Shooting Star 2 senior coach Seol Ki-hyun conveyed his wishes to Director General Park Ji-sung.
Seol Ki-hyun, the senior coach, met with reporters at a cafe in Paldang-dong, Jongno District, Seoul on the 17th and conducted an interview about Coupang Play variety show "Shooting Star 2."
Coupang Play variety show "Shooting Star" is Korea's only full-time development soccer variety show in which retired legend players challenge active K League players alongside Director General Park Ji-sung and head coach Choi Yong-soo. The sight of retired legend players coming together to face K4 League teams was an unscripted drama that delivered deep emotion. This was proven by 3 million cumulative views on shorts and reels.
Seol Ki-hyun, nicknamed "Seolbaudoo," played for Royal Antwerp FC, RSC Anderlecht, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Reading FC, Fulham FC, Pohang Steelers, Ulsan Hyundai, and Incheon United, and scored 19 goals in 82 appearances for the national team. After retiring from playing, he served as head coach of the Sungkyunkwan University soccer team, a coach for the national team, and served as manager of Gyeongnam FC.
As the senior coach of FC Shooting Star working alongside head coach Choi Yong-soo, Seol Ki-hyun plays a key supporting role by advising on tactics and checking players' condition. In particular, he and Choi Yong-soo handle the entertainment side with their signature tiki-taka, making him an indispensable presence on "Shooting Star."
With three matches remaining, FC Shooting Star has recorded two draws and three losses. With no first win yet and having fallen to the bottom, concern is understandable. Ahead of season 2 they successfully recruited Lee Geun-ho and Koo Ja-cheol, but reinforcements in the central midfield line and defense were lacking.
Coach Seol said, "What I underestimated during season 2 were the attacking line and the defensive midfielder. Because season 1 and season 2 made "Shooting Star" known to K League players, I heard rumors that players nearing retirement want to join. As coaching staff we are watching closely, and we lack the speed that makes it hard for opponents; if players who just retired joined, they could be a big help. Also, a player who can orchestrate the game in midfield and win the ball back in defense would be even more helpful."
But "Shooting Star" has consistently given youth players opportunities and worked to expand the base of Korean soccer. A youth player who participated in season 1 even joined the U-20 national team, showing that "Shooting Star" played a role beyond entertainment. On this point, coach Seol said, "When I see teammates who played with us as youth join the U-20 national team, we are amazed and feel rewarded. So in season 2, I regretted that we couldn't use many youth players because we had no leeway. We selected them ambitiously and systematically, but because our results didn't come, we couldn't trust and play them. The head coach also worried a lot about that, and I want to see good results and give opportunities so they can go pro."
"Shooting Star" also greatly helps players nearing retirement prepare for a second life. Coach Seol explained, "All players have fears about retirement. Having devoted their lives to soccer, players retire in their early to mid-30s and face anxiety and fear about the future. It's not easy to step out and start something new, but "Shooting Star" seems to play a good role as a bridge that helps them prepare for life after retirement."
This is also why "Shooting Star" should not stop at seasons 1 and 2 but must continue to season 3. So what does FC Shooting Star want most from its top figure, Director General Park Ji-sung? Coach Seol said, "The players asked Director General Park Ji-sung for allowances, but he hasn't come since. They need motivation. I didn't take it as a joke. Although it's a show, he has to play the role of director general and do something that can help. I hope he provides something practical," he smiled.
[OSEN]