Kim Rae-won Joins SBS Baseball K-Drama

Actors Kim Rae-won and Park Hoon have confirmed their appearances in SBS's new baseball drama '​Full Count'. The drama, scheduled to air in 2027, depicts the survival struggle of characters vying for the position of 'professional baseball manager'. 'Full Count' is generating anticipation as the first baseball drama from SBS in eight years, following the syndrome-inducing drama 'Hot Stove League' in 2019.

Kim Rae-won will play Hwang Jin-ho, the acting manager of the popular team 'Stars', which is on the verge of missing the postseason. Hwang Jin-ho, a former catcher and battery coach, spent most of his playing career as a backup. Although he receives better evaluations as a coach, he has lived as an outsider in the club's exclusive atmosphere. He throws himself into the storm of a lifetime by taking on the acting manager position, which is like a 'poisoned chalice'.

Park Hoon will portray Jo Dong-hee, a legendary pitcher for 'Stars' and the pitching coach considered the top candidate for the next manager. Jo Dong-hee, who has a brilliant playing career but lacks a championship experience, aims to win the championship trophy as a manager. He finds the situation of competing for the manager position with Hwang Jin-ho, who was a second-tier player during their playing days, humiliating and reveals his ambition to ascend to the throne by sacrificing Hwang Jin-ho.

The rivalry between Kim Rae-won and Park Hoon over the 'Stars manager' position is expected to be a major highlight of the drama. The drama is anticipated to deliver tension not only through on-field battles but also through the meticulous mind games and power struggles that unfold in the dugout. The fated confrontation that Kim Rae-won and Park Hoon will portray is expected to enhance the drama's immersion.

Meanwhile, 'Full Count' is set against the backdrop of the men's professional baseball world, depicting the fierce competition among coaches. Director Ham Joon-ho, who helmed 'The Devil Judge' and 'My Perfect Stranger', will direct. Park Hoon has a previous connection with director Ham, having appeared in Ham's previous work, 'The Devil Judge'. Initially, the role of Jo Dong-hee was offered to Jung Sung-il, but his appearance ultimately fell through, and Park Hoon was newly cast. The drama is set to begin filming in April.