An awake leader presents a touching narrative of the growth of retired players. 'Shooting Star' returns with Season 2, promising profound emotional impact as it overcomes limitations and pursues goals while facing stronger opponents.
Coupang Play's entertainment program 'Shooting Star' features retired legendary players challenging active players in the K League alongside Director General Park Ji-sung, Coach Choi Yong-soo, and Chief Coach Seol Ki-hyeon. The scenes of retired legendary players coming together to compete against K4 League teams were like an unscripted drama, providing a deep emotional experience. This was evidenced by a cumulative viewership of 3 million on Shorts and Reels.
'Shooting Star,' which returned for Season 2 thanks to the popularity of Season 1, is once again led by Director General Park Ji-sung, 'awake leader' Coach Choi Yong-soo, and Chief Coach Seol Ki-hyeon. Producer Jo Hyo-jin noted, "Although they meet stronger opponents, this season follows the story of players who have aged a year in the meantime. The opponents are stronger, resulting in initial struggles, but a different side emerges later. Although they are retired players, I hope viewers see their growth."
Particularly, Producer Jo Hyo-jin commented on the unique advantages of 'Shooting Star': "Unlike other programs, 'Shooting Star' competes with professional players. Although they are retired players, having once represented the country, their pride and competitive spirit are significant. Among soccer programs, the participants are the oldest, but their pride ensures that it doesn't just end. Therefore, it offers a touching, profound, and real narrative."
Given the chance to face stronger opponents, reinforcement of the squad was essential. As a result, the lineup now includes Koo Ja-cheol, a key player in the 2012 London Olympics bronze medal-winning team and leader of the 'London Generation,' Lee Geun-ho, 'Son of the Sun,' who won the MVP of the AFC Champions League and Player of the Year award, Yoon Ki-hoon, known as 'Yeom Star,' who received high praise from Coach Choi Yong-soo in Season 1, and legendary defender Yoon Young-sun.
Koo Ja-cheol's return is noteworthy. Due to injury, he had to retire, leaving disappointment on the field. In preview videos, his dramatically 'built up' physique was striking compared to his active days. Koo Ja-cheol, who weighed around 85kg at retirement, stated, "Before joining 'Shooting Star,' my weight reached 94kg, but by the end, I managed to drop to 86kg. It was very tough," adding, "(Gaining weight) made me tire quickly and difficult to keep up with the opponents, but Coach Choi Yong-soo encouraged me, and Coach Seol Ki-hyeon offered great advice that helped me overcome it."
Coach Choi Yong-soo expressed surprise at Koo Ja-cheol's initial appearance. He said, "I wanted to ask if it was really Koo Ja-cheol. He was wobbling, and I felt I couldn't possibly have him in a match. However, because the coach trusts the player, and the player puts in the effort to follow through, a connection is formed. As the games progressed, I saw the old Koo Ja-cheol return. During the first few games, I contemplated whether to speak to the production team, but I felt immense joy as I witnessed his improvement."
Koo Ja-cheol, who represented Korean soccer during his prime and retired due to injury with regrets, returned through 'Shooting Star,' rebuilding his body and contributing to the team. His personal story alone conveys the message of 'Shooting Star.' Additionally, as the relationships with teammates develop, it is expected that a narrative unique to soccer will be completed.
It is not just Koo Ja-cheol. Lee Geun-ho, 'Son of the Sun,' Yoon Ki-hoon, 'Yeom Star,' and legendary defender Yoon Young-sun are also expected to enrich 'Shooting Star' with new narratives. The stories of youth players who were selected through tryouts and joined the team are also drawing attention. Previously, 'Shooting Star' included youth players for matches in Season 1, and some were selected for the U-20 national team. As 'Shooting Star' aims to be a stepping stone for Korean soccer, it will be interesting to see how the sincerity of the players' narratives and matches will create synergy.
The intense performance of FC Shooting Star will be revealed in Season 2 of Coupang Play's variety show 'Shooting Star' on the evening of the 29th.
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