From a Poor Boy Mocked by Everyone to a World Badminton Legend

John Lee

Transcript

00:00:00The movie's called Racket Boys, but our main character Hei Kang is actually on the baseball

00:00:05team. He just aced a running test, coming in first place. Normally, that would guarantee

00:00:11him a spot in the spring tournament. But, tough break for Hei Kang, that spot goes to

00:00:15the second place finisher. Why? His dad hasn't paid the team fees, which also means Hei Kang

00:00:21is off the team. Even though he's bummed, Hei Kang doesn't blame his dad one bit. He

00:00:26knows his dad's a struggling coach, who works odd jobs to make ends meet. Today's moving

00:00:31day because they can't afford the rent anymore. Hei Kang doesn't even know about getting cut

00:00:35from the baseball team yet. The family piles into their car for a long, several-hour drive.

00:00:39Finally, Hei Kang realizes they're heading to the remote village of Tenkyut. Talk about

00:00:44a major downgrade. Going from city life to the sticks is a tough pill for any teenager.

00:00:49The house isn't exactly a palace either. It's pretty run-down, which Hei Kang immediately

00:00:53notices with a groan. Hei Kang, the dad, sees his kid's disappointment, but there's nothing

00:00:58he can do. The landlord gives them a quick tour. The good news? The winter's cold, but

00:01:04a wood-burning stove keeps things toasty. The slightly concerning news? There are giant

00:01:08bear claw marks on the wall. The landlord assures them the local bears are generally harmless,

00:01:13unless they decide to rip you limb from limb. So, you know, just be careful.

00:01:18Stuck in the middle of nowhere, the family starts unloading. Hei Kang tries to stay positive,

00:01:24encouraging Hei Kang to make the best of it. But country life has its downsides, like zero

00:01:28Wi-Fi, and spooky nighttime noises that scare Hei Kang so badly, he ends up sleeping with his dad

00:01:34and little sister. After a rough first night, Hei Kang wakes up to find money on the table.

00:01:40He thinks his dad made breakfast, but it's actually cash for ramen. The problem is, they're so far out in

00:01:45the boonies that there's no delivery. Hei Kang gets an earful from his sister and has to take her

00:01:50on a walk to find some food. His sister spots a cute dog and drags him to a nearby house.

00:01:56It turns out it belongs to a kind elderly couple, who invite the kids in for a meal,

00:02:00talk about neighborly love. Meanwhile, Heiang Zhang is at Hainam Middle School,

00:02:05signing a contract to coach their badminton club. He's blown away by the school's impressive

00:02:10collection of badminton trophies. Convinced the students have potential, he confidently tells the

00:02:15principal, he'll turn them into champions. The principal lays it out straight. Heiang Zhang will

00:02:20get paid for the first three months, but after that, it's anyone's guess. A new policy's been put

00:02:25in place. Maintain a team and participate in competitions for a year, and you get funding.

00:02:31Heiang Zhang, despite the challenges, feels confident in his abilities. He arrives at the gym,

00:02:36expecting a bustling team, only to find two kids. At first, Heiang Zhang thinks it's a joke,

00:02:42but no. The entire badminton club consists of just two members. There's Yoon Dam, the team captain,

00:02:49totally addicted to social media, and he immediately snaps a selfie with the new coach.

00:02:54Then there's Woo Chan, also in ninth grade, with hip-hop in his soul, insisting on a cool handshake

00:03:00like they do in American music videos. A little later, a younger kid, Yong Tae, shows up. He's in

00:03:05eighth grade and the youngest member of the team. Heiang Zhang watches them practice, a sense of dread

00:03:10washing over him. Three kids? How are they supposed to compete? They need four for a team.

00:03:16Coach Bae, another coach, explains that kids in the countryside aren't really into sports.

00:03:21That's why they're short a player. An idea sparks in Heiang Zhang's mind. His son. That night,

00:03:27he brings it up. But Heiang flat out refuses. Baseball is his passion. Nothing else matters.

00:03:32The next day, Coach Bae tells Heiang Zhang they have a recruit. Four players. They can finally

00:03:38form a badminton team. Heiang Zhang's excitement deflates when he sees the newcomer. It's the

00:03:43boy who just moved in. He'd assumed he was American. Here for some kind of rural exchange

00:03:48program. He can't even serve properly. But hey, at least they have enough players. But the next day

00:03:53brings another crisis. The kids' dormitory shuts down, forcing them to pack their bags. Coach Bae

00:03:59explains that nobody lives in the dorm anymore. So it's no surprise they closed it. Wuchan lives hours

00:04:04away. A four-hour commute to school. Yong Tae casually mentions his dad lives in the forest.

00:04:10So he doesn't have a home. Heiang Zhang thinks he's joking. Getting annoyed. But Coach Bae confirms

00:04:15it's true. Yong Tae's dad lives a primitive life in the woods. A fact that creeps Heiang Zhang out.

00:04:21With nowhere for the kids to stay, Heiang Zhang makes a difficult decision. They'll all live at his

00:04:26rented house. Hei Kang is less than thrilled when he hears his dad's plan. He barely contains his anger,

00:04:31but tries to keep it cool. During dinner, the team notices Heiang's numerous medals.

00:04:37He explains, downplaying his badminton awards. Baseball medals mean something. Nobody cares

00:04:42about badminton. That's why he refuses to play such a girly sport. A few days later, another bombshell

00:04:49drops. The supposed American boy wants to transfer to Seoul. Who would want to study abroad in a tiny

00:04:55village like this? Nothing can convince him to stay. And just like that, the team is back to square one.

00:05:01Short a player once again. Heiang, Heiang's little sister, suggests he'd join the badminton team.

00:05:07Naturally, he refuses. Seeing this, the clever Yong Tae starts teasing him. Getting the others to join

00:05:12in. They point out how badminton requires more complex skills than baseball. Heiang can't stand

00:05:18being mocked and fires back. The argument escalates into a full-blown shouting match.

00:05:23Yoon Dam challenges Heiang to a one-point match. If Heiang wins, he's right about badminton being easy.

00:05:28If he loses, he joins the team. The next day, the group goes to a badminton shop to get Heiang a

00:05:35racket. The owner thinks he recognizes Heiang, but can't quite place him. He takes Heiang's

00:05:40measurements and tells him to come back tomorrow. Racket in hand. Heiang and Yoon Dam face off.

00:05:46Heiang, a complete newbie, initially holds the racket in his left hand. He struggles,

00:05:51missing shots and hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds. Yoon Dam's score climbs steadily.

00:05:56After a few embarrassing rallies, Heiang switches to his right hand. Everyone's stunned by the sudden

00:06:01transformation. His swings become powerful and precise, like a seasoned player. Heiang unleashes

00:06:07a killer shot that seems impossible to return. The shuttlecock lands close to the line. Wu Chan and

00:06:12Yong Tae immediately call it out, claiming it's out of bounds. Heiang loses the point. On the way home,

00:06:19the three badminton players eye Heiang suspiciously. He almost beat Yoon Dam, and that was his first time

00:06:24playing. The next day, the shop owner remembers where he's seen Heiang before and calls Yoon Dam.

00:06:30He shows him an old newspaper article. Heiang was a child prodigy in badminton, then mysteriously

00:06:36disappeared from the scene. The team rushes to Heiang's trophy case and finds it filled with junior

00:06:41badminton awards. It's like discovering a hidden superpower for their team. As Heiang steps outside,

00:06:47the team surrounds him. Busted! He can't hide his past anymore. True to the bet, Heiang joins the team.

00:06:54But he makes it clear he's leaving as soon as the tournament's over. It's just to fulfill the wager.

00:06:59Nothing more. The team's disappointed but can't force him to stay. At the high school badminton

00:07:04tournament, while the team tries to psych out their opponents, Heiang gets distracted. He sees someone

00:07:09about to enter the women's restroom and, mistaking them for a boy, warns them. Turns out it's a girl,

00:07:15and she's not happy. Heiang gets a serious tongue lashing. Later, during warmups, he bumps into the

00:07:22same girl. The entire girl's badminton team glares at him. He's just collided with Seiyoon,

00:07:27their star player. Luckily, it's game day, and Seiyoon doesn't want any trouble. But her teammate,

00:07:33Han Sol, warns Heiang not to try anything funny. As the tournament begins, the crowd chants Seiyoon's

00:07:39name. Heiang's teammates explain that she's considered the top player. Seiyoon's a badminton powerhouse.

00:07:46About to be recruited for the national team, she dominates opponents, especially with her coach,

00:07:51Yongja, by her side. They seem unstoppable. Meanwhile, in the waiting area, Heiang warms up.

00:07:58Nervous about his return to competitive badminton, he's paired against a blonde-haired opponent.

00:08:03During the match, Heiang shows flashes of skill, but his lack of recent practice and match experience

00:08:08shows. He makes too many mistakes and loses badly, leaving him completely shocked. The news that

00:08:14his opponent is only in sixth grade adds insult to injury. Did he lose to an elementary school kid?

00:08:20Humiliated, Heiang decides to stay on the team and train harder to regain his lost pride. On the drive

00:08:25home, Heiang is still reeling from the defeat. But his teammates, seemingly accustomed to losing,

00:08:31are in high spirits, singing and joking. Arriving home, Heiang gets another shock. His dad is with

00:08:37coach Yongja. Turns out, she's Heiang's mom, and she's brought Seiyun and Han Sol to live with them.

00:08:44One look from Seiyun is enough to intimidate Heiang. The team begins training rigorously for the new

00:08:49season. When school starts, Heiang discovers there's only one ninth grade class in the entire village.

00:08:55No surprise then, that the whole badminton team is in the same class, exhausted from constant training.

00:09:01Heiang often falls asleep in class. To make matters worse, he clashes with the arrogant class

00:09:06president. Insal-ling. His teammates fill him in. Insal is the top student in the entire province,

00:09:13the head of the disciplinary committee. And his dad is a powerful politician. Best not to make an

00:09:18enemy of him. School is stressful enough without that. Home isn't much better, with two extra girls

00:09:23around. Seiyun adheres to a strict diet and pushes herself relentlessly during training, leaving the

00:09:28others gasping for air as they try to keep up. The boys, on the other hand, have a more relaxed

00:09:33approach to training. After practice, they head to the local arcade, where they witness a group of

00:09:39older kids extorting money from younger students. Heiang, never one to back down from a fight and

00:09:45wanting to impress his teammates, confronts the bullies. His fierce demeanor scares them off,

00:09:50but it also makes them targets. Later, Yong Tae, walking alone, is ambushed by the bullies and their

00:09:55older leader. He gets roughed up. The team is worried, but the upcoming tournament is just days away.

00:10:01Yong Tae urges them to focus on the competition and forget about the bullies. But Hei Kang can't let

00:10:07it go. He immediately sets out to find the bullies' leader and settle the score. Even though the bully's

00:10:12a boxer, Hei Kang isn't scared. He, along with everyone except Yoon Dam, goes to confront the

00:10:17bullies. The fight leaves the team bruised and battered, with Hei Kang sporting a bloody nose.

00:10:23Coach Bae is furious when she finds out. The tournament is days away, and they're getting

00:10:27into fights. He's especially disappointed in Yoon Dam for not standing up for his teammates. The punishment

00:10:33is brutal. 200 laps, 1,000 push-ups, and 1,000 racket swings. If they don't finish by 7pm, they're out of

00:10:41the spring 2021 tournament. Hyun Jong panics. There's no way they can finish in time. But Coach Bae is

00:10:47unmoved. They have to do it. Determined to compete, Yoon Dam pushes himself to the limit. But by 7pm,

00:10:54he's exhausted. Coach Bae asks Yong Tae for an update. Yoon Dam still has 500 swings and 500

00:11:00push-ups left. As Coach Bae declares them ineligible for the tournament, Hei Kang steps up,

00:11:05offering to finish Yoon Dam's remaining exercises. The rest of the team joins in. They're a team,

00:11:11they win and lose together. Coach Bae, seeing their display of teamwork, relents. He lets them off the

00:11:17hook, and leaves them to celebrate their unity. That evening, Hei Kang makes a special soup to

00:11:22celebrate. But it's not good. See Yoon takes one bite and politely excuses herself. The others try

00:11:28to be supportive, but can't hide their disgust. Han Sol even suggests throwing it out for the good

00:11:33of humanity. Hei Kang, still convinced it's not that bad, decides to share it with the neighbors.

00:11:38One by one, they each experience the horror of Hei Kang's cooking. Even the neighborhood dogs

00:11:43refuse to eat it. The spring badminton tournament arrives. Teams from all over the province gather for

00:11:48the competition. The atmosphere is electric, with a huge crowd, including Se Yoon's devoted fans.

00:11:54Na Ra from a rival prestigious school is there, along with Seon Joon from the Busan Seagulls,

00:11:59and Seung Heeon from the top, ranked Seoul team. Hei Kang spots his sixth-grade nemesis,

00:12:05the blonde-haired boy who defeated him. He's ready to storm over and demand a rematch,

00:12:09but is held back by his teammates. In the restroom, Yong Tae runs into Jae Seok, another player.

00:12:14They exchange words of encouragement. When others enter, including Yoon Dam, tension fills the air.

00:12:20There seems to be some unspoken rivalry between Jae Seok and Yoon Dam. They engage in some pre-match

00:12:26psychological warfare, stopping just short of a physical altercation. Wuchan is up first.

00:12:32Despite training hard, he's outmatched and loses his match. Now all eyes are on Hei Kang,

00:12:37the second player to take the court. As he warms up, his teammates offer their enthusiastic,

00:12:42if slightly chaotic, support. What Hei Kang wants right now, more than anything,

00:12:47is to redeem himself, starting with this first match. Everyone's getting so hyped up,

00:12:52that it's giving him goosebumps. The match begins. After some pre-game practice,

00:12:57and remembering the sting of past defeats, Hei Kang seems to have rediscovered his natural talent.

00:13:02He quickly scores the first point. Watching him play so skillfully, so unexpectedly,

00:13:07people start to realize that this is Hei Kang, the prodigious young player from years past.

00:13:12Is the former child prodigy back? People scramble to get a better view of his match.

00:13:16Even a simple Instagram post about Hei Kang is blowing up online. Hei Kang is energized.

00:13:22There's a fire in his eyes. After winning the match, some younger players, clearly impressed,

00:13:27come over to talk to him. He basks in the unfamiliar attention, laying on the senior player.

00:13:33Vibe a little thick, making the younger guys cringe internally. On his way home, Hei Kang gets a text

00:13:39from his old baseball coach, inviting him out for a meal. They haven't seen each other in a while.

00:13:44The coach brings up Hei Kang's return to baseball. Hei Kang's heart aches for the sport,

00:13:49but he deflects the coach's attempts to persuade him, claiming he needs to focus on his badminton

00:13:53teammates. He even makes up a story about needing to hog the Wi-Fi at home if they win the tournament.

00:13:58The coach remains concerned, sensing Hei Kang's growing attachment to the badminton team.

00:14:04He advises Hei Kang to think carefully before making any decisions leading up to the summer

00:14:08tournament. Meanwhile, Siyun's upcoming professional tournament has everyone brainstorming victory

00:14:14poses for her. Each teammate strikes a pose for her consideration, with Hei Kang even encouraging

00:14:19her to adopt his style. The most cringeworthy pose by far is Hyun Jong's, Hei Kang's dad's,

00:14:25awkward attempt at a celebratory stance. However, after receiving a text message from her mother,

00:14:31Siyun's mood sours. Han Sal fills everyone in on Siyun's impressive history, undefeated since the

00:14:38fifth grade, and so talented that she's rarely been criticized. The only exception? Hei Kang's mother,

00:14:44who, as Siyun's former coach, was quite critical of her technique. Now, with the professional tournament

00:14:50looming, Siyun is feeling the pressure. The team decides to create a video to cheer her up,

00:14:55and show their support. At the same time, Woo-chan is visiting his family, but still faces pressure

00:15:00from his father. He expects his dad to tell him to quit badminton again. Surprisingly, his father

00:15:05tells him to keep at it, leaving Woo-chan completely stunned. His father has always opposed his badminton

00:15:11playing, so this sudden encouragement is unsettling. Privately, however, the father reveals his ulterior

00:15:17motive to his wife. He'll let Woo-chan continue playing for a little longer, then subtly manipulate

00:15:22him into quitting when he enters high school. Back at the Yoon household, Young-ja brings home food

00:15:27for the family. But Hei Kang is inexplicably sullen and retreats to his room. Hyun-jong advises his wife

00:15:33not to worry too much, attributing it to Hei Kang's typical teenage moodiness. However, Young-ja senses a

00:15:39deeper resentment from her son. The next day at school, Hei Kang's teammates reminded him that even

00:15:44athletes need to maintain decent grades. They need to pass all their subjects to stay on the team.

00:15:48But Hei Kang is still annoyed with the class president, and doesn't seem too concerned.

00:15:53The following day, the team begins their evaluation matches. In this round of evaluations,

00:15:58Hei Kang and Yoon-dam defeated the other two doubles teams. But Woo-chan isn't looking happy.

00:16:03Later that evening, he snaps and yells at Young-tae, upsetting his younger brother,

00:16:08who's never seen Woo-chan behave this way. After regaining his composure, Woo-chan apologizes to

00:16:13Young-tae. Later that night, Woo-chan goes into his roommate's room, and reminds them about

00:16:17Young-tae's upcoming birthday. They had assumed Woo-chan's earlier anger, stemmed from the

00:16:22evaluation matches. But it turns out he's preoccupied with his father's sudden change of

00:16:27heart. The unexpected encouragement to continue playing badminton has him suspicious. Something's

00:16:32not right. Meanwhile, Seiyun is overseas, preparing for her tournament. Representing Korea on the

00:16:38international stage is undeniably stressful. To her surprise, she receives a video message from

00:16:43everyone back in Tangkute Village. The team members, along with the village elders, express their high

00:16:49hopes and unwavering support. Her teammates back home encourage her to give it her all. The video lifts

00:16:54Seiyun's spirits considerably. There's even a separate message from Hei Kang. He starts by apologizing for

00:17:00previously mistaking her for a boy, adding that he's known who she really was all along. He acknowledges

00:17:06her hard work and dedication, saying she's already accomplished so much and has every reason to be

00:17:11proud. But Hei Kang emphasizes that winning isn't everything. Just being at the tournament is a

00:17:16victory in itself. He encourages her to cry if she needs to. To embrace her vulnerability. This

00:17:21reminds Seiyun of a childhood friend. A boy who saw through her tough exterior and witnessed her tears

00:17:27one day. Could Hei Kang be that same boy? The next day, Seiyun steps onto the court, representing South Korea

00:17:34against a player from New Zealand. After the umpire's call, the match begins. Initially, both players

00:17:39cautiously probe for weaknesses. Then, relying on her experience, Seiyun wins the first game. She

00:17:45continues to dominate, easily winning the subsequent games, sending cheers erupting from everyone watching

00:17:51back home. After her unexpected victory, Seiyun performs the celebratory dance Hei Kang taught her,

00:17:57making him and the others laugh. Following Seiyun's match, the tension between Hei Kang and his mother

00:18:03resurfaces. Hei Kang continues to brush off his mother's attempts at connection. Finally, Yongja confronts him

00:18:09directly. Hei Kang retorts, asking why she's trying so hard to act like a typical mother. He wishes she

00:18:15would just be herself. He points out that he's never really felt her presence in his life, and that

00:18:19she's always prioritized her coaching career. His childhood memories revolve around sports and video

00:18:24games. And what about his sister, Hei In? Has she even looked at Hei In's homework? Hearing this,

00:18:30Yongja goes to her daughter and asks to see her assignment. The task was to create a collage of family

00:18:35vacation photos. The collage includes pictures of her father and brother, but her mother's image is

00:18:40literally fried into the picture to represent the whole family. The truth is stark, Yongja hasn't

00:18:45prioritized her family. She goes outside to talk to Hei Kang, hoping to clear the air, but he's blunt.

00:18:51He accuses her of taking him and Hei In for granted, and of always putting badminton first. Knowing his wife

00:18:58won't be able to reason with their son, Hei In-jong steps in to talk to Hei Kang privately. He tells a story

00:19:03about a remarkably talented female athlete, whose unexpected pregnancy threatened her career.

00:19:08When journalists criticized her for prioritizing motherhood over her sport, she asserted that it

00:19:13wasn't about being a woman or a mother, but simply about making a choice. She wouldn't regret her

00:19:18decision. Hei Kang slowly realizes he's hearing the story of his own mother's sacrifice. That night,

00:19:24Hei Kang pretends to be sick, asking for his mother's care. This creates an opportunity for them

00:19:29to finally talk openly and honestly with each other. The next day brings another surprise.

00:19:34The class valedictorian offers to tutor the entire badminton team. He explains that he needs

00:19:39to boost their grades to maintain the class's academic standing. Later, as the team members

00:19:43are feeling hungry, their neighbors, the family Hei Kang had previously given curry to, arrive

00:19:49with a gift of hamburgers, much to everyone's delight. Finally, Hei In gets to take a proper

00:19:54family photo with her parents and brother, giving her a picture for her school assignment.

00:19:58The team gathers for a joyful group photo. Hei In notices her brother's genuine smile in the

00:20:03picture. It's been a while since she's seen him so happy. The scene shifts to a flashback,

00:20:08revealing the events that led Hei Kang to quit badminton for baseball. He remembers playing

00:20:13against older, more experienced players and always having to lose on purpose to avoid future

00:20:18retaliation. He recalls winning first place in a badminton tournament, but none of his classmates

00:20:22acknowledged his achievement. Yet, when the fourth-ranked baseball team entered the classroom,

00:20:27they were greeted with enthusiastic cheers. It seemed a first-place badminton win was less

00:20:32impressive than a fourth-place finish in baseball, but that wasn't the defining moment. While in the

00:20:37restroom, Hei Kang overhears his supposed friends, teammates from the badminton club,

00:20:42badmouthing his father. They complained that after their first-place victory, Hei Kang's father

00:20:47only bought them hamburgers, while other parents treated their children to barbecue. When Hei Kang receives

00:20:52a call from his father, he lies, saying his teammates loved the hamburgers. But back in

00:20:57the restroom, seeing the discarded burgers in the trash, he breaks down in tears. So much for

00:21:03friendship. Now, however, he's moved on. His current concern is the potential loss of funding

00:21:08for Heiang Zhang's badminton team. Today, there's a badminton practice session for interested classmates.

00:21:15To everyone's astonishment, the valedictorian, in Seoul, displays exceptional badminton skills.

00:21:20Hei Kang and his teammates watch in stunned silence. They'd always assumed in Seoul was

00:21:25solely focused on academics. At that moment, in Seoul's father arrives and approaches Heian

00:21:30Zhang. As the chairman of the school board, Heian Zhang bows respectfully. In Seoul's father

00:21:35offers to secure funding for the badminton team, on one condition. His son cannot be a member. So,

00:21:41when in Seoul arrives to sign up for the team, Heian Zhang makes things difficult. He insists on

00:21:46assessing In Seoul's physical fitness first, demanding he run 50 laps around the court,

00:21:51with a sprint, for the last five. Despite the grueling task, In Seoul perseveres and completes

00:21:57the 50 laps, followed by cleaning the gymnasium. Mr. Bae comments that Heian Zhang is being a bit harsh,

00:22:03but Heian Zhang feels justified. He desperately needs the funding, especially with the upcoming

00:22:08county tournament. The day before the tournament, the team is brimming with excitement, confident that

00:22:13their hard work will pay off. However, during the bus ride, they discover that Heian Zhang has only

00:22:18booked their hotel room for two nights. This implies a lack of faith in their ability to advance past

00:22:23the qualifying rounds. They wonder where they'll sleep if they make it to the later stages of the

00:22:27tournament. At the hotel, Seiyun and Han Seoul's room is clean, spacious, and comfortable, with all

00:22:33the amenities. The boys' room, on the other hand, is less ideal. Heian Zhang clearly opted for the

00:22:39cheapest option available. He reminds them not to waste their energy on anything frivolous,

00:22:44then confiscates their phones, and toilet paper, determined to prevent any late-night shenanigans.

00:22:50A confused Yong Tae questions the connection between toilet paper and conserving energy.

00:22:56While Heian Zhang preaches about conserving energy, he proceeds to enjoy a night out drinking with his

00:23:01buddies. Meanwhile, the team diligently practices on the hotel rooftop, anticipating the next day's

00:23:07matches. The next morning, however, they oversleep, waking up past 8 a.m. Despite the late start,

00:23:13Heian Zhang remains confident in his driving skills, assuring the team they'll arrive on time.

00:23:18They lose their 4G connection on the way, but it doesn't seem to phase him. With only 10 minutes left

00:23:23before the start of the tournament, and the risk of disqualification looming, Mr. Bae frantically

00:23:28urges Heian Zhang to hurry. They finally arrive at the venue and rush inside, only to be met with a

00:23:34crushing realization. They're at the wrong gymnasium. Disappointment turns to despair.

00:23:39Heian Zhang faces severe criticism for missing the tournament. The team might even be banned from

00:23:43future competitions. They finally secured a spot, only to be sabotaged by this blunder. The committee

00:23:49reprimands Heian Zhang harshly for his irresponsibility. Despite everything, the team

00:23:54doesn't blame him. Everyone makes mistakes. Meanwhile, Insul continues his training regimen.

00:23:59determined to join the badminton club. His influential father arrives, suggesting alternative

00:24:05sports like golf or horseback riding. This time, Insul speaks his mind. He confesses his genuine love

00:24:11for badminton and his desire to connect with his classmates. Not just be the isolated, studious

00:24:16kid. He pleads with his father to understand. His father seems genuinely moved and finally gives

00:24:22his consent. Unbeknownst to them, Hei Kang, sleeping nearby, overhears the entire conversation.

00:24:28He promises to keep their secret. The four boys play video games, consumed by anxiety about the

00:24:34team's future. They fear disbandment due to funding issues, missing the tournament, and their previous

00:24:39losing streak. The following day, during practice, Wuchan suddenly collapses, clutching his chest.

00:24:45A panicked Heian Zhang rushes to get his phone and calls for an ambulance. But when he enters,

00:24:50he finds Hei Kang preparing a birthday cake. It turns out they orchestrated a surprise birthday

00:24:55celebration for Yong Tae, who, believing the earlier events were real, had been crying inconsolably.

00:25:02To him, Wuchan is more than just a brother. He's indispensable. Overcome with emotion,

00:25:07both brothers burst into tears, leaving the person carrying the cake utterly bewildered.

00:25:12Wuchan gets teased for his over-the-top dramatics. Meanwhile, Heiang Zhang receives news about the

00:25:17secured funding. Surprised to learn that Mr. Bae used his own salary to cover the expenses.

00:25:23Filled with gratitude and guilt, he expresses his sincere thanks to Mr. Bae privately. Initially,

00:25:28Heiang Zhang's motivation for maintaining the team was to protect his job. Now, faced with Mr. Bae's

00:25:33generosity, he's unsure how to proceed. Mr. Bae encourages him not to lose heart, reminding him that

00:25:39the kids need a dedicated coach to guide them. The team welcomes their newest member,

00:25:43Insaul. When asked about his reason for joining, he hesitates. Saying he's always wanted to join

00:25:49feels disingenuous. Given his lack of prior interaction with the team, Heiang unexpectedly

00:25:55steps in, claiming he'd begged Insaul to join after witnessing his impressive badminton skills.

00:26:01It's a convenient lie that saves Insaul from an awkward explanation. That evening, Heiang misses the

00:26:06last bus and arrives home late, finding the house empty. A call from his family reveals that his sister,

00:26:12Heiang, has been hospitalized. He rushes to the hospital, filled with worry. Relieved to find

00:26:18his sister safe, he's reminded to be quiet as someone is sleeping. It turns out Heiang suffered

00:26:24an asthma attack while watching TV and collapsed. The family, deeply concerned, faced the challenge

00:26:30of reaching the distant county hospital late at night. They took turns carrying Heiang for miles.

00:26:35Upon arrival, exhausted, they fell asleep in the waiting area. Witnessing this scene, Heiang feels

00:26:41immense gratitude for his teammates, recognizing the true meaning of brotherhood. The next day,

00:26:46Heiang's team is scheduled to train with neighboring schools and university students.

00:26:51While waiting, they practice doubles matches. The Wuchan brothers display excellent teamwork,

00:26:56while Heiang and Yun-Dam struggle to coordinate. Their constant bickering, creating friction.

00:27:01Observing their conflict, Hyunjong gathers the team. He reminds them that every doubles match

00:27:06begins and ends with a handshake. He emphasizes the importance of competing against opponents,

00:27:11not teammates. His words are directed at Hei Kang and Yun-Dam, but the animosity lingers.

00:27:16Back at home, their childish squabbles continue, even resorting to competitive potato eating.

00:27:22Hyunjong's words seem to hold no weight until Yongjia intervenes, silencing them with a stern

00:27:27reprimand. Unexpectedly, the village chief arrives, seeking a runner for an upcoming inter-village race.

00:27:33Only one person in their 20s can participate. Without hesitation, Hei Kang volunteers.

00:27:39Yun-Dam also wants the spot. Their competitive spirit amuses the village chief.

00:27:44The following day, during practice, Yun-Dam's father arrives with treats for the team.

00:27:49He speaks privately with Hyunjong about his son. He observes that Yun-Dam's swing form is off,

00:27:54and his footwork is considerably slower than last year, implying a decline since changing coaches.

00:28:00Hyunjong insists he hasn't favored his son in any way.

00:28:03However, Yun-Dam's father mentions hearing about Hyunjong taking the team to the internet

00:28:08cafe. While he appreciates the attempt to bond with the players, he questions the method.

00:28:13He suggests a more detailed discussion during the upcoming joint training sessions.

00:28:17Outside, Hei Kang and Yun-Dam are playing doubles. Their lack of coordination persists,

00:28:22leading to arguments and blame shifting. Mr. Bae observes their dynamic, concluding they're

00:28:27each trying to prove their superiority. He decides to let them work it out on their own.

00:28:31As other schools arrive for the joint training, they encounter the blonde player who competed

00:28:36against Hei Kang previously. He's sidelined with a broken arm. Hei Kang and Yun-Dam, despite their

00:28:41mutual dislike, are paired together again. During the match, their opponents consistently target

00:28:47Hei Kang. Everyone recognizes this tactic. Focusing on one player often means exploiting a perceived

00:28:52weakness. During a break, Yun-Dam points out the opponent's strategy, but Hei Kang feigns ignorance,

00:28:58refusing to let Yun-Dam take the lead. The second set continues in the same disjointed manner,

00:29:04resulting in a crushing defeat. Gradually, however, they begin to understand their shortcomings.

00:29:09The arrival of the university teams, with their professional demeanor, inspires Hei Kang and Yun-Dam

00:29:14to play with more synergy and support each other. Facing stronger opponents provides a shared goal,

00:29:19mending their fractured teamwork. Their renewed energy even overwhelms the university players,

00:29:24who are exhausted after five intense games, while the younger players are eager for more.

00:29:29Hyun-Jung, observing from afar, records the entire match. That night, he meticulously reviews the

00:29:36footage, analyzing Yun-Dam's technique flaws, determined to address them to avoid further parental

00:29:41complaints. He reflects on his heavy workload and meager salary. The next day is the inter-village race.

00:29:48The two boys who eagerly volunteered appear less enthusiastic now. As badminton players,

00:29:53they're out of their element against seasoned runners, especially since they've been assigned

00:29:57the final leg. Contrary to their initial competitiveness, they now try to pass the

00:30:01baton to each other, much to the village chief's frustration. The race begins, starting with the

00:30:07over 45 runners, followed by the girls, then the two village chiefs, and finally, the 20-year-old

00:30:13representatives. Surprisingly, Si Yun takes the final leg for their village. She easily outpaces the

00:30:18other runners, defying expectations and securing victory for their village. The storyline takes a

00:30:24somewhat unrealistic turn. As a reward, the village chief grants them access to a storage warehouse

00:30:29for badminton practice, eliminating the need to travel to the distant gymnasium. They can now practice

00:30:35closer to home at their convenience. Of course, they commemorate the occasion with a cheesy group photo

00:30:41for social media. Haikang moves in close for the picture, making Si Yun blush. One fine day,

00:30:46the team decides to skip their mandatory fitness training by hiding out at the bus stop.

00:30:51Remembering the grueling experience from last year, they decide to make an early escape and head to Seoul

00:30:56for some much-needed stress relief. Everyone except Yun Dam is in on the plan. They each contribute

00:31:02some money for the trip. Haikang is furious when he discovers their plan, but they're already gone.

00:31:07On the bus, Yong Tae realizes the pooled money is missing. They frantically searched, assuming they left

00:31:13it at the bus stop. They arrive in Seoul with absolutely no money for the return trip. Hungry

00:31:17and broke, they spot a job posting offering daily wages. They figure they can work for a day to earn

00:31:22enough money to get back to Tankute Village. However, the foreman is hesitant to hire underage

00:31:28students for construction work. The crew chief intervenes and offers them a one-day job involving

00:31:33moving cement bags. He instructs them to wear protective gear, but the guy with dyed hair dismisses it as

00:31:39unnecessary and uncomfortable. Predictably, they tear four cement bags on their first attempt,

00:31:44earning a scolding from the crew chief and a reinforced reminder about safety gear.

00:31:49They struggle through the morning and finally reach their lunch break. Seeing their hunger,

00:31:53the dyed hair guy orders food, adding the cost to their wages. Back on the job, Haikang slacks off,

00:31:59daydreaming amidst the lifting and carrying. Suddenly, a large nail falls from the construction above.

00:32:04The crew chief pulls Haikang out of the way just in time, scolding him again for not wearing a helmet.

00:32:10No one wants to wear the safety gear, but it exists for a reason. After a long, tiring day,

00:32:15they finally finish the job. The crew chief gives them his number in case they need work in the

00:32:20future. Exhausted and sore, they're ready to collect their wages. Then, the dyed hair guy reappears,

00:32:26informing them that the cost of lunch and the damaged materials will be deducted from their pay.

00:32:31He also claims the crew chief assigned them two days' worth of work, accusing him of exploiting

00:32:36them. Stunned, they realize their perception of the kind crew chief was completely wrong.

00:32:41As they're about to hand over their earnings, Ensal intervenes, distrustful of the dyed hair guy.

00:32:46He decides to call the crew chief directly. The dyed hair guy, overhearing Ensal's conversation,

00:32:52approaches them. It turns out he was trying to scam them, preying on their naivete. Ensal,

00:32:57however, saw through his ruse before entering the personnel office earlier. Ensal had noticed the

00:33:02workplace regulations, food is provided, and equipment damage is covered. He realized the

00:33:08crew chief's wage offer was a test. He deliberately made the call to expose the scammer. The crew chief

00:33:14then hands them a meager $110,000, one in an envelope. In this city, who can you trust? Despite the small

00:33:20sum, it's enough for bus tickets home. As they near the gymnasium, Yong Tae remembers the money it was

00:33:26in his jacket pocket all along. He Kang is beyond frustrated. After a day of hard labor in Seoul,

00:33:32they have nothing to show for it. Their friends prevent He Kang from unleashing his fury on Yong Tae.

00:33:37They realize staying home for the fitness training would have been preferable. Back at the gymnasium,

00:33:41they dutifully present themselves to Hyun Jong for punishment, assuming a push-up position.

00:33:47Knowing they were trying to avoid the intense training, he decided to go easy on them. Instead,

00:33:51he attempts to connect with them by using newly acquired slang, much to their cringe-worthy

00:33:57embarrassment. He even tries to get them to repeat the phrases after him. Yong Tae and the others

00:34:02beg him to revert to traditional punishments. This is far worse. As everyone prepares to head home to

00:34:08their families for a short break, they take a commemorative photo to remember this disastrous day.

00:34:13Upon arriving home, He Kang finds the house empty, except for his six-year-old sister. He's momentarily

00:34:19struck with guilt for leaving her alone. She's surprisingly understanding, acknowledging that

00:34:23everyone has responsibilities. Touched by her maturity, He Kang decides to do something special

00:34:28for her. The next day, the older girls give He in a makeover. Outside, everyone prepares a feast,

00:34:35creating an at-home buffet experience. They even set up a mini-movie theater for her. These are

00:34:40experiences she's longed for, but couldn't access in their rural village. She also connects with a boy who

00:34:45lives nearby, and they play together like childhood sweethearts, endearing themselves to everyone.

00:34:51Everyone except Haiyan Zhang is dismayed at the sight of his young daughter, seemingly smitten. He

00:34:56playfully reminds her that she's not allowed to leave him. As the summer tournament approaches,

00:35:01He Kang trains relentlessly, pushing himself to exhaustion. Determined to defeat the blonde player

00:35:06and Park Chan, his assigned opponents. He collapses upon returning home, worrying his teammates.

00:35:12They all share the same anxieties. This tournament is second only to the Korean National Junior Sports

00:35:17Festival. The day of the tournament arrives. Coaches, including Yongja, try to make favorable

00:35:23impressions on the judges, hoping for preferential treatment for their teams. He Kang's team arrives,

00:35:28but Yoon Dam, their captain is missing. They eventually locate him taking selfies with the opposing team.

00:35:34He Kang confronts him, leading to a heated exchange of trash talk with their rivals,

00:35:38including the blonde player and Park Chan. Initially, Yoon Dam and Han Sol are paired for

00:35:44the mixed doubles event. They encounter a former senior player who recognizes Han Sol as a girl who

00:35:50had a childhood crush on him years ago. He recounts this embarrassing story in front of Yoon Dam,

00:35:55creating an awkward situation. Sensing Han Sol's discomfort, Yoon Dam tactfully steers them away.

00:36:01Coincidentally, this same senior player is assigned as the umpire for Yoon Dam's match.

00:36:05He continues to rehash the embarrassing story, distracting Han Sol and affecting her performance.

00:36:12She makes several uncharacteristic errors. The observers notice her unusual play,

00:36:16but can't pinpoint the cause. Only Yoon Dam, standing beside Han Sol, understands the reason

00:36:22for her distraction. Their team loses points rapidly. Yoon Dam, too, becomes increasingly agitated

00:36:28by the umpire's comments until he finally snaps. In front of the entire audience, he confronts the

00:36:33older player, shocking everyone. The judges reprimand him severely, threatening to disqualify him from

00:36:39future mixed doubles events. While acknowledging the wrongdoing, Hyun Jong understands Yoon Dam's

00:36:44protective instincts. Which guy could tolerate someone harassing their crush? The incident,

00:36:49however, inadvertently brings Yoon Dam and Han Sol closer. They begin to communicate more openly.

00:36:54A budding romance perhaps sparked by Yoon Dam's outburst. Talk about making an impression.

00:36:59Hye Kang's next match arrives, pitting him against the player who defeated him in 6th grade.

00:37:04He's determined to reclaim his lost pride. He's faster, more experienced, and remembers all the

00:37:10grueling training that led to this moment. Even Seiyun is captivated by Hye Kang's performance,

00:37:15oblivious to Han Sol calling her name. After a break, the match resumes. Mr. Bae approaches Hyun Jong with a

00:37:22piece of paper. Hyun Jong's eyes widen in surprise as he hands the paper to Hye Kang. It contains a tactical

00:37:28strategy for the match. Thanks to this strategy, Hye Kang secures his first victory. They learn that

00:37:33the strategy wasn't devised by Coach Bae, but by In Saal. Initially, Hye Kang is awkward, but being a

00:37:39good sport, he thanks In Saal. It turns out, In Saal is simply repaying Hye Kang for his previous

00:37:45kindness. They're now even. That night at the hotel, Hye Kang even offers his only bed to In Saal. A gesture

00:37:52that touches In Saal, though he briefly wonders if Hye Kang might be gay. The next day, Hye Kang

00:37:58sees Park Chan talking to Seiyun, sparking a jealous reaction. He notices Park Chan glancing at his

00:38:04crush, fueling his determination to defeat him in their upcoming match. Park Chan, a top-ranked

00:38:09badminton player, notices Hye Kang's confidence and his bold claim to eventually take the number one spot.

00:38:16Hye Kang's match begins. Despite his improved skills, Park Chan's experience gives him an edge.

00:38:21Nearby, Seiyun is also competing. Both Hye Kang and Seiyun play with intensity. However,

00:38:27Yongja and the others notice something is off with Seiyun's form. In a flash, Park Chan defeats

00:38:33Hye Kang. Simultaneously, Seiyun hits the shuttlecock out of bounds, losing her match. Despite suffering her

00:38:39first defeat in hundreds of matches, Seiyun remains remarkably composed. Her opponent, overwhelmed by the

00:38:46unexpected victory, bursts into tears. Hye Kang's teammates, assuming he's devastated by his loss,

00:38:52try to comfort him, encouraging him to show his emotions. To their surprise, Hye Kang is genuinely

00:38:57okay. Winning and losing are part of the game. Many reassured him, saying he'd tried his best.

00:39:03Even his close friend, Han Seol, understood. She knew Seiyun was deeply upset, yet she hadn't cried.

00:39:09Yongja, sensing Seiyun's distress, comforts her privately. They realize the coffee Seiyun drank

00:39:15before the match upset her stomach, hindering her performance. Why drink it knowing it would

00:39:20cause problems? Seiyun explains she drank it to be sociable, believing that skill alone isn't enough.

00:39:26Connecting with teammates and coaches is also important. Yongja is touched by her thoughtfulness.

00:39:32Later that evening, Hye Kang finds Seiyun practicing on the rooftop. Upon seeing him,

00:39:36Seiyun breaks down. The tears she'd held back all day finally flowing.

00:39:40Hye Kang's presence provides the release she needs. Meanwhile, Woo Chan is struggling.

00:39:45He confides in Hyeyeon Jung, vowing to give his all in this tournament. He mentions parents who

00:39:49don't support their children's passions. That morning, Woo Chan reviewed recordings of his matches,

00:39:55noticing something in his gameplay. He asks his teammates to share their match videos as well.

00:40:00It seems he might have identified a weakness contributing to his losses.

00:40:03Arriving at the tournament venue, they encounter their arrogant rivals. A fierce match is inevitable

00:40:08to advance to the next round. The curly-haired opponent, recognizing Hye Kang's improvement,

00:40:14avoids any pre-match banter, hoping to avoid facing him directly. However, during warm-up,

00:40:20Hye Kang suffers a dislocated joint. Panicked, his teammates rush him to the medical station for

00:40:25treatment. His match is imminent. The curly-haired opponent notices the commotion and follows,

00:40:30eager to assess the situation. Confirming Hye Kang's injury, he informs his coach,

00:40:35confident of an easy victory, if they're matched up. Because of the injury, Hye Kang is scheduled for

00:40:41the last singles match. Seeing the match schedule, the team is outraged, convinced the rival team

00:40:46manipulated the pairings to exploit Hye Kang's injury. Yoon Dam, as team captain, is up first. He's

00:40:52matched against the weakest opponent and wins swiftly. Yong Tae, despite his best efforts,

00:40:57loses his singles match 21-14. He's not discouraged. His older teammates can carry the team.

00:41:04As Woo-chan's match approaches, he's nowhere to be found. Just then he arrives, drenched in sweat.

00:41:10His teammates are concerned, but have little time to dwell on it. His match is about to start.

00:41:15The three teams chant and cheer, hoping for a Woo-chan miracle. Woo-chan's expression is unusually

00:41:20focused. He plays with all his might, giving his opponent no chance to read his game. The match is

00:41:25intense, with neither player yielding an inch. However, as his opponent delivers a decisive shot,

00:41:31Woo-chan injures himself while attempting to return it. The fall appears serious, and he's unable to

00:41:36continue playing. To everyone's surprise, Woo-chan gets up and runs out of the gymnasium, ignoring

00:41:42calls to return. He goes to meet his father, who pretends to have just arrived, and feigns disapproval of

00:41:48his son's badminton playing. But Woo-chan knows better. He's seen the video recordings of his matches.

00:41:53His father is always present, sometimes stepping back to get a clearer view of his son playing,

00:41:58even getting into arguments with those who criticize Woo-chan. This revelation shows Woo-chan how

00:42:03much his father truly cares, silently supporting his passion. He Kang's final match, against the

00:42:09curly-haired player, begins. Aware of He Kang's injury, the opponent taunts him relentlessly,

00:42:14adding insult to injury. He Kang is furious. As the match starts, He Kang struggles to move,

00:42:20quickly losing points. His team is worried. Then, to their astonishment, He Kang's movement

00:42:26transforms. He moves fluidly, as if the injury never happened, playing with renewed vigor,

00:42:31overwhelming his opponent. Earlier, He Kang, noticing the curly-haired player observing him,

00:42:37confided in his coach that the injury wasn't severe, but asked him to keep it a secret until

00:42:41the match, setting a trap for his opponent. The plan works perfectly. He Kang plays brilliantly,

00:42:47securing victory. The team erupts in cheers, even the girls' team congratulating him.

00:42:52After the match, Hyun-jong checks on Woo-chan, in the medical room. Woo-chan's shoulder injury

00:42:58doesn't appear serious, and should heal with rest. He apologizes for leaving without explanation.

00:43:03Later, they learn from the doctor that He Kang actually has a fractured ankle,

00:43:07and shouldn't have played at all. Hyun-jong is stunned that his son endured the pain to win,

00:43:12telling him he doesn't need to hide his pain, and helping him prepare for a cast. Back home,

00:43:17the team is contemplative. Baseball clearly offers more advantages than badminton. He Kang has avenged

00:43:23his past defeat, and regained his pride. Will he leave the team? Thoughts of America resurface.

00:43:28Then, He Kang emerges with a plate of meat, proudly announcing his official selection for the junior

00:43:34national badminton team. They celebrate with an outdoor feast, though Yong-tae is stuck preparing

00:43:39the food, while the others enjoy the meal. Yong-ja, true to her word, installs Wi-Fi,

00:43:45delighting the team, who can now stream movies without depleting their mobile data.

00:43:49As they relax together, Han-sal discovers a text message from Park-chan to Seiyun,

00:43:54a love confession. Everyone is ecstatic, except for He Kang, who seems strangely unhappy.

00:43:59Perhaps both harbor feelings for Seiyun, but lack the courage to express them.

00:44:03The selected elite players gather for intensive training, honing their badminton skills in a

00:44:08demanding environment. The pressure is palpable. They're preparing for a friendly match against

00:44:12Japan. A call from the coach finally signals a break. Exhausted from practice, everyone rests

00:44:18except Park-chan, who monopolizes Seiyun for photos. He Kang seethes with jealousy. He hasn't even had a

00:44:25picture with Seiyun yet. Later, the team gathers for a briefing about the next day's mountain climbing

00:44:30training. Everyone groans, anticipating the arduous climb. To He On-jong's dismay, he's assigned to lead

00:44:37the training. Why him? Out of all the coaches. The following day, as the team ascends the mountain,

00:44:42He Kang and Han-sul attempt to slack off, hoping to hide and avoid the exercise. However, Coach Peng's

00:44:49sharp eyes spot them, even when they try to conceal themselves on the mountainside. This reminds He On-jong

00:44:54of his youth, struggling to climb, while Yong-ja effortlessly reached the top. She'd even declared

00:45:00she was done resting and headed back down. A display of athleticism that cemented He On-jong's

00:45:05admiration. As they descend, Coach Peng, perhaps with matchmaking in mind, divides the team into

00:45:11male-female pairs to avoid anyone getting lost. Han-sul seizes the opportunity, suggesting He Kang

00:45:17and Seiyun partner up. As they walk, Seiyun expresses concern about He Kang's sense of direction,

00:45:23prompting him to defend his navigational skills. They stop by a stream to rest. Seiyun removes her

00:45:29shoes to soak her feet in the cool water. He Kang, not a fan of the cold, declines. Then,

00:45:34Seiyun's shoe accidentally falls into the stream. Without hesitation, He Kang retrieves it, soaking

00:45:40his shoes in the process. This chivalrous act earns him points with Seiyun. Alone with Seiyun,

00:45:47He Kang tries to ask about her admirer, but Han-sul interrupts before he gets an answer.

00:45:51Frustrated by the missed opportunity, some of the boys sneak off to a karaoke bar. He Kang belts out

00:45:57Big Bang songs, with gusto, annoyed by the cheesy ballads coming from the next room. While attempting to

00:46:02sneak back through a hole in the fence, they're caught by Coach Peng. They receive a stern lecture,

00:46:08with the threat of further punishment depending on their performance against the Japanese team the

00:46:11next day. Losing means expulsion from the junior national team. The following day, He Kang and the

00:46:17others warm up diligently, determined not to lose. Seiyun observes their focus preparation.

00:46:22The Japanese team arrives. The singles matches begin. He Kang plays with intense focus,

00:46:29scoring consistently. However, during a rally, his opponent deliberately hits the shuttlecock

00:46:34towards his eye. He Kang dismisses it, thinking it's insignificant. The girls' team secures a

00:46:39victory, celebrating their win. Meanwhile, He Kang and his rival, Park Chan, are fighting to stay on the

00:46:45team. In a crucial moment, Park Chan executes a difficult return. Then, He Kang unleashes a powerful

00:46:51smash, securing the win for Korea. When Coach Peng asks about his strategy, He Kang simply says he

00:46:58tried his best to avoid trouble. With one day left before their departure, the team decides to explore

00:47:03the city. Seiyun had planned to wear casual clothes for their outing, but Hansol insisted. She needed a

00:47:09more feminine look, pointing out that she always dresses like a boy for practice. Outside, He Kang and

00:47:15Yoon Dam are waiting. Impressed by Seiyun's appearance in a skirt, she looks shy and even more appealing.

00:47:21Once again, Hansol plays matchmaker, suggesting they split into pairs. He Kang, though secretly

00:47:27pleased, pretends to reluctantly agree. The two supporting couples head off to buy souvenirs.

00:47:32Yoon Dam, surprisingly smooth talking, compliments Hansol's choices, saying anything she picks is

00:47:38beautiful. Flattery works wonders on a teenage girl. He Kang and Seiyun stroll along the beach.

00:47:44Time is limited, and He Kang wants a picture with his crush, but he's too shy to ask.

00:47:49Finally, he musters the courage to ask a passerby to take their photo. They stand awkwardly apart,

00:47:55prompting the helpful stranger to reposition them repeatedly, even asking He Kang if he likes Seiyun.

00:48:01He can see it in He Kang's eyes. Mistaking the stranger for a dating expert, He Kang thanks him

00:48:06and asks about his girlfriend, assuming he must be happily in love. This triggers the stranger,

00:48:12who angrily reveals he's single and 40 years old. He Kang inadvertently touched a nerve.

00:48:17Back at the hotel, they find Park Chan waiting for drinks. Tactfully, the others leave them alone,

00:48:22while He Kang, seething with jealousy, keeps a watchful eye, suspecting some underhanded romance.

00:48:28Later that evening, during a coaches' meeting, it was revealed that Coach Peng's threats were a

00:48:33bluff to motivate the team for the Japan match. Even the hole in the fence was his doing.

00:48:38Meanwhile, the team is gathered in a room, playing games and chatting.

00:48:41Suddenly, they sense danger. Coach Peng is making his rounds. They scramble to hide, initiating.

00:48:47Stealth Mode

00:48:48He seems to find nothing amiss, only confiscating a hidden beer bottle. Thinking he's gone,

00:48:53they emerge from hiding, only to have him reappear unexpectedly. They're punished with laps around

00:48:58the field. Meanwhile, He Kang and Seiyun remain hidden in a closet, undetected. He Kang seizes the

00:49:04moment, finally asking Seiyun what he wants to know. He learns that Park Chan plans to confess his

00:49:09feelings if he wins the tournament. He Kang declares, he won't let that happen. He'll win

00:49:14the tournament. To his surprise, Seiyun encourages him, telling him he has to win. As they share a

00:49:20moment of mutual attraction, Coach Peng enters the room. He Kang sacrifices himself, taking the blame

00:49:26to spare Seiyun from punishment. Chivalry can be painful. Park Chan reflects on the difficulty of

00:49:31winning the tournament, glancing thoughtfully at He Kang, who is running laps, inexplicably laughing

00:49:37like a madman. Seiyun's words fuel his determination. He must defeat Park Chan to

00:49:42prevent the confession. The next day, back home, He Kang's father tosses him an apple, which he fails

00:49:47to catch. He misses a second attempt. Has he lost his baseball skills? Suddenly, He Kang's mother

00:49:53disappears from his left peripheral vision, raising concerns. Could it be related to the shuttlecock

00:49:58hitting his eye during the match? A visit to the doctor confirms their suspicions. He has a

00:50:03hemorrhage and blood accumulation in his tear duct. Wearing an eyepatch for a while should resolve the

00:50:08issue. The doctor, a friend of the family, inquires about He Kang's baseball career, asking

00:50:13Hyun Jung if He Kang truly enjoys sports. The question gives Hyun Jung pause. His parents were coaches.

00:50:20Is He Kang simply following in their footsteps? Or is it his genuine passion? With his eyepatch,

00:50:25He Kang becomes the target of teasing, using it as an excuse for laziness and constant rest.

00:50:30Hyun Jung tells the team members to stay at Yoon Dam's house temporarily, while he repairs the

00:50:35ceiling and figures out He Kang's true feelings about badminton. At home, He Kang enjoys uninterrupted

00:50:41access to the TV, no longer competing with his teammates. However, Si Yoon seems oddly bothered by

00:50:48his presence. The team feels He Kang's absence, missing their teammate, despite their shared ups and

00:50:53downs. Hyun Jung, troubled by the doctor's question, needs money to have a serious conversation with

00:50:59He Kang. He reluctantly visits an old friend to request repayment of a long-standing loan.

00:51:04The topic is sensitive, but it's been years. Before Hyun Jung can speak, his friend apologizes for the

00:51:10delay and promptly transfers triple the original loan amount to Hyun Jung's account. He expresses

00:51:15gratitude for Hyun Jung's patience, assuming he hadn't asked due to their friendship. Hyun Jung, relieved,

00:51:21but also somewhat ashamed, returns home to find the team waiting. They remind him of his promise

00:51:26to discuss He Kang's future in badminton. They reassure him that even if He Kang quits,

00:51:31it won't change their friendship. They value He Kang for who he is, not just as a teammate.

00:51:36Hyun Jung is touched by their genuine camaraderie. He speaks privately with He Kang, offering him the

00:51:41option to move to the city. With the repaid loan, they can afford it now. He tells He Kang he can pursue

00:51:47any dream, even if it's not sports-related. He Kang confesses that he initially felt pressured to follow

00:51:52his parents' path. But when he holds sports equipment, he feels like himself. Sports are his

00:51:57true passion. Overcome with emotion, Hyun Jung embraces his son. On his way back, He Kang stops by

00:52:04the gymnasium and finds Se-Yoon practicing alone. She ignores him as usual. When he asks directly,

00:52:10she reveals her frustration with his lack of training. Se-Yoon scolds him for his laziness,

00:52:15spending all his time on his phone and watching TV, while expecting Park Chan to magically forfeit the

00:52:20tournament. He Kang, realizing his mistake, promises to train seriously, earning Se-Yoon's forgiveness.

00:52:27On his way back, he receives a text message from the team, lifting his spirits. They're planning a

00:52:32surprise birthday party for Hyun Jung. Hyun Jung is touched by the unexpected celebration. He's

00:52:37overwhelmed that they remembered his birthday, and tears up. They present him with a sports outfit,

00:52:42which appears too small. A call to the store confirms it's the correct size, it's just a new,

00:52:47tighter fit. The team reveals they pooled their money to buy him the expensive gift.

00:52:52Later that night, they stumble upon a shocking piece of information. Coach Baez passed from 10

00:52:57years ago. He was once known as the undefeated White Wolf, bringing both glory and shame to West

00:53:03Hanum. 10 years prior, he was accused of physically abusing his players, including Tae Sion, a promising

00:53:09athlete who retired due to psychological trauma. The details surrounding Coach Baez's past remain

00:53:15shrouded in mystery. The next day, Yoon Dam confronts Hyun Jung, asking if the White Wolf is Coach Bae and

00:53:22about the rumors of player abuse. Unsure of the truth, Hyun Jung denies it, unable to believe Coach Bae is

00:53:28capable of such behavior. They're worried because Hwasan Hai recently appointed a new coach, and they need

00:53:34to keep Hae Kang's eye injury a secret from their opponents. Just then, In Sol rushes in, showing them

00:53:40videos of professional players from past years. Hoping to find someone with a similar challenge, they

00:53:45observe a tall, powerful player with a forceful smash, frequently approaching the net, each rally

00:53:51lasting only five shots. In Sol points out the crucial detail. The player has limited vision in one eye,

00:53:57just like Hae Kang. With dedicated training, this weakness can be overcome. Meanwhile, the new coach at

00:54:02Hwasang Hai, boasting of his international experience and advanced tactics, implements grueling training

00:54:08drills. The players are exhausted, but he pushes them relentlessly, believing victory requires extreme

00:54:14effort. In contrast, Hae Kang's team practices in a relaxed, methodical manner, showing no signs of

00:54:20pressure. Their training effectively masks Hae Kang's current weakness. Hyun Jung, troubled by the morning's

00:54:26conversation, decides to investigate Coach Bae's past. He visits Tai Sion, who becomes visibly

00:54:32upset when asked about the past, dismissing the topic and asking Hyun Jung to leave. Another

00:54:37former player gives a similar response. The incident is clearly painful, but they're reluctant

00:54:42to discuss it. Hyun Jung then learns that the owner of the badminton shop is a former coach. He might have

00:54:48a connection to the situation, so Hyun Jung visits the shop and asks the owner about Coach Bae. The owner

00:54:54explains that there's a reason no one wants to discuss it. It took them a long time to move on,

00:54:58so he shouldn't dredge up the past. Coach Bae wouldn't want his past resurrected either.

00:55:03Word of the White Wolf incident resurfaces, reaching other coaches. During a drinking gathering,

00:55:09someone asks Coach Bae directly about it, deeply upsetting him. But he suffers in silence.

00:55:14Hyun Jung's team is scheduled to play against Hua Sang Hai. Unlike previous matches, there are no

00:55:19friendly greetings. The Hua Sang players are like machines, and there's a palpable fear of their new

00:55:24coach. Before the match, Coach Chun lays down the stakes. If his team wins, Hua Sang reclaims their

00:55:30top ranking. If they lose, he's banned from the gymnasium, offering no coaching or interference.

00:55:36The match begins with Yoon Dam, who surprisingly defeats Hua Sang's weakest player. During the

00:55:41handshake, however, the opponent looks dejected. The Hua Sang team seems tense. Yong Tae loses his match,

00:55:47but no one blames him. Hae Kang and Yoon Dam win their doubles match in the first set,

00:55:52giving their team an advantage. Coach Chun berates his players for their loss. This new coach seems

00:55:57harsh. During the lunch break, Yong Tae talks with a player from the opposing team, an old acquaintance.

00:56:03Learning about the pressure from the new coach, Yong Tae offers words of encouragement. The matches

00:56:08resume. Seeing his team struggling, Coach Chun calls the blonde player aside, whispering instructions,

00:56:14perhaps a new strategy or a dirty tactic. The blonde player starts hitting high, lofted shots,

00:56:20and his net approaches are consistently blocked. Has he discovered Hae Kang's weakness?

00:56:25Yong Tae is horrified. During their earlier conversation, he'd inadvertently revealed

00:56:29Hae Kang's vulnerability to the blonde player. Did he betray his teammate? Tears well up as he

00:56:35watches Hae Kang struggle, ultimately losing the match. After the match, all eyes are on Yong Tae,

00:56:41but no one blames him directly. It wasn't intentional. That evening, they invite Yong Tae to stay at their

00:56:47place. Even Hae Kang invites him to play games. But Yong Tae, consumed by guilt, makes an excuse about

00:56:53his father calling and leaves abruptly. The incident leaves Hae Kang, unsure how to face his distraught

00:56:59teammate. Later, while delivering food to their neighbor, Hae Kang confides in her about the

00:57:04incident. He shares his ambition of winning the Korean National Junior Sports Festival and becoming a

00:57:09national player. Yong Tae's actions are unacceptable, making it difficult to face him. Their easy camaraderie is

00:57:15gone. The next day, he must find a way to talk to Yong Tae. He pretends Coach Hyun Jong wants to speak to

00:57:22Yong Tae by the large tree. But when Yong Tae arrives, it's Hae Kang waiting. He tells Yong Tae he's okay. He tells

00:57:29Yong Tae he's grateful for the incident. It relieved him of the burden of hiding his injury, which had been weighing

00:57:35on him. He advises Yong Tae to let go of his anger towards the blonde player. Yong Tae cries silently, relieved that

00:57:41Hae Kang understands. They reaffirmed their bond. Stronger than ever. The next day, they held practice

00:57:47matches to determine the final four players for the national tournament. One person must be eliminated.

00:57:53Hae Kang, with his eye injury, and In Sol, the newcomer, are paired against each other. Everyone expects In Sol

00:57:59to exploit Hae Kang's weakness, and he does. They're evenly matched until the final point. In Sol executes a

00:58:06powerful smash. But the shuttlecock lands out of bounds, giving Hae Kang the win. They plan to

00:58:11celebrate with video games, but In Sol declines. His father arrives to pick him up, and he urges him to

00:58:17drive away quickly, clearly upset. Everyone senses his distress, but only Hae Kang understands why. During

00:58:23the final shot, In Sol deliberately misaligned his wrist, causing the shuttlecock to go out. He

00:58:28intentionally lost to give Hae Kang a spot in the tournament. He cries silently, wanting to compete,

00:58:33but knowing he should step aside for Hae Kang. As promised, both teams now train under Coach Chun.

00:58:39He prioritizes team unity, pairing Yong Tai with the blonde player for practice, creating an awkward

00:58:45situation. They struggle through drills, exhausted from running. Meanwhile, Hyun Jong convinces the

00:58:51badminton shop owner to reveal the truth about the past. He learns the White Wolf wasn't the one who abused

00:58:56the players ten years ago. It was another coach who targeted vulnerable children from poor, single-parent

00:59:02families. He used his influence to shift the blame onto Coach Bae. The abusive coach has a distinctive

00:59:07scar on his left calf. Hyun Jong suddenly realizes who it is. The new coach at Hua Sang Hai has the

00:59:13same scar. At that moment, the new coach is about to punish Yong Tai and the shaved head player for

00:59:19failing to complete 200 laps. The blonde player watches passively. Hyun Jong confronts the coach,

00:59:24pushing him against the wall. He exposes him as the abuser from ten years ago, revealing how he framed

00:59:30Coach Bae and bribed other coaches to corroborate his lies. Though furious, Hyun Jong doesn't resort to

00:59:35violence. Having dealt with the situation in his way, the coaches who supported the abuser were reported

00:59:41and faced disciplinary action. Now, the abusive coach faces a lifetime ban from coaching. Coach Bae arrives,

00:59:47like a savior, with bags of fried chicken. The legendary White Wolf returns. Vindicated. Justice prevails.

00:59:54However, upon returning home, they attend the funeral of their neighbor. Hei Kang's mother is the

00:59:59busiest person there, whether out of genuine helpfulness or a sense of shared grief. This

01:00:04reminds Yong Jia of her victory 20 years prior. Immediately after receiving her award, she had to

01:00:10attend her mother's funeral. She'd lashed out at her siblings for not telling her sooner, causing a

01:00:15scene at the funeral. The award felt meaningless without her mother. They delayed telling her to

01:00:20avoid distracting her from the competition. Back in the present, Hyun Jong comforts his wife, reminding her

01:00:25that she has a loving family to support her through difficult times. They embrace a heartwarming

01:00:30moment of familial unity. The episode ends with a glimpse of Tae Sion secretly smoking in the gymnasium,

01:00:36hinting at a new development in his story. The next day, the team discusses the news that the

01:00:41women's doubles event might be canceled, possibly conflicting with the national tournament. Yong Jia

01:00:46received confirmation. The world championships overlap with the national tournament.

01:00:50Si Yoon can't compete in both. Unaware of this, the team complains about their potato digging chores.

01:00:56Yong Tae remarks that the top-ranked player at the national tournament should be able to handle any

01:01:01task, even digging potatoes. Hei Kang and Park Chan, taking this as a challenge, compete to dig the most

01:01:08potatoes, sparing the rest of the team the work. They're then tricked into carrying watermelons back,

01:01:13realizing they've been manipulated. With a rare day off, they enjoy some leisure time. That evening, Park Chan and

01:01:19Se Yoon take a walk, discussing their dreams and aspirations. Park Chan reveals his goal of joining

01:01:24the national team with Se Yoon. But now a strong rival has emerged. Mid-flirtation, Hei Kang appears,

01:01:31awkwardly explaining he's just taking a stroll. Not following them. They reluctantly accept his

01:01:37explanation. Park Chan leaves, giving Hei Kang and Se Yoon some alone time. Hei Kang confesses his fear of

01:01:43walking alone at night, implying he waited for Se Yoon. It's a subtle, private confession. The next

01:01:49day, a recruiter from Seoul arrives, hoping to recruit Hei Kang. There are only four spots for first-year

01:01:55students, and competition is fierce nationwide. Everyone assumes Hei Kang will accept the offer. To their

01:02:01surprise, he refuses. He can't abandon his teammates. They've been through too much together. They win

01:02:06together. They lose together. The recruiter, though surprised, respects Hei Kang's decision. Meanwhile, Young

01:02:13Ja discusses the scheduling conflict with Se Yoon. Missing the national tournament won't jeopardize

01:02:18her career. But it's important to Se Yoon. Winning would earn her and her teammates extra points for

01:02:23high school admissions. She wants to do this for her team. Se Yoon trains intensely, planning to defeat

01:02:29her opponent quickly to return in time for the national tournament. The same recruiter approaches Se Yoon,

01:02:34hoping to recruit her for the Seoul team as well. Just like Hei Kang, she declines. Moving to Seoul would

01:02:40mean leaving her team behind. Looking at Han Seul practicing diligently, she tells the recruiter she

01:02:45already has the best teammates. However, Han Seul misunderstands Se Yoon's sentiment. That night,

01:02:51a minor disagreement escalates into an argument. Han Seul feels like Se Yoon's unpaid assistant,

01:02:57accusing her of using their friendship for attention. She questions the sincerity of their bond,

01:03:01hurting Se Yoon deeply. The next day, Se Yoon leaves early without a word. Meanwhile, the boys receive

01:03:07their new team uniforms. The initial designs were a bit childish, but the final product looks good.

01:03:13Coach Bae distributes the uniforms, offering words of encouragement that sound like a farewell speech.

01:03:19Hyun Jong announces that Coach Bae won't be attending the national tournament. He's taking a

01:03:23leave of absence starting in the second semester. Yoon Dam is furious, reminding Coach Bae of his promise

01:03:29to stay with him through thick and thin. He cries openly. A rare display of emotion. Coach Bae comforts him,

01:03:36accepting his birthday gift, and jokes about being denied retirement. That morning, the girls team

01:03:41gathers for the world championships. With Se Yoon absent, Han Seul is the main player. A daunting

01:03:47responsibility. Meanwhile, Se Yoon competes fiercely in Seul, deliberately playing strategically to keep

01:03:53the scores close, aiming for quick victories. Everyone realizes she's trying to finish fast. Back home,

01:03:59the team cheers half-heartedly for Han Seul, aware of her limitations. The opposing team taunts them,

01:04:05questioning their ability without Se Yoon. Suddenly, Hae Kang and the boys arrive,

01:04:10filling the stands with their energetic cheers, revitalizing the girls team. During the break,

01:04:15Yoon Dam speaks privately with Han Seul, acknowledging the pressure she's under replacing Se Yoon.

01:04:21He offers simple encouragement and hugs her, reminding her they're proud of her, regardless of

01:04:26the outcome. Tae Seon visits his aunt, who knows he's there to apologize to Coach Bae,

01:04:31for not defending him years ago. She encourages him to try, knowing Coach Bae misses him. It's all in

01:04:37the past now. At the gymnasium, Tae Seon finds Coach Bae already there. After he leaves, Tae Seon breaks

01:04:43down in front of his father, hoping for the courage to apologize. Perhaps with a blessing from above,

01:04:49their subsequent conversation goes smoothly, resolving their past grievances. Se Yoon wins her match,

01:04:55and rushes to pack, surprising everyone, including the reporters. Young Ja is overjoyed,

01:05:01assuming Se Yoon will return in time for the tournament, oblivious to Han Seul's mixed emotions.

01:05:06Unknown to them, Se Yoon encounters severe weather at the airport, grounding her flight. After waiting

01:05:11in vain for Se Yoon's arrival, Young Ja is forced to put Han Seul in as the main player. Before the match,

01:05:17the opponent taunts Han Seul, increasing the pressure. This much stress can crush a diamond in the rough.

01:05:23Despite her nerves, Han Seul plays her best. Young Ja and everyone else can see her anxiety. They know

01:05:29she's outmatched. Seeing their dejection, Hyun Jong asks what Han Seul needs most right now. Yoon Dam

01:05:36understands immediately and shouts encouragement, followed by the rest of the team, rallying the

01:05:41crowd. Han Seul needs their support. Winning or losing isn't important, it's about giving her all.

01:05:46Despite their efforts, she loses the first set. During the break, a distraught Young Ja steps outside

01:05:53for a smoke. Overhearing other coaches comparing Han Seul unfavorably to Se Yoon. They remark how

01:05:58much more exciting the match would be with Se Yoon playing. Young Ja confronts them, but they turn the

01:06:03tables, accusing her of lacking faith in her team and of not strategizing like she did when Se Yoon was

01:06:09playing. They also call her out for smoking. Their words strike a chord. Young Ja realizes that every player

01:06:15deserves her trust and support. She approaches Han Seul, offering encouragement and a strategy.

01:06:21Exploit the opponent's overconfidence with counterattacks. In the second set, Han Seul plays

01:06:26with renewed determination, correcting her earlier mistakes and winning the set. The unexpected victory

01:06:31electrifies the crowd. In the third set, the blonde opponent is more cautious, putting pressure on Han Seul

01:06:37and scoring the first point. During a short break, Han Seul's anxiety returns. Young Ja advises her to

01:06:43focus on someone she trusts, to unleash her hidden potential. The third set is a nail-biter. Every

01:06:49shot counts, and both players proceed cautiously. Han Seul remembers her time at her previous school,

01:06:55feeling ostracized by her friends. Then she transferred, and Se Yoon befriended her. Just then, Se Yoon arrives,

01:07:02cheering Han Seul on. Her presence a source of strength. Fueled by friendship, Han Seul rallies,

01:07:08exchanging shots with her opponent. In a decisive moment, she delivers a powerful smash. The crowd

01:07:14holds its breath as the umpire declares the shuttlecock in, giving Han Seul the victory. The

01:07:19crowd erupts, while the blonde opponent, overconfident earlier, faces a bitter defeat. The girls embrace,

01:07:25a heartwarming display of teamwork. During the awards ceremony, Han Seul requests a group photo,

01:07:31cherishing this unforgettable victory, made possible by her friend's support. Later, the team celebrates

01:07:37with instant noodles at a convenience store, only to be confronted by the baseball players from before.

01:07:42The three boys are dragged outside for a beating. Just then, the senior members of the badminton team

01:07:47arrive like knights, in shining armor. With the numbers now even, they're ready to defend their teammates.

01:07:53Yoon Dam confronts the baseball players, warning them to leave. However, they call in reinforcements,

01:07:58surrounding the badminton team. The situation turns dire, escape seems unlikely. Then,

01:08:04Hei Kang appears, like a godsend. The baseball captain recognizes him, recalling their unpleasant

01:08:09past encounters. They step aside for a private conversation. The captain remains unyielding,

01:08:14insisting on a humiliating ritual, before releasing Hei Kang and his friends. Even recording the whole

01:08:20thing on his phone. But Hei Kang's next move makes them back down instantly. Back home,

01:08:25everyone is surprised to see Hei Kang return unharmed. He reveals he gave the baseball players his

01:08:30brand new phone, to escape the situation. He also pretended to have underworld connections,

01:08:35intimidating them into submission. Later, when invited to play games, Hei Kang declines.

01:08:41Everyone seems to understand why. Meanwhile, Yong Ja is filled with self-doubt, drowning her

01:08:46sorrows with her husband. Han Sol's victory was remarkable, yet she lacked faith in her team from the start.

01:08:52Does she deserve to be their coach? As he and Jang tries to comfort her, they hear a commotion outside.

01:08:57Yong Ja emerges to find the team presenting her with a celebratory cake, thanking her for their

01:09:02victory. She's deeply touched and cries, realizing she should trust and believe in all her players.

01:09:07They embrace tearfully. That night, Yoon Dam and Han Sol make their relationship official,

01:09:13sharing a tender moment on a swing set. As they leave, they hear a noise. It's Hei Kang and Seiyoon.

01:09:20Surprised to discover their teammates' secret romance, realizing they're not the only ones keeping

01:09:24secrets. The next day is Hei Kang's team's turn to compete. The entire village gathers to support them,

01:09:30a heartwarming display of community spirit. Boosted by their enthusiastic cheering section,

01:09:35the team performs exceptionally well, winning their matches with ease. Hei Kang reconciles with his rivals,

01:09:42who recognize and respect the strong bond within his team. The curly-haired player even thanks Hei Kang

01:09:47for helping him realize that winning isn't everything. They face each other in a final match.

01:09:51During a rally, Hei Kang falters, mistiming a shot. He quickly recovers, winning the match.

01:09:57The team erupts in celebration, while the curly-haired player acknowledges their unique team spirit,

01:10:03something his team lacks. Despite his loss, his teammates offer him high fives, reminding him that

01:10:08participation is what matters. Later, Seiyoon asks to meet Hei Kang that evening. She noticed something was

01:10:14wrong with him during the match, something he hid from everyone else, but not from her.

01:10:19With an important tournament approaching, Seiyoon urges Hei Kang to tell his father about his eye.

01:10:24Hei Kang finally reveals his condition to the team. Just then, the doctor calls, confirming Hei Kang has a

01:10:30detached retina and likely can't play in the finals. Meanwhile, Tae Sion is struggling. He faces

01:10:36ostracization from his teammates and witnesses the betrayal of his closest friend, who badmouths him

01:10:42behind his back. This moment makes Tae Sion realize his time is over, and he can't trust anyone. He

01:10:47overhears a senior player mocking Coach Bae, fueling his anger but leaving him powerless. Hei Kang is

01:10:53anxious about the upcoming tournament. Seiyoon comforts him, reminding him that this anxiety isn't

01:10:58like him. He needs to be confident and embrace his true self. Hyun Jong advises the team not to push

01:11:03themselves too hard. Reaching the finals is already an achievement. Hei Kang's eye hasn't fully healed,

01:11:09and their opponent is the formidable Seoul team. Before the match, the same senior player from

01:11:14before provokes Yong Tae. But Woo Chan's fiery temper intervenes, almost causing a brawl. When asked by

01:11:21his coach, Park Chan confidently asserts he can defeat Hei Kang. Forgetting that Hei Kang is the

01:11:25protagonist of this story, Hei Kang's team has a plan. Yong Tae will face the senior player first. Despite the

01:11:32pressure of facing an older, more experienced opponent, Yong Tae knows pressure creates diamonds. Having

01:11:37played against each other in elementary school, the senior player is familiar with Yong Tae's style,

01:11:43anticipating his moves and countering his strategies like a seasoned pro. During halftime,

01:11:48a dejected Yong Tae sits alone in the hallway. Suddenly, someone walks past. Yong Tae chases after

01:11:54him, realizing it's his idol. A famous badminton player. Contrary to his expectations, the player advises

01:12:00him to stop imitating others and develop his style and strategy to win. Back on the court, Yong Tae's demeanor has

01:12:07changed. He seems to have unlocked his inner potential, playing with newfound confidence and

01:12:12unpredictable moves. His opponent is unable to read his game. Yong Tae's score climbs rapidly, culminating

01:12:19in a decisive victory. He turns to find his father, the once disapproving figure, beaming with pride.

01:12:25His joy is doubled. Yoon Dam's match is next. In the restroom, he receives a call from a family member,

01:12:31offering encouragement and support. But it's not enough. During the match, Yoon Dam struggles to

01:12:37focus, losing points to his opponent. The team watches anxiously. As he prepares to swing, his vision

01:12:43blurs, and he collapses on the court. Everyone is worried, especially Han Sol. He's rushed to the

01:12:48medical room. The official urges them to decide quickly whether to forfeit or continue, otherwise.

01:12:54They'll lose by default. At this critical moment, Coach Bae appears. Yoon Dam confesses his confusion about

01:13:00the source of his pressure. The team had agreed to give their best, regardless of the outcome.

01:13:05But Coach Bae challenges their mindset. As captain, Yoon Dam has a responsibility to win.

01:13:10Even Coach Bae considers him the ace, not Hae Kang. Their opponents are more intimidated by him.

01:13:16So why not strive for victory? Yoon Dam, now filled with confidence, returns to the court with renewed

01:13:22determination. He lives up to Coach Bae's expectations, securing a remarkable victory. Meanwhile,

01:13:28Tae Sion defeats the player who mocked him, bowing respectfully as he leaves, infuriating his

01:13:33opponent, who smashes his racket in frustration. Next up is the doubles match with Hae Kang and Woo

01:13:39Chan. They've practiced tirelessly, and now it's their time to shine. Hae Kang takes the offensive

01:13:44backcourt position, while Woo Chan defends at the front. Their coordinated teamwork earns them the first

01:13:50point. Then Park Chan exploits Hae Kang's weakness, targeting his right eye with a cross-court shot

01:13:55that Hae Kang can't return. They realize this strategy could cost them the match.

01:14:00They feign concern, luring their opponents into repeating the tactic for the final point.

01:14:05As Park Chan attempts the same shot, Woo Chan, in a stunning move, switches from defense to offense,

01:14:11intercepting the shuttlecock. The opponent manages to return it, but it lands out of bounds,

01:14:16giving Hae Kang and Woo Chan the win. The crowd roars its approval, celebrating the unexpected turn of

01:14:21events. The extended celebration scene in the show is summarized concisely here. After the victory,

01:14:27the team celebrates, and takes a commemorative photo, each proudly displaying their gold medals.

01:14:33As Hae Kang and Woo Chan emerge, they're greeted by a group of girls. To Hae Kang's disappointment,

01:14:38they swarm Woo Chan, captivated by his good looks. Later, In Sol has a chance encounter with a beautiful

01:14:44girl, exchanging shy glances, perhaps already imagining their future children's names. The team

01:14:50celebrates their hard-earned victory at the beach, reminiscing about their journey together. They vow to

01:14:55continue their pursuit of excellence, dreaming of becoming badminton champions, and bringing glory to

01:15:00their country. The film concludes with a poignant message about friendship, teamwork, and the pursuit of

01:15:06dreams. It's a heartwarming and inspiring story about a group of young athletes achieving their full potential.

01:15:12We hope you enjoyed this recap. If you liked it, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel for more content.

01:15:19See you in the next video. Bye-bye.

Category

Transcript

Recommended