Strike Love (2009 South Korean Drama)
Strike Love (Korean: 2009 외인구단; RR: 2009 Oein Kudan) is a South Korean television drama series that aired on MBC from May 2 to June 21, 2009. The series is based on the influential 1980s manhwa Kong-pyoui Woeinjudan (often translated as Horror Alien Baseball Team) by author Lee Hyun-se.
Background and Development
The series draws its narrative from the classic comic book series by Lee Hyun-se. The term "alien" in the title refers to individuals living on the fringes of society, rather than extraterrestrial entities. The source material has been adapted multiple times, most notably in the 1986 film Lee Jang-ho's Baseball Team. Although originally planned for a 20-episode run, the series was shortened to 16 episodes due to lower-than-expected television ratings during its broadcast.
Plot
The story follows Oh Hye-sung (played by Yoon Tae-young), a talented pitcher with a childhood connection to Choi Eom-ji (Kim Min-jung). As they grow into adulthood, Hye-sung pursues a career in professional baseball while attempting to navigate his lingering feelings for Eom-ji, who is involved with their mutual childhood friend, Ma Dong-tak (Park Sung-min). After a career-defining performance where he hides a significant injury, Hye-sung disappears from the public eye. He eventually returns as the leader of a team composed of social outcasts, each harboring their own personal struggles.
Cast
- Yoon Tae-young as Oh Hye-sung
- Kim Min-jung as Choi Eom-ji
- Park Sung-min as Ma Dong-tak
- Song Ah-young as Choi Hyeon-ji
- Lim Hyun-sung as Baek Doo-san