tournament, isn't it?
Yes
No need to be nervous
Don't play to satisfy others, just play your own game
Okay
Do you...
think I'll make the final list?
Are you being humble?
I know how well you play, don't give it a second thought
You spar better than I do
Please don't tease me, we know that's not true
It's true, and for our country play with everything you got
That's your main job
I won't forget it
Your first task is self-introduction
Let's start with Kyung-sub
I am DPRK national athlete Choi Kyung-sub
Pleased to meet you
I am Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Yu Soon-bok
This is my first world tournament and I'm from...
...Hamkyung, Hamheung, pleased to meet you
Why is comrade Soon-bok so nervous?
All first experiences are like that
If you need help with anything feel free to come see me
She's totally my type
I'm DPRK's Li Bun-hui
It's good to see you always smiling at these tournaments, comrade Oh
Do all South Korean men enjoy harassing girls as much as you do?
Why don't we just focus on the game?
I am South Korean captain Hyun Jung-hwa
In South we break the ice with light jokes at awkward first encounters
Pointless anxiety throws off our game
We don't call that harassment
I heard the South respects human rights, I guess it doesn't apply to women
We call that good manner, not harassment
Hey, hey! Come on guys, let's start off on the right foot
Peace trailblazers shouldn't be this way
Friendly smiles!
Oh, welcome
You're all here
I am Unified Korea's head coach Jo Nam-poong
From now on, there's no North or South, we are Korea with one heritage
Winning is the only way to repay our people's deep encouragement
Don't you ever forget it
Got it?
Yes sir! Comrade advisor!
Korean-Japanese hosted Welcoming Ceremony
Why are you here? This is my seat
Go away!
Yo, ll-sung! Choo ll-sung!
Idiot! Get me some water, moron!
Yo ll-sung! Il-sung!
That deaf bastard loves those singing grandmas
Thank you
Do all South Koreans call names with disregard for the other's honor?
Have you ever seen someone get stabbed with a chopstick?
I've done it before
Be careful, do not disrespect comrade Choo
If you ever disrespect others, I will pierce a hole in your neck
Got that?
Nothing but propaganda books
Come, sit
Shouldn't we get to know each other before we ask our team to do the same?
Isn't that a given? No need to be stern
Nothing like booze for male bonding Let's drink
Souls of our ancestors are contained here
Don't go overboard
I drink better than I play table tennis
And I've never threw up in my life Here!
That was nice! Shall we keep this going?
Real vets in the South drink like this, take it!
For the betterment... of our nations,
I, Lee Eun-il, will pass the head coach role
Generously and honorably...
Very good, let's make a splash!
Yes! Agreed!
So hard to get drunk
Novice bastard
Give it back!
I want my head coach title back!
Let me get to the point You will be selected based on skills
As you know doubles game is crucial part of team event
If we face the Chinese in the finals, doubles will play a decisive role
Then how do we form the doubles team?
Teamwork is more important than skills in doubles team
Indeed! Nothing slips by you
Your wise coaching staff decided to carry out selection matches!
Any combination of partners is acceptable
The match will be held in 3 days! I hope to see everyone in top form
That is all!
Grab your rackets!
Il-sung!
Yo, ll-sung! Can you get me some chopsticks?!
You bastard!
How old are you? You little shit!
Let go! Let go! I'll knock you out!
I'll kill you, traitor!
He hit me! He hit me!
That hurts!
Wait, let go!
He hit me in the eye! I can't see!
What the hell!
No photos! Get out!
Stop!
I said stop!
What are you doing?
Oh Doo-man! Is this why you came?
'Unified Korean Team Draws Another 38th Parallel!'
Coach Lee! Do you want to get fired?
This unified team wasn't formed to win some tournaments
Comrade advisor! Are we here to become a laughing stock?
I'm sorry
We didn't come together for a walk in the park
This is the Party's final warning!
Yes, sir! Comrade GM!
You are not worthy of holding a racket!
The losers will be thrown in the deep end!
Ready!
Get up, get up
Unite your minds, before your legs!
- One, two! One, two! - What are you waiting for?
Do it right!
You pricks deserve a swim with the sharks!
Get in there!
Go see how salty that water is!
Doo-man, go sit with Kyung-sub and make peace
Yeon-jung sits with Soon-bok, hold hands!
Il-sung is with Seung-il
Hye-kyung is with Myung-sook, go sit over there
Kyung-sik and Joon-sik, be nice now
Jung-hwa... Go sit with Bun-hui
Smile at each other
Come on, you'll grow fond of one another
Look at each other, smile!
It's not hard
Like this, smile!
Jung-hwa, let's sit here
Go on, eat, eat! Shouldn't we become better friends?
Don't you think so? Huh?
Oh, I'm sorry, there's something under...
Is this yours? It was on the ground
What is it?
Give it back
- What is it? - Give it!
- Let me see! Let me see! - I want it back!
I'll give it back, let's see it first!
- Alright, one sec! - Give it to me!
Kyung-sub! It's me, Yeon-jung
No!
Flowers are blooming, even in the DMZ
My heart used to be filled with table tennis but a beautiful flower started to bloom
Stop!
Kyung-sub, as soon as I saw you, I knew it was fate that brought us together
Kyung-sub, let's unify our hearts and start a beautiful romance
Please come to the roof tonight, by yourself!
That's good! So well written!
Man, our teamwork is next to none
Get off!
I'm asking you nicely
What is that?
Asshole! Come to the roof! Bring your chopsticks - Mofo
Hi, come up
I said come up, now!
Ready for the slaughter?
Chopsticks...
Why did you come empty-handed?
Look at these naive kids, they actually brought it
Yo! I'll let it pass, let's save the duel for later
Anyway, do well, asshole!
Let go of me! What's with you!
Where are you going?
Let me go! Let go!
Comrade, what're you doing?
I remember this saying,
'Only those involved know the thoughts of each other'
Don't you agree? Hm?
Look here!
Isn't it natural for a girl to feel something for a boy
after coming together like this?
We must not do this
Why?
I'm married!
Huh?!
I have a wife back home, I'm sorry
I told you we should focus on the game
Do you know how I feel? You have no idea!
Let's go practice, you need to empty your thoughts
Come on, Yeon-jung Let's go
Jung-hwa! You're the worst!
Go away!
Gonna kill myself
Confident about doubles?
Why? Wanna play with me?
Don't be disappointed even if Soon-bok and I get selected
Don't worry about me, don't you remember our last match?
Singles is the priority, so don't sweat over doubles
I am my own rival
Korea's Hyun has improved her game, what do you think of her?
Hyun Jung-hwa?
I faced her at the last Asian Games but I don't think she's an adept player
Does North and South Koreas ijoining forces put extra pressure on you?
Only if they were ijust as powerful as China but Koreans are no threat at all
Now! Now! Attention!
Whichever side wins will play for the team
How will you win the gold like that?
- We can win! - We can win!
That's it!
I mean, for both teams!
Too fast? That was an easy shot
Match point for Li and Yu!
Short serve this time, I'll take care of the rest
You're gonna say it hit the edge?
It nicked the edge and swerved!
Hey, hey! It hit the edge! Don't make a scene over this!
Are those eyes vestigial?
- Hey! It made a tick sound! - It dropped to the floor!
- Get the referee! - Watch your mouth!
Enough of this! Stop it already!
It wasn't in
It didn't
Jung-hwa!
It didn't hit the edge! Let's go!
I'm sorry, excuse me
Preliminaries Korea VS Japan We're at Chiba where Unified Korea
is playing their first historic match!
Our first opponent is Japan, which is much lower ranked
It's a great opportunity for our team to get warmed up
Just as we practiced, okay? Let's go with an easy lead
First up for Korea is North's Yu Soon-bok
Although this is her first world tournament,
she's said to be just as good as North's ace Li Bun-hui
- Yes, we have high hopes for her - That's right
Ah, it hits the net again, could she be having rookie jitters?
- Japan is not a powerful team - No, they're not
She will need to relax more
Yu must not keep the ball in the center table
Yu's drive!
What's going on with Yu? She's not acting like a national player
That's a very amateur mistake
Ishikawa's game point, service!
Receive!
What happened? Yu gives up the first game
Yes, but the team game is best of 5
- Let's not lose hope - Yes, indeed
We'll have to put our hopes on Li Bun-hui's next game
Li Bun-hui! Serve!
Backhand!
Li Bun-hui's smash!
That's a point!
Li connects once again!
It's as if she's paying back for Yu
- Very good! - Yes!
Yeon-jung! All the way!
Let's get this game!
1 9 to 20, Choi is a point behind
She will need to tie the game first
And Korea gives up the third game
Japan takes the lead again
Our players are sweating over an easy team
This is unexpected
Finally, Korea's pride, Hyun Jung-hwa's game is up next
Let's go!
You can do it!
Short serve!
Cross! Drive!
Straight hit!
Point!
Corner-to-corner was a good tactic!
She wins! Match is tied once again!
Hyun easily takes the game and the teams are tied at 2 a piece
Now, the 5th and final game
Only Li and Yu's final doubles match remains
Yu Soon-bok! She misses the ball!
Her swings are much too slow
She must still be nervous
Yu Soon-bok's serve!
Receive! Li Bun-hui! Drive!
Li Bun-hui! Cross-table smash!
And it goes in beautifully!
What a spectacular hit! Just wonderful!
Last point, Satomi's smash!
Relax
I'm sorry, comrade Bun-hui
Just focus on that ball
Okay
One last point for Korea! Japan's serve! Receive!
Korea returns, nice!
Yu returns! Li! Li!
That's a point! Li finishes off beautifully!
Unified Korea ends its first ever match with a victory!
They managed to win this but the next game won't be so easy
They'll definitely need to adjust their doubles line up
What's with Yu? She was flying high in the practice
Shouldn't we put Hyun before too late?
Coach Lee, let's be patient with her
Coach Lee! Are you insane?!
Putting Yu instead of Hyun?!
We actually thought about...
Selection was based on skill
Do you still not understand why this team was formed?
I do, we are working towards our unified team's win...
Win? Rather than winning with Li and Yu,
seeing Li and Hyun play side by side is this team's sole purpose!
Got it?
It's because you're so nervous
Tournament jitters
I was like that at my first world tournament
I couldn't see the ball, or my opponent
I couldn't hear anything
Did you really?
You had this experience too?
Of course
So how did you overcome it?
Wanna know?
Yes
Here it goes
I can do it!
Got it?
Huh?
I can do it!
Preliminaries Korea VS England
20:.1 7 Game point for the British team
Korea is just barely hanging on for dear life
I can do it!
Unforced service error!
This is unbelievable
Yu gives away a crucial point at this critical juncture
This marks Korea's first loss in the preliminaries
What's with the mood here? Did someone die?
Are we at a wake?
We're not done
Let's start fresh with renewed determination and vigor
Comrade advisor
Could you allow comrade Hyun to play in my place?
It's not for her sake alone
I beg of you for the good of our entire team
Comrade Jung-hwa!
Could we have a word?
What do you think of this?
Not interested
I have many younger siblings, and they always came first
I never asked my parents for anything
When I was 1 0 or so, my father gave me a racket and a ball
It was fun to play around with it
But the racket worn down, and the ball got crushed
It broke my heart and I cried for days
What do you want to say?
I asked my father for something for the first time
asked for a proper racket and a new ball
I knew it then,
that I would play for a long time
Just like how you put everything into it
If I ask you this favor, will you do it?
See you in the morning, I'll wait for you at the doubles practice
You didn't need to call
I get all your updates on the TV
Yeah? Do I look pretty?
Of course! You're my daughter!
But how come you sound so weak?
It's nothing
Your health is more important than some gold medal to me
I'm really okay
How's dad?
He's fine, don't worry at all
You ijust focus your energy on the game, got it?
Got it
Okay, I'm hanging up, you go on now
Our dear Hyun Jung-hwa!
I knew she'd come for me!
So fashionably late! Welcome!
Good, so good to have you
I know you're happy to be here
Don't get me wrong I didn't come here for you
Sure
Alright! Talk later, teamwork first!
Give me your bag
Okay, let's do it!
Round of 32 Korea VS Hong Kong
Soon-bok! Over here!
Where did you get it?
I made it myself
Semi-quarter final Korea VS France
Li on the attack! Hyun's drive!
That was very good! Another drive!
Hyun Jung-hwa's smash!
Point!
Korea easily defeats the French and moves up to quarter finals
Here's ramen!
Quarter final Korea VS Singapore
- Soon-bok, happy birthday! - Is it her birthday?!
Match point Their teamwork is breathtaking
Clean drive
That's game!
We won!
Korea moves onto semi-finals!
Use this
Forget it, I got one
Listen, why don't you go on the offense today?
My defense is much better than yours, isn't it?
Oops, I didn't see that
What did you do?
Well, aren't they the unified chumps?
What's she saying? Let 'em yap
You better just walk away
Don't mess with our team
Like that?
How much is it?
It's 500 yen
Thank you
- Thank you very much - Thank you
Here
Why did you...
Give it to your wife, shouldn't I treat your wife?
I didn't even get married, there's no...
Aren't you married?
Hey!
You're a piece of work!
Yo, Doo-man!
Hey! Yeon-soo!
You were playing well, it's a pity
Yeah, it turned out that way
Congrats on your silver medal
Thank you
Say hello, this is the French head coach
I'm Ji Yeon-soo
I always keep up with your games, you play very well
You're such an enticing player
I have a game to catch, but let's grab a bite before you go
Sure thing
See you again!
- Take care! - Later!
Let's go
At least they get along now
So pretty!
Are you absolutely sure you saw it?
Sir! I saw it with my eyes
Comrade Choi!
How did you manage the players to end up like this?
I cannot allow this to slip past me
I must take care of it before the Party finds out
One, two
I don't see Bun-hui today
40-lap run is a breeze!
Semi-finals is here! And over that is the Great Wall
We've been through a lot but you got us here
So the head coach is giving you a surprise gift!
A free day!
Enjoy as much as you can But make sure to be back by 7!
Damn kids, not even a goodbye...
Hurry, hurry! We don't have time!
Wow, you look stunning in that
Does anyone here speak Japanese? No? No?
I'll be your guide today, we'll have so much fun, okay?
Okay!
Oh, hey! Didn't you go out?
Got something to tell me?
It's...
Comrade Bun-hui doesn't feel well
She told me to go but I'm worried
Li Bun-hui! Li Bun-hui!
Bun-hui!
Let's go to the hospital!
Bun-hui!
Snap out of it!
I heard it's hepatitis
Since when?
It's been a while...
Why didn't you get treatment?
I'm not the only one who's not getting the treatment
I'm fine, just keep it to yourself
Hi!
Yeon-jung!
Seriously?!
Yeah! You should've went easy
You came on too hard, no wonder he lied like that
What's going on?
Beautiful weather!
It's so good!
It's on, it's on!
This is the South way
Girls can lock arms with guys whenever we want
But this is...
Why? Do you dislike me that much?
It's not that...
Then what is it?
I don't dislike you, comrade Yeon-jung
We must part once the game ends, what if I grow fond of you?
How could I go on living with that?
Begin!
Yes, sir!
You always wear that ring Did your boyfriend give it to you?
Jealous?
I'm not interested in dating
My father gave it to me
It's pretty
He must be cheering for you to win the gold
He's in the hospital, pretty serious
I'm sorry... to bring it up
Don't worry about it
I started ping-pong because of him
He played but never reached our level
He's been the most supportive person in my life
I see
By the way, did you miss the outing because of me?
Nonsense!
Do I look like someone with excessive compassion?
Indeed...
'lndeed'?
You're not all that different yourself
What's with the tone, by the way?
What about it?
Do you know that I'm a year older?
So? Does that automatically give you respect?
Not even Just keep that in mind
Did you ever want to live in the South?
We live better than the North Health care is better too
Isn't life better in the US than South?
Then why don't you live there?
I want to live in my own country,
rather than a well-off country
Why are you so late?
I'm sorry, something came up and I took her with me
It's okay, things happen
You've all done well
And I'm sadden that we don't get to see this through
All North Korean players must pack and standby in your room
But the semi-finals is tomorrow!
I firmly warned you all to follow our rules and orders
What rules did we violate? You saw how hard we trained!
We forced these on them, so that we can be friends!
You'll be questioned once we return home
Everyone back to your quarters!
This is not fair!
You forced us to play together
And now you're forcing us to end it?
As you say, we came to compete, and not engage in love affairs
You should know very well what that means
But that's... I alone did it
It was nothing at all
I'll take full responsibility for what happened
I alone...
It's not a simple matter that you can claim responsibility
Comrade Choi!
When we return, you'll be questioned why you hid this card
Wait!
To your rooms!
He didn't hide the card
She only gave him the card because she and I are good friends
It's... nothing like that
Comrade Choi, I sympathize with you
Love can blossom
But it's not like you'll defect to the North
You can't decide to disband us on your own
We can sort it out with conversations, can't we?
Why won't you try to listen?
This can't be
What if he'll get punished when he gets back?
Tomorrow's the semi-finals, they won't leave
What if he goes to the prison over this?
We can't give up like this
Doo-man said she gave him the card out of courtesy
Coach Lee, don't you get it already?
These people are wired differently
It can be a sign of defection to them
You and the players won't be held accountable
I'll take care of everything
It's not about covering my ass! Didn't you see them?
Did you see how hard they trained to reach this far?
How could desk jockeys understand their sweat and blood?
Coach Lee, are you nuts?
Do you want to get fired?
If this is real sports, there's nothing holding me back!
There're changes in the players list
The North players withdrew from today's matches citing poor health
That's correct
It's a strategically poor call to pull them out for a match like today
Yes, you're right
As you see, the Chinese easily reached the finals
There's no way around it We must fight with everything we've got
Our team must play with every ounce of fighting spirit
Let's go
I'm certain they are watching us
We must reach the finals!
Straight hit! Continues with forehand!
The other side is completely open!
Smash! It's in!
Uh, comrade Bun-hui
Shouldn't we at least cheer for them?
Turn it on
That's it!
- Cross hit! - Nice! A point!
Excellent shot! Hungary just can't keep up!
Hyun's service! Hungary receives! And backhand!
She returns it!
Smash! And it's in!
2 games to nothing, this is a very promising start
She played beautifully
Rest of our players must play this aggressively
I hope so!
Jo Mi-jin's serve! Valerie receives!
Very good! And a follow-up!
Smash! Excellent, one more!
Ah, it was too long
And she hands over the second game for a tie
Shin's match point!
Short return! Now a long shot!
And a drive! Smash!
Point!
Team score is 2 to 1, Korea is leading once again
Hungary should not be underestimated
But our players' fighting spirit is overpowering today
- Yes, I can see that - I can do it!
And if Choi wins, we reach the long-awaited finals
Backhand!
- Point! - Point!
Only one point remains to the finals
That's it!
She returns nicely
She lifts it, and hits it back!
She's cornered! Backhand!
Very good! Very good!
Yeon-jung!
Are you okay? Are you hurt?
Jung-hwa!
We're going to the finals together, aren't we?
Yes! Good job!
You did it, Yeon-jung!
I hope that this energy continues and we beat the Chinese this time
I hope so too
This is an important chance
I hope North and South combine their strengths for a miracle!
Jung-hwa, let's go
What's wrong?
Where are you going?
Head coach Jo!
What is that?
It's comrade Jung-hwa...
Sir... Iet's go to the finals!
We're on the same team!
Sir, you're Korea's head coach
Why must we go to the finals without you?
Why must we divide again?
Our nations may not unite just by playing a game together,
but we still want to play
Li Bun-hui, Yu Soon-bok, Choi Yeon-jung, Hyun Jung-hwa!
We want to play together!
Comrade advisor! Where are you going?
I can't let it end like this Step aside
Are you defying the Party's order?
Our people want to see us win this game, that is the order!
So don't get in my way!
This is your last warning, go back to your room
My loyalty to our Party is ingrained in my bones
But for once... I shall follow my heart
Comrade Jang, please help me
I'll take full responsibility, I'll suffer all the consequences
I... never saw you
Remember this!
You must win
Korean players!
Where are you hiding?! Let's go to the finals!
Come out now!
Comrade Bun-hui!
- I'm okay - Keep it on
Your stupidity deserves the gold!
Sir!
What will you do if the players catch cold!
You're right, let's go!
Everyone! Get on the bus!
Let's go to the finals!
Let's go!
You did well!
Let's conquer the Great Wall of China!
Li Bun-hui, what does this look like?
It looks like 38th Parallel
Correct
Jung-hwa, what about this?
It's the ping-pong table
Yes, this is our reality
We had to live in a divided nation and face each other as opponents,
despite our people's desire to cross this line to be with each other
Let's show how powerful we can be when we stand alongside
Even if this is our only chance, fight without any regrets!
Got it?
Yes, sir!
Remember this, no player is greater than the team
Here!
- We are! - One!
- Korea! - We can do it! We can do it!
The players are finally entering! This is a historic moment!
For our first-ever unified team to reach this far,
is simply incredible!
Yes, the Unified Korea has the attention of the entire world!
Yes, that's right!
If we win today, how many titles has our team accumulated?
It would be 9th feat for our great Chinese team
Cheers from both sides are deafening
70 million Koreans are brought together to watch this game!
The Koreans joined forces to defeat our Chinese players
Yes. But objectively speaking, it's still a futile effort
Hyun Jung-hwa! You can do it! You can do it!
Let's go! Hyun Jung-hwa! Take control!
I can do it!
The game starts with Hyun's serve
Yes, first serve is very important!
Hyun Jung-hwa is in full control from the very start
Isn't that why we love our ping-pong queen?
Yes, that's right
Qiao's serve! Hyun returns it nicely
- Hyun is in good shape! - She must stay on top!
She doesn't miss a beat!
Qiao! It's out!
Qiao is China's next generation ace but she's no match for Hyun!
Yes. Hyun is in her best condition
Hyun returns! And on the offense!
Hyun gets to 20 points first and has the game point
I can do it!
Hyun's backhand serve!
Qiao returns it!
Very good!
She connects! Hyun's smash!
She wins!
Hyun Jung-hwa! This is amazing!
She has the first game! Incredible!
How long has it been for us to defeat a Chinese player?
A long time!
I mean, it would be 1 8 years...
Hyun Jung-hwa! Hyun Jung-hwa!
Deng Yaryung easily takes the first set
This is why she's called the 'Ping-pong Witch'
Indeed But Li doesn't look so hot today
Yes, you're right
Bun-hui, don't wait for the ball and strike first!
If she goes for long attacks, go short!
All the way!
I hope that Li attacks a beat faster than Deng
Serve!
Smash!
Point!
Very good!
Isn't Deng almost invincible?
Attacking first is the most effective strategy
Deng's second service
Here it is!
It's high! It's dangerous!
Li's return was too high!
Deng doesn't miss an opportunity
Korean team is getting nervous now
Yes, looks like it
China's Deng Yaryung, game point
Li Bun-hui's service!
Rapid fire flurry!
Li's keeping up!
Deng's smash!
It bounces off Li's body
With Li Bun-hui's loss, the teams are tied at 1
This will only put more pressure on Choi Yeon-jung,
because Yu Soon-bok is up next
She must get this game, she must!
That's correct
China's Jao Xuang... Serve!
Choi returns cleanly!
Choi!
She barely returns, other side!
Oh no, she missed that shot
She's completely powerless against Jao
It's okay! It's okay!
Jao's serve!
- Choi returns - Very good
Jao's smash!
She barely missed it!
Korea allows China to come back in a flash
This puts us in a tough spot
Now, we must now put all our hopes on Yu Soon-bok
That's right
Is your leg okay? You did well
Soon-bok!
I'm sorry
Don't worry
Don't think that way
Yu's forehand! Backhand!
She must stay close to the table!
Wong on the attack!
Wong's drive!
Oh no! The pressure must be getting to her
It's sink or swim now!
- She can't lose this set - No, she can't!
Yu Soon-bok must confidently fight her way through
That's right! Desperate time for Yu!
This is the true power of China! Go China!
We can win!
Soon-bok!
You can do it!
I can do it...
- Yu Soon-bok! You can do it! - Go fight!
Yu Soon-bok! Yu Soon-bok!
The Koreans in the stadium are all shouting Yu's name
This is incredible!
I can do it!
- Soon-bok! - Face her!
Amazing! This is what I've been talking about
She is back! With some magical instructions,
- she's playing a completely different game - She's doing very well!
Yu is continuing her ferocious attack!
Smash!
It's in!
Yu Soon-bok is on a row! She has gained her confidence!
Is that the same player who made amateur mistakes?
I told you Yu would do something big!
She's playing just as I predicted A brilliant second set!
Soon-bok! If you win this game, I'll marry you!
Wong must not go easy on her
There's no need to get to the doubles game
Your score is too low!
I want to win
And I want to see you two defeat the Chinese together
Okay, get this done
Get warmed up
You can do it!
- Yu is attacking aggressively! - She's something!
Smash!
Point!
She's finally showing her true skills!
Soon-bok! You can win!
- This is her game point! - Yes, let's see what happens
Wow! What a comeback!
Yu comes back to win the 4th game!
Unbelievable! This is a miracle!
Both teams are now tied at 2 games a piece!
Soon-bok! I love you!
Finally, Hyun and Li's last game is about to begin
Yes, this is all a psychological warfare!
They must push their way through and bring home this win!
We can do it! Li and Hyun, we believe in you!
You can do it!
Did you think we'd reach this far?
No one can tell you where we stop,
this is where we start!
That's it!
Citizens of Korea! Please don't get too excited!
Those with weak heart must not watch this game!
Korea!
- Point! - Point!
Final set! Korea is leading by 2 points
Qiao's serve! Li returns!
Hyun's beautiful shot!
Hyun's chance!
Are you okay?
Looks like Li's stamina is way down
Li must endure and see this through!
We can do it!
China's serve! Li returns! Deng's cut!
Li! Another chance for Hyun!
Li Bun-hui...
She suddenly dropped to the floor
Let's stop here
It's good enough that we...
You must bring your father the gold
Be true to yourself, Jung-hwa
Sure, I want the gold, and I want to win
But I don't want to lose you for it
The gold is important for me
Gold medal for you and l, and our team
We can win!
Net!
Deng's ball hits the net and Korea is one point ahead!
What are you doing?!
China's coach has intentionally kicked the fence
Does he think we're at a soccer match?
They're trying to break our concentration
The referee must warn them firmly
Li is ready to serve!
Service!
What?
Fault? No fault!
Fault my ass! How is that a fault?
Are you insane? Why would it spin?
Are you dumb and blind? Can you not see?
This is unbelievable, I didn't see anything wrong there
I feel that he made the wrong call
Something's not right here
In any case, the game is tied again
It's a pity, but we must win it back
This is not right! The ball did not spin!
This is truly a biased call He's not calling a fair shot
You little prick! I've had enough!
Why?! Why?!
You son of a bitch!
What kind of sick joke are you playing?
Is this funny to you?
Does this look like a child's play?
Is this a joke to you? Does it?
Let go! I'm leaving!
What just happened?
We lost 2 points in a blink, allowing them a comeback
And now we lost the head coach
Though the Chinese is influential, this is just not fair
It's all up to you now
He shouldn't have done that
There's no need to get worked up
Of course not
Don't worry, clear your mind
He messed with the wrong person
We are one point behind
If we do not get this point, we'll hand them the gold again
Point! Hyun Jung-hwa! That was an incredibly risky attack!
She avenges by driving a shot right between them
Excellent shot! I want to applaud these two players' sheer willpower
They gain another monumental point with everything against them
Alright, let's end this Comrade, you finish them off
No, you do it
I'm sick of attacking them
We can do it!
Hey, enough already! People won't recognize you
What do we do after the ceremony tonight?
If you demand a practice, I'll kill you
Hyun Jung-hwa!
Get over here!
Why, it looks good! You're so pretty!
What?
I'm serious, you're so beautiful!
Jung-hwa!
It's an emergency! Come downstairs!
Thank you for everything
You've done a good job Have a safe trip back
Yes, sir
Head coach Jo!
You're really leaving like this?
Sir, be well
Everyone on the bus! Move now
He's coming down, please see him before you go
Wait! Wait!
Not like this...
When I see you next time, I'll check if you have it
Soon-bok!
Don't worry, they decided to let this go
That's a relief! I thought you'd get in trouble
Have a good life! Yeon-jung
Comrades! It's time!
Go on now
Don't get sick
Thank you
Kyung-sub! Be well!
Seung-il, have a safe trip back!
Li Bun-hui!
Bun-hui!
Yeah, Jung-hwa
Bun-hui... How can I say goodbye?
I can't call you I can't write to you
What am I supposed to say? What can I say?
You're an idiot
Just say 'Stay healthy', isn't that enough?
Comrade Li, get on!
Jung-hwa
Bun-hui
Open the window!
Open this!
This is your father's...
But I have nothing...
Bun-hui, take care!
Don't forget me,
we'll meet again
Bun-hui!
How do you like the color?
I checked it myself, it's real gold!
2 years later 1993, 42nd World Table Tennis Championships
Let's enjoy! Have fun!
You can do it!
Let's get it on!
You can do it!
Jung-hwa, don't go easy on her!
Go kick her ass!
I can do it!
HYUN Jung-hwa won the singles title at 42nd WTTC
and became the first Korean player to achieve the Grand Slam
North Korea recognized Ll Bun-hui's service at Chiba WTTC
and received the title 'DPRK's Athlete' with YU Soon-bok
After uniting the two nations with their incredible feat
21 years ago, they've never met after 1993 WTTC