MBC is launching a basketball drama titled 'The Malicious Commenter of Coach Maeng', created over 30 years after 'The Last Match'.
On the 22nd, a production presentation for the two-part drama 'The Malicious Commenter of Coach Maeng' was held at MBC's new headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included Park Sung-woong, Park Soo-oh, and director Hyun Sol-ip.
'The Malicious Commenter of Coach Maeng' depicts a comedy about a two-man game where Coach Maeng Gong, facing expulsion due to poor performance, teams up with his malicious commenter Hwa Jin for the sake of the team's success. It is based on a script that won the Grand Prize at the 2024 MBC Script Contest. Director Hyun Sol-ip, who showcased his directing skills in the 2018 drama 'I’m Crazy Because of You!', is at the helm.
Director Hyun Sol-ip explained, “The writer said it’s a story about two people who seem like they can never be a team coming together. It’s about Coach Maeng realizing many things and evolving through his relationship with the malicious commenter Hwa Jin. It’s a bright and warm story that the whole family can enjoy.”
He added, “Since basketball is the main theme, it should be fun. This is the first basketball drama produced by MBC in over 30 years since 'The Last Match'. It will also be a work that has not been made in Korean dramas for several years,” expressing his hopes for the show.
Park Sung-woong plays Coach Maeng Gong of the professional basketball team Big Pandas, which has faced playoff elimination for three consecutive years. Once a star player, he is now a young coach known for his harsh words from the bench.
Park Sung-woong described his character, saying, “We are facing playoff elimination for three years in a row. To compare, he is like Coach Hur Jae, a tremendous star player and a national team coach.” He continued, “He can’t stand to see his players make mistakes. He yells, ‘Why can’t you do it?’ and scolds them,” adding, “At home, he is a doting father. It feels like me, so I haven’t acted in this role before.”
Park Soo-oh plays the malicious commenter Hwa Jin, who targets Coach Maeng. He operates under the nickname 'Maeng Gong Extinction Group', essentially being a bully to Coach Maeng.
Park Soo-oh stated, “He is the malicious commenter who hates Coach Maeng the most and knows all his weaknesses and strengths. Hwa Jin shows emotional changes and is shrouded in mystery, but he will reveal many sides throughout parts 1 and 2. I hope you view him positively.”
This work is a two-part drama. What made Park Sung-woong decide to participate, given his extensive experience in major films and dramas? He shared, “Recently, when watching mini-series or OTT dramas, I feel that some of them lose momentum midway.” He continued, “Although 'The Malicious Commenter of Coach Maeng' is a two-part series, it is packed. The running time is similar to a movie. I thought we could shoot it like a film.” He expressed deep affection for the project, saying, “The script is so good. I have never regretted my choice of work.”
The combination of a 40-year-old basketball coach and a 19-year-old malicious commenter is refreshing. Park Sung-woong remarked, “The age difference was like a double-edged sword,” adding, “Since I have experienced that age, I thought I could lower myself, but I also wondered, ‘Can I really understand the 20s of 2025? Times have changed.’”
He continued, “Park Soo-oh has prepared a lot. He doesn’t back down and stands up to me, saying everything he needs to say. He acted well,” and jokingly mentioned, “There’s a scene where he curses at me. I thought it wasn’t right, so I removed it during the reading, but he did it on the day of filming. He said it was a mistake, but it’s not something ordinary.”
In response, Park Soo-oh said, “You have to play with the adults. I used a lot of energy to try to win against my senior. When I act angry or yell, I often end up with a surprised expression.”
Finally, Director Hyun stated, “I am happy to bring this story at a time when we are all waiting for a new beginning after a particularly chaotic and cold winter,” adding, “While basketball is the main theme, this work is a growth drama. The characters reflect on their past, repent for their mistakes, and contemplate how to move forward fairly.”
He concluded, “Even if we do our best, it means nothing if the viewers don’t watch. I hope for your great expectations.”
‘The Malicious Commenter of Coach Maeng’ will premiere on the 23rd at 10 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
