Festive and Football All At Once: Kick A Goal

With the calendar churning towards December, it’s finally time to say the magical phrase: Happy holidays everyone! ‘Tis the season to be jolly and give a little boost of holiday cheer in our lives.

This year’s festive season is even more special with the concurrent sporting event garnering the attention of the global audience. Millions of individuals all over the world are tuning into the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar, and this intersection of festivity and football (soccer) is definitely a sight to see. Watching the replays of matches while snuggled up in pajamas with a hot drink is my ideal way to engage in the energetic buzz of the spectacle.

In honor of this international sporting event currently taking place, today’s variety article covers the Kick A Goal series. 

What is Kick A Goal?

An SBS sports variety show that first started in June 2021, the program’s objective is to introduce a new wave of a renaissance of women’s soccer clubs. Kick A Goal presents a purely enjoyable sports scene that attracts television personalities or individuals who each encompass a profound passion for soccer. 

Throughout its seasons, the program has undergone both major and minor changes. Designated into specific teams based on profession or a common thread in character, a total of 96 members––both past and current––make up the 10 teams playing in the program’s very own league. With some groups recruiting new players to fill empty positions, others assembled a different strategic combination with the addition of new members on the roster.

Nevertheless, the greatest change brought by the seasons is the soccer manager, who is in control of all aspects of the club. From every tactic, set piece, and even transfer, the soccer manager plays an essential leadership role in leading, guiding, training, and advising the players to play matches that fulfill the team’s performance objectives. 

Intro to the Teams

The show Kick A Goal is incredible in how it establishes a solid lineup of cast members. Even with the 10 teams, a number of players are familiar to the public eye as well-known individuals with great expertise in their respective fields. It is important to note that the soccer managers are the key figures in stealing the heart of many soccer fans; a legendary program of past professional soccer players is waiting for viewers for an intense weekly rivalry match that creates a good illustration of offense and defense.

So here’s a quick introduction to past and current members of the 10 teams actively participating in the Kick A Goal football club’s league match. 

Under the guidance of three different soccer managers––former soccer player Hwang Sunhong, former soccer goalkeeper Kim Byungji, and former soccer player and current manager Lee Youngpyo––FC Gavengers encompasses a powerful team name that exudes confidence and faith in their strength (개벤져스 is a portmanteau that combines 개그우먼, or comedienne, with 어벤져스, or avengers). Coming together despite their roots in various broadcasting companies, comediennes Shin Bongsun, Jo Hyeryun, Ahn Youngmi, Lee Kyungsil, Oh Nami, Kim Minkyung, Lee Sungmi, Kim Seunghye, Kim Hyesun, and Lee Eunhyung stand strong in the face of their opponents. 

FC Gucheok Tall (구척장신 is a phrase used to describe an individual who has a very tall stature) is a squad that has shown immense growth over the course of a year. Sharpening techniques under the leadership of former players Choi Yongsoo and Baek Jihoon, models Han Hyejin, Lee Hyunyi, Song Haena, Irene, Cha Soomin, Kim Jinkyoung, Cha Seorin, Heo Kyunghee, and Jin Jungsun are out and about to achieve more wins under the assistance of former player and current manager Oh Beomseok.

FC National Team Family (국대패밀리) is made up of people who have family connections to someone on the national athlete team or were national athletes themselves. Trained under former player Cho Jaejin, the team players Han Chaeah, Shim Haeun, Myung, Seohyun, Yang Eunji, Park Seunghi, Jeon Mira, Nam Hyunhee, Kim Sooyeon, Lee Jungeun, Kwak Minjeong, Hwang Heejung, and Lee Heeyoung are back with former goalkeeper Kim Byungji as their first and third manager to continue a winning streak!

FC Balladream consists of ballad artists Park Kiyoung, Ali, Son Seungyoun, Minseo, Gyeongseo, Seogi, Seo Muntak, and Lisa (발라드림 combines the words “ballad” and “dream,” but it is also a play on words that translates into, “We will win you”). Under the guidance of former player Kim Taeyoung, this fairly new team is on the rise, threatening and looking to take over ranks.

FC Fire Moth (불나방) is the winning team of the Kick A Goal League Tournament in its pilot days. Led by former players Lee Cheonsoo, Ha Seokjoo, and Hyun Youngmin, the players Park Sunyoung, Shin Hyobum, Jo Hana, Song Eunyoung, Ahn Hyekyung, Seo Dongjoo, Hong Sooah, Park Garyeong, and Kang Soyeon played a huge role in bringing public attention to the beauty and joy of tournament soccer.

Under the leadership of former players Hyun Youngmin and Cho Jaejin, FC Anaconda (아나콘다) presents a visible rise in performance and teamwork over time. Consisting of members Shin Ayoung, Yoon Taejin, Joo Sieun, Park Eunyoung, Oh Jeongyeon, Choi Eunkyung, Noh Yunju, Cha Harry, and Kim Dayoung, FC Anaconda continues to push for improvement.

Coached by former player Lee Youngpyo and then Baek Jihoon, FC Actionistar (액셔니스타) is composed of actresses interested in action acting along with sports enthusiasts. The roster for this team reveals Lee Mido, Choi Yeojin, Kim Jaehwa, Jang Jinhee, Jung Hyein, Ji Yisoo, Lee Youngjin, Lee Hyejeong, Choi Yoonyoung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Moon Jiin.

FC Wonder Woman—composed of Park Seulgi, Song Sohee, Hwang Soyun, Kim Heejeong, Cheeta, Yoni P, Joomyung, Kisum, Hongja, Kim Gayoung, and Amy—is one of the stronger teams playing in the tournament. Guided by Lee Chunsoo, Oh Beomseok, and finally Ha Seokjoo, FC Wonder Woman starts an endless pursuit of victory.

Playing under the guidance of former player Choi Jincheol and later Lee Eulyong, FC World Class is unique in that the players on this team are foreigners. It’s interesting to observe and watch how Eva, Guzal, Abigail, Elodie, Saori, Maria, Lala, Natty, and Casey build a great way of communicating and reflecting such aspects into their unbeatable performance streak.

Last but not least, FC Top Girl cruises along the competition under the leadership of former players Choi Jincheol and Choi Seungyong. Chae Rina, Ayumi, Bada, Gan Miyeon, Yubin, Moonbyul, Kim Bokyung, and Dayoung make up the dream team lineup of FC Top Girl and aim to achieve some good scores as a team.

Overall, Kick A Goal aspires to open a new chapter in women’s soccer. As a tournament league, the competition matches a healthy, energetic vibe that yields an intense emotional ride of excitement in watching the amazing matches put on by our very teams mentioned above.

Edited by Erin Rupprecht