Netflix’s latest sports K-drama “The Winning Try” concluded its triumphant 12-episode run on August 30, 2025, leaving fans both satisfied and craving more. The series ended with Hanyang High School’s rugby team pulling off a narrow 22-19 win to claim the national title, delivering an emotionally charged finale that perfectly captured the spirit of redemption and teamwork.
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The Winning Try Finale: A Perfect Victory
After months of intense training, personal struggles, and team bonding, Coach Ju Ga-ram’s (Yoon Kye-sang) underdog rugby team achieved the impossible. The nail-biting championship match showcased everything fans loved about the series: heart-pounding sports action, emotional character development, and the power of second chances.
Key Finale Moments
| Plot Point | Outcome |
|---|---|
| National Championship | Hanyang High wins 22-19 |
| Ga-ram’s Redemption | Overcomes drug scandal stigma |
| Team Captain’s Growth | Leads team to historic victory |
| Romance Subplot | Ga-ram and I-ji reconcile |
| Personal Healing | All characters find closure |
Do Ga-ram and I-ji Get Their Happy Ending?
Yes! The romantic subplot between Coach Ju Ga-ram and sports reporter Bae I-ji (Im Se-mi) reaches a satisfying conclusion. After navigating past heartbreak, professional tensions, and Ga-ram’s personal demons, the former lovers finally reconcile. Their relationship mirrors the team’s journey—proving that with patience, understanding, and genuine effort, broken relationships can be rebuilt stronger than before.
The finale beautifully weaves their personal resolution with the team’s victory, showing how healing happens both on and off the field.
Season 2 Renewal Possibilities: What Are the Chances?
Unfortunately, it’s extremely rare to find Korean dramas renewed for another season, and given the sheer wealth of talent involved who are sure to move onto other projects, “The Winning Try” will likely not be renewed for a second season.
Factors Against Season 2:
- K-Drama Tradition: Most Korean series are designed as one-season stories
- Cast Availability: Lead actors Yoon Kye-sang and Kim Yo-han typically move to new projects
- Story Completion: The main narrative arc concluded satisfyingly
- Production Costs: Rugby scenes require significant budget and logistics
Why Fans Want More:
- Character Development: Rich supporting cast deserves more exploration
- Rugby World: The sport’s growing popularity in Korea creates opportunities
- International Success: Strong Netflix viewership globally
- Unresolved Storylines: Some team members’ futures remain unexplored
Cast and Performance Highlights
The series starred Yoon Kye-sang, Im Se-mi, Kim Yo-han, and Song Young-kyu in a compelling ensemble that brought depth to every character. Yoon Kye-sang’s portrayal of the disgraced coach seeking redemption resonated particularly well with audiences, while Kim Yo-han’s team captain provided the perfect balance of determination and vulnerability.
Critical Reception and Impact
“The Winning Try” was praised as being as much about personal redemption and resilience as it is about rugby, thriving on the energy of its K-drama roots. The series successfully combined sports drama intensity with emotional storytelling, creating a unique viewing experience that appealed to both sports fans and K-drama enthusiasts.
What Made The Winning Try Special
The drama’s success lies in its authentic portrayal of second chances. Unlike typical sports dramas that focus solely on winning, “The Winning Try” explored themes of:
- Personal Redemption: Overcoming past mistakes and public shame
- Team Dynamics: Building trust and brotherhood under pressure
- Mental Health: Addressing trauma and healing through community
- Social Issues: Confronting prejudice and giving people opportunities to change
The Legacy Continues
While Season 2 seems unlikely, “The Winning Try” has left an indelible mark on the sports K-drama genre. The series proved that rugby stories can captivate Korean audiences and demonstrated the universal appeal of redemption narratives.
For fans seeking similar content, check out our Sports K-Drama Reviews section for more inspiring athletic stories and character-driven narratives.
*For more K-drama endings explained and renewal updates, explore our Korean Entertainment coverage and stay updated with the latest Netflix
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Hanyang High School’s rugby team win the national championship in The Winning Try?
A: Yes! The series concludes with Hanyang High School’s rugby team achieving their ultimate goal by winning the national championship with a thrilling 22-19 victory. This triumph represents not only athletic success but also the personal redemption of Coach Ju Ga-ram and the growth of every team member throughout their journey.
Q: Will there be a Season 2 of The Winning Try on Netflix?
A: Unfortunately, a Season 2 renewal is highly unlikely. Korean dramas traditionally tell complete stories in one season, and the main cast members typically move on to new projects. While the series was well-received internationally on Netflix, the story concluded satisfyingly with all major plot lines resolved, making additional seasons unnecessary from a narrative standpoint.
