Based on the true story of boxer Kim Deuk-Gu, 'Champion' revisits Korea in the early 1980s and shows one man's struggle to lift himself out of poverty and turn himself into a boxing champion. From director Kwak Kyung-Taek, the director of the No. 1 box-office hit 'Friend'.
The story of local boxing champion Kim Deuk-Gu (Yoo Oh-Sung) has been told many times. He was a country boy who seemingly had no hope for the future. Sports knocked at his door, and with the determination to fulfill his dreams, he moved to Seoul. Korea was hoping for its next boxing hero when tragedy struck. In a match for the World Lightweight title, Kim Deuk-Gu died due to a blood clot in his brain. Since he was at the top of his game, his death made him a legend in Korean Sports. He was always considered a hard worker, often sledgehammering 200+ tires a day, and eating incredible amounts that are not quite a normal person's average training method. The consequences of his death are still felt in boxing circles all over the world. Some of the changes in today's boxing world have come as a result of Kim Deuk-Gu's tragic end.
In 2001 Yoo Oh-Sung gained stardom as the co-lead in Kwak Kyung-Taek's smash hit 'Friend'. His performance drew much attention and praise, and the film became the most successful Korean film in history.
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