Director General Choi Yong-soo of 'Shooting Star Season 2' recalled Koo Ja-cheol's first joining.
On the 28th, a production presentation for the new Coupang Play entertainment program 'Shooting Star' Season 2 (hereinafter 'Shooting Star 2') was held at The Link Seoul in Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul.
'Shooting Star' is Korea's one and only full-time growth soccer entertainment program where retired legendary players challenge active players in the K League alongside Director General Park Ji-sung and Director General Choi Yong-soo. Last season, the show surpassed 3 million cumulative views on shorts and reels, proving its real-time relevance. In particular, the impossible challenges faced by retired legendary players opened a new horizon in sports entertainment with explosive reactions from viewers through unscripted laughter and tears.
'Shooting Star', which provided a moving experience through the new challenges of retired legendary players, will see FC Shooting Star, promoted to K3 League this season, compete against teams in the K3 league, the top semi-professional league in Korea connecting K League 1 and K League 2.
First, Director General Choi Yong-soo reflected on Season 1, saying, 'I recall the time we played against Yangju FC. Even in the difficult situations and environments the team faced, I shed warm tears in my heart while watching them play. Their struggles were touching. If there was a regrettable moment, it would be that we finished second, as I wonder if we could have secured first place if we had won the last game.'
Taking on the role of head coach in Season 2, Director General Choi Yong-soo said, 'I was satisfied with the reinforcement, but K3 was strong. The game operation and pressing timing are at a similar level to K1. We had prepared to respond to that, but there were changes in individual players' stamina and operational combinations, so we struggled initially. We spent time communicating in the early stages, and regarding tactical aspects, it was difficult to find common ground when discussing with Coach Seol Ki-hyeon. I put in more energy and care than in Season 1.'
Choi went on to explain about being a 'woke leader', stating, 'I captured the concept of Season 1 incorrectly. Once I went out and saw the changes in Season 2, I worried the players, staff, and fans might be disappointed, so I tried to hide my claws as much as possible. That part was difficult, but I feel grateful to the players. Knowing that they are the protagonists, I tried to communicate, listen to what was needed, and resolve it. However, I think a transformation in image will take time.'
In particular, Director General Choi Yong-soo stated regarding the newly joined Koo Ja-cheol, 'I wanted to ask if that was really Koo Ja-cheol. He was a bit wobbly, and I thought I couldn't possibly put him in a game. However, as a leader, I gave the player my trust, and he worked hard to catch up, creating a connection. And as we progressed through the games, the Koo Ja-cheol I had seen before started to return. I considered mentioning it to the production team after the first few matches, but I felt great joy seeing him improving.'
The exciting performance of FC Shooting Star will be revealed on the evening of the 29th at 8 p.m. on Coupang Play's entertainment program 'Shooting Star' Season 2.
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