"More fun than the World Cup"... Choo Shin-soo's 'Baseball Queens 2', aiming for Gocheok Dome! [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Baseball Queens 2' is set to showcase the potential of 'Black Queens', which has evolved into an 'ultra-strong team'.

A press conference for Channel A's variety program 'Baseball Queens 2' was held at LG Twin Towers on Yeouido-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 9th. PD Shin Jae-ho, writer Kang Suk-kyung, Choo Shin-soo, Kim On-a, Song Ah, Ayaka, Jang Soo-young, Ju Su-jin, and Park Ha-yun attended.

'Baseball Queens 2' is a sports variety show that sparks a women's baseball phenomenon through the dazzling growth story of Black Queens, a team formed by sports legends from various disciplines. In this season, under the harsher condition that the team will be disbanded if they fail to achieve a .600 winning percentage, it promises an 'international match' where the team's pride is at stake, going beyond domestic matchups to face social league teams from Japan and Taiwan.

'Black Queens' are confident in their key players: Ayaka, the 'all-rounder' and team star; Song Ah, the 'trusting batter'; Kim On-a, known as 'On-tani'; and Jang Soo-young, the 'number one starting ace'.

PD Shin Jae-ho introduced 'Baseball Queens 2', saying, "We've returned with a team that is more powerful and destructive than in Season 1. I felt we absolutely had to be different from Season 1. The words of Coach Choo Shin-soo, 'Sports hurt when you lose,' resonated deeply with me. It hurt me too. In Season 2, we aimed to create the strongest team."

Writer Kang Suk-kyung stated, "The players have grown significantly. We will strive to achieve a .600 winning percentage." She continued, "In Season 2, we held tryouts, and over 300 female athletes applied. Many active players also joined, so we hope you'll watch with high expectations."

Writer Kang added, "Our members are former competitive athletes who play with fire in their desire to win, so they will surely deliver even more exciting games." When asked about standout players, PD Shin replied, "Song Ah has shown development as a pitcher this time. She trained so intensely that she even troubled the coaches."

PD Shin said, "The players train every morning from dawn. Even when we told them not to overdo it and to manage their condition, some secretly went to the training center. They played baseball for nearly 7 to 8 hours a day. We believe this goes beyond typical variety entertainment." He further shared, "Coach Choo Shin-soo once visited the U.S., where he mentioned dreaming of coaching players there too. That shows how genuine their commitment is."

He revealed, "I still remember Coach Choo Shin-soo shedding tears after we lost the final game of Season 1. We believe we are pouring our hearts and souls into creating our own unique story within this genuinely emotional realm."

Writer Kang said, "I've worked on various survival shows like 'Iron Blood' and 'Physical: 100', but 'Baseball Queens' is different. It has a strong sense of being one team, so I feel both joy and sadness alongside them. I wondered what kind of stories could unfold during the games, but the players' practice, failures, and frustrations became the story themselves. You'll see their drama to the point where you'd think, 'Please let this player get their first hit,' or 'Please let them steal a base.'"

Asked about the impact of 'Baseball Queens' on the revival of women's baseball, PD Shin replied, "The Baseball Federation told us that interest in women's baseball has grown significantly. Many didn't even know women's baseball existed, but now there is great anticipation as national team players are advancing." Writer Kang added, "Many people have loved 'Baseball Queens', and we hope it continues. If the show lasts longer and more episodes air, the players will have more opportunities to showcase their skills. We'd love for Channel A to host a league and broadcast games."

Choo Shin-soo shared his thoughts on participating in 'Baseball Queens 2', saying, "As a coach, I aim to create an exciting season. Please enjoy this season until the end." He added, "All players trained hard. Since Season 1, I've seen potential in player Lee Su-yeon. She is passionate about baseball, so please pay attention to her."

Regarding the selection criteria for 'Baseball Queens 2' players, Choo Shin-soo said, "Understanding of baseball is crucial. In Season 2, we aimed to select players with a high understanding of the sport." He continued, "Nothing will change just because it's an international match. The way we compete under the name of South Korea is the same as in other sports."

As for his mindset as a coach, Choo Shin-soo stated, "(Compared to when I was a player) I felt more nervous and anxious this time. There were difficult moments in making decisions. Being a coach is more nerve-wracking and challenging than being a player."

Reflecting on coaching the women's baseball team, Choo Shin-soo said, "The more you know about baseball, and the better your skills become, the harder it gets. Since it's women's baseball, calculations don't always work out. Even if we lead by 10 runs, we can lose 10 runs. That's why I think I made some judgment errors in Season 1. Through these experiences, I now try to make decisions together rather than relying solely on my own judgment."

Captain Kim On-a said, "We prepared fully for Season 2. We will show you a changed version." Ayaka stated, "Last season, I was injured and couldn't perform well, which left me regretful. In Season 2, I will work hard to do even better." Song Ah added, "I'll show you my best side." Ju Su-jin said, "In Season 2, I will contribute to achieving a .600 winning percentage so we can see each other in the next season." Park Ha-yun remarked, "We'll present more exciting games and growth than in Season 1." Jang Soo-young concluded, "I was new to baseball in Season 1 and felt regretful after losing the final game, but I will perform well in Season 2 and aim for Season 3."

Asked how the team atmosphere changed after new members joined, Kim On-a said, "With the new players, our teamwork has become stronger. We believe we can show what it means to be one team this time." He smiled, adding, "In Season 1, I was actually a captain who did everything myself, but this time the players have helped me greatly, and I'm grateful."

Park Ha-yun, whose position changed this season, said, "In Season 1, I played as a reliable defensive force at first base. This season, I will show my growth as an all-rounder. Considering my strength is my speed, I'll demonstrate my ability to fly around in right field."

Ayaka, who played the youngest role in Season 1, said about her role this season, "I'm not the youngest anymore this time. Please check it on the broadcast," laughing. She added, "I've trained extensively as a pitcher this time. Please look forward to it." Song Ah expressed confidence, saying, "Last season, I only showed my ability to hit and run during games, but I've trained hard this time. I believe I'll be able to show significant growth in this season."

PD Shin said, "We hope to do even better and eventually hold games at Gocheok Dome." Choo Shin-soo remarked, "Currently, over 10 million spectators attend Korean baseball games, and the number of female fans has increased. Although I've been involved in baseball for a long time, I didn't know women's baseball existed. Please be sure to recognize that the players are truly sincere about baseball."

Kim On-a vowed, "We will show our unique style and the distinct identity of Black Queens."

'Baseball Queens 2' premieres at 10 p.m. on the 9th.

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*This content was translated by AI.