From its first release, Coupang Play variety show 'Next Legend,' which captured viewers' choice by delivering both fun and spectacle on a global scale, raised anticipation for the program as manager Lee Young-pyo, mentor Gareth Bale, coaches Cho Won-hee·Kim Young-kwang and the so-called "coaching staff" revealed the watching points they selected.
Coupang Play variety show 'Next Legend' is a real survival show where next-generation prospects who will lead the future of Korea soccer gain opportunities to move abroad through fierce competition. Korean soccer prospects who dream of entering European leagues compete domestically, then move to the U.K. to test their potential to develop as global soccer players. Each episode has become a topic as the youths grow by surviving harsh trials to achieve their dream of becoming top soccer players.
Legend Lee Young-pyo, a leading figure of the '2002 Korea-Japan World Cup' who experienced the European stage, world-class Gareth Bale who played for prestigious European clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, former national team midfielder Cho Won-hee and goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang — the so-called "coaching staff" combining soccer skill and sense recognized on the global stage — expressed their impressions as they closely interacted with 'Next Legend' participants and asked viewers to look forward to the show.
▲ Lee Young-pyo: the difference in ability is only a sheet of paper "the future of Korea soccer is bright"
In episodes 1 and 2 of 'Next Legend,' released on the 30th of last month, 44 top soccer prospects from across the country drew attention with a "face-off" where they explored skills by attacking and defending one-on-one for one minute. In matches where a benefit that lets them first choose jersey number, position and formation was at stake, the contestants' fierce physical battles and processes that led to victory excited soccer enthusiasts in and of themselves, regardless of win or loss.
Manager Lee Young-pyo emphasized, "The skills of the 44 soccer hopefuls may differ by less than a sheet of paper," and added, "Because 'Next Legend' aims to find players who can immediately succeed in Europe, we focus on discovering participants' potential in a short time and helping it emerge. There are many friends who shine with presence, so it's hard to choose," revealing his view as a coach. He went on to express his expectation, "Viewers will also be put into the happy dilemma that the future of Korea soccer is truly bright."
▲ Fun of simulating European soccer from Gareth Bale's perspective
From Won Tae-hoon·Won Tae-jin, brothers who are already famous among soccer fans as alumni of 'Finding Genius,' to Lee Eun-ho, who exuded an extraordinary aura from his first appearance and earned the moniker "Korea Lamine Yamal," the standout abilities that fully display the specs of the prospects participating in 'Next Legend' left viewers astonished.
The addition of world-class Gareth Bale, who experienced top-level soccer worldwide, shows participants the dream of moving to European leagues right before their eyes. Mentor Gareth Bale expressed his ambition, "Having played in various leagues around the world and experienced different types of soccer, I want to share my experience with the participants and passionately support their challenges." Viewers can look forward to the fun of simulating how participants might perform in European leagues in the future through Gareth Bale's perspective, who knows European soccer better than anyone among the coaching staff.
▲ Dramatic, emotional growth guaranteed by Cho Won-hee and Kim Young-kwang!
Starting with the one-on-one skill exploration "face-off," 'Next Legend' confirmed participants' soccer skills and potential over three episodes through three missions: the first evaluation match, a "25-minute quarter" against Palmeiras youth team, the most championship-winning team in the Brazilian league, and the second test "DISTRICT 3," which determined the first eliminated contestant among the 44. Even in the extreme survival where they must show presence in a short time, many contestants held the coaching staff's attention. At the same time, some players who did not reveal themselves early on showed outstanding ability at decisive moments, and their growth adds to the viewing pleasure.
Coach Cho Won-hee, who watched the participants' growth up close more than anyone, said, "I think the biggest fun of 'Next Legend' is the process of players changing rather than the results. If even a 0.001% chance is given, someone will definitely grow within it. This stage will be an opportunity for participants to prove their ability, endure and take a step up," and added, "I hope you watch how the participants overcome and grow."
Coach Kim Young-kwang also said, "I'm confident that good players will come out of 'Next Legend.' It will be a time when the process of players pouring themselves out to get one step closer to their dreams is shown as it is. Even in a short moment, prepared players and those who are not become clearly visible," and emphasized, "The biggest watching point is observing the changes of each individual."
Along with the watching points revealed by the coaching staff, the trailer for episode 4 of 'Next Legend' showed contestants split into "team Young-pyo" and "team Bale" facing off, heightening tension. With a pride battle between manager Lee Young-pyo and Gareth Bale expected, contestants focus on the match determined to win. The announcement of the first 14 eliminated contestants and the exciting showdown between "team Young-pyo" and "team Bale" are previewed in the mega soccer survival 'Next Legend' episode 4, which will be released only on Coupang Play at 4 p.m. on the 13th.
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