‘Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2’ Deploys Secret Weapon Hwang Yeon-ju… Breaks All-Time High Rating of 6.4% [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Yeon-koung pulled out the bold move of fielding Hwang Yeon-ju in the rematch against Shujitsu High School.

According to ratings research firm Nielsen Korea on the 19th, Episode 2 of MBC’s ‘Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2,’ which aired on the 18th, recorded a 3.3% rating among viewers aged 20 to 54, a key indicator of channel competitiveness reflecting changes in media consumption environments. The metropolitan area household rating surpassed 5.2%, setting a new record for the show. In particular, the scene in which setter Ha Hyo-rim, who had been playing passively, executed plays following the coach’s instructions and ultimately converted them into points, peaked at a per-minute rating of 6.4%.

The episode featured a Japan-Korea revenge match between ‘Pilsung Wonderdogs’ (hereinafter Wonderdogs), led by Coach Kim Yeon-koung, and Shujitsu High School, the strongest high school team in Japan.

Coach Kim Yeon-koung and the Wonderdogs players, who were set to face Shujitsu High School again as their first opponent of Season 2, vowed for revenge after suffering a comeback loss during Season 1. As 13 players began their residential training camp, Kim held her first video meeting ahead of the match against Shujitsu. The goal she outlined was not merely survival, but ‘total victory.’ Kim emphasized the importance of winning, stating, “If we show a progressive performance, won’t many companies want to establish Wonderdogs?”

To implement speed volleyball, Kim launched training with a more meticulous system. She upgraded equipment and assigned coaching staff by position to ensure more detailed guidance for each individual player. However, Yoon Young-in, who had served as Wonderdogs’ sole opposite spiker since Season 1, failed to deliver the expected performance, deepening Coach Kim’s concerns. Ultimately, Kim sought a turnaround in momentum by signing legendary opposite spiker Hwang Yeon-ju as a new card.

The Wonderdogs players could not hide their surprise at the appearance of ‘secret weapon’ Hwang Yeon-ju. Having played alongside Kim since their school days and led the golden era of Korean women’s volleyball, Hwang is a legend representing the V-League and holds numerous records. As she approached retirement, Hwang had harbored the wish to return to the court, and she began a new challenge with Wonderdogs. The fact that a player older than Kim joined a rookie coach’s team also added a unique element of interest. From practice matches onward, Hwang demonstrated veteran-like qualities, showing seasoned game management based on her rich experience.

On the day of the long-awaited match against Shujitsu, Seung-gwan, whose role changed from team manager to Hong Bo (Team Lead), brought laughter by handing over duties to the new manager while displaying seniority. Additionally, Yang Hyo-jin, who had been in sync with Kim both on and off the court for a long time, joined as a commentator. Facing a rematch against Shujitsu after one year, Kim and her players reaffirmed their will to win. However, the team’s strength was affected by an unexpected variable as Han Song-hee was unable to play due to injury.

In the early stages of the game, Wonderdogs failed to overcome the jinx of conceding the first point in the first set, which had continued since Season 1. In particular, Onishi Yuki, Shujitsu High School’s outside hitter who ranked No. 1 in the youth world, performed brilliantly, pressuring Wonderdogs. Wonderdogs attempted a counterattack leveraging the chemistry between Ha Hyo-rim and Kim Bo-bin, new faces in Season 2, but struggled against Shujitsu’s tenacious defense and unexpected attacks. Ultimately, Wonderdogs conceded the first set 25-18, swallowing their disappointment.

In the second set, Wonderdogs’ movements to seize a counterattack opportunity stood out. They maintained a tight contest led by Baek Chae-rim’s opening point and Lee Ho-bin’s block. However, a major error occurred when the reception signals between In-koo and Baek Chae-rim were misaligned, resulting in a lost point. Despite consecutive errors at crucial moments, Kim expressed frustration but quickly eased the tension by telling her players, “Take it easy. It’s okay,” demonstrating her leadership.

Toward the end of the broadcast, Kim finally threw down the gauntlet while trailing by 10 points. She substituted Hwang Yeon-ju for Yoon Young-in. Upon entering the court, Hwang immediately scored with an out-of-bounds touch and a block, leading a shift in momentum. As Hwang’s addition injected new vitality into Wonderdogs, anticipation built for the next episode regarding what results Coach Kim’s bold choice would yield and whether they could achieve revenge against Shujitsu High School in the once-a-year revenge match held on home ground.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original