Volleyball Legend Kim Yeon-koung Debuts as New Coach in Variety Show 'Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung'
Volleyball legend Kim Yeon-koung is set to make her variety show debut as a rookie director. The new MBC entertainment program, 'Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung,' will follow Kim Yeon-koung as she establishes and leads her own volleyball team, 'Fil Seung Wonderdogs.'
The production presentation, held on the 24th, saw director Kim Yeon-koung, team manager Seungkwan of SEVENTEEN, captain Pyo Seung-ju, and PD Kwon Rak-hee in attendance. The show aims to provide a platform for players who have been released, failed to turn professional, or dream of returning after retirement – the 'underdogs' of the volleyball world.
Kim Yeon-koung stated that the appeal of a 'volleyball variety show' enticed her to participate. She expressed her aspiration for 'Wonderdogs' to become the eighth official team in the professional women's volleyball league, asserting their competitiveness with talented players. Reflecting on the team's first match against her former club, Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders, where she also serves as an advisor, she playfully remarked, 'Play a little better!' revealing her mixed emotions.
SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan, joining as team manager, showcased his passion as a long-time volleyball fan. He shared, 'I've come to love volleyball even more,' admitting he lost his voice during filming due to intense immersion. Director Kim Yeon-koung also commended Seungkwan's exceptional dedication to volleyball.
Addressing the notion that 'a good player cannot be a good coach,' Kim Yeon-koung confidently countered, 'It's entirely possible if you put your heart into it,' expressing her determination as a leader. 'Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung' is produced with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Agency (KCA) and will premiere on the 28th at 9:10 PM.
Kim Yeon-koung is widely regarded as the greatest player in Korean women's volleyball history, earning her the nickname 'Volleyball Empress.' Throughout her illustrious career, she achieved remarkable success not only in Korea but also in international leagues across Turkey and Italy. She has led the South Korean national team to numerous memorable moments in major tournaments like the Olympics and World Championships.