I previously mentioned our love for the Korean Variety show – Shooting Stars (골 때리는 그녀들). The first “season” concluded in episode 13 with the finals being played over 2 episodes (Episode 12 & 13). The journey up to the finals was thrilling from start to finish. I would be lying if I said I did not get absorbed in the show that sometimes, I would be watching the show till the wee hours of the morning. A simple 40min match was full encapsulated in a 90min run. Of course, with all that hype, it would be an injustice if Baztalks did not give Best 8 of the tournament.

Goalkeeper – “Black Ribbon” Irene Kim

Irene has really earned the nickname Irene De Gea. Much like the Spaniard shot stopper, her reaction saves have kept her team in the game against some of the best in the tournament. Being a former volleyball player, her sports instincts were there to shine from the pilot episodes and she has only grown in strength over the tournament. Her highlight reel span across the tournament including saving a bicycle kick from former national player Lee Chun Soo in the All Star game but what stood out was her exceptional performance in the second group B game against FC Actionistar where her penalty shootout performance was inspirational, saving the first 4 penalties. Black Ribbon Irene has big expectations in the upcoming season, and we look forward to her performance.

Defender – “Bum Dijk” – Shin Hyo Bum

Calm and standing firm at the back, Bum Dijk takes no prisoners when it comes to defending. Despite her veteran status as one of the oldest players in the tournament, she was instrumental in her team’s ability to attack by providing a solid base of attack. Her ability to snuff out danger before they get into dangerous zones allow for the team to regroup and dominate oppositions. A rock solid presence at the back, her consistent display culminated in her winning the Lee Young Pyo award for most intelligent defender in the tournament and that is apt. Rumoured to be out of Season 2, she will be a big loss to her team should that happen.

Defender – “Heckham” Jeong Hye In

Nicknamed after football’s most identifiable name, David Beckham, Jeong Hye In was definitely the surprise package in season 1 in terms of technique. With a slender build that hid her impressive strength, what caught the eye of viewers were her accurate deliveries from dead ball situation. Her unique run of rotating her ankles gave a deceptive expectation in the run up, but her consistency in delivery is definitely remarkable. A whipping ball that moves away from the keeper is always dangerous and if she gets her accuracy on point, not only will she be a danger on set pieces, she has the potential to deliver balls from deep for her attacking players as well. Aptly, she was awarded the Lee Chun Soo Award for Free Kick Specialist.

Attacker – “The Absolute” Park Sun Young

Even from the pilot show, she was clearly a cut above the rest in nearly every department – skills, technique, shots, defending. Rightly admired and feared by the entire tournament, she is the key driver of her team. What made her even more dangerous in the actual season was her coach’s decision to build a team around her instead of making her the sole focal point. With a return of 1 goal/assist in the 4 games, she was easily bossing the game and her opposition resorted more often than not to man mark her. Shin Bong Sun of FC Gavengers was especially good at this, and it resulted in her influence on the game being largely nullified. Her ability to retain the ball and pull others into the game makes her rightly the MVP of season 1.

Attacker – “Jlatan Yeobrahimovic” Choi Yeo Jin

Jlatan Choi Yeo Jin is definitely a player that immediately caught the eye from Match Day 1. Strong, powerful, quick and agile, Yeo Jin led her team from the front with high pressing and bustling display overpower her opponents. Her coach incorporated her powerful shots into set pieces further highlights not only her powerful drives, but also her accurate shtos.

Willing to put everything on the line, despite being a very wonderful actress, Yeo Jin’s definite highlight came during the All Star game where she was a constant thorn in the opposition. She bagged two goals in that game – one a tap in that showcases her attacking instinct; the other – a worldie finish into the top corner from kick off. Definitely our vote for goal of the season. Her continued training during the off season makes us anticipate her performance in the upcoming season.

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Defender – “Chaminator” Cha Su Min

Cha Su Min quickly displayed her solid defensive ability from Match Day 1 where she quickly snuffed out chances created by her opposition. Her willingness to put her body on the line is a trait that highlights every solid defender. Keeping it tidy and willingness to join in the attack, Su Min and Jin Kyung formed a solid defence that teams found hard to get past. The best defenders keep their play simple and Chaminator is personifies calmness mixed with steel.

Attacker – “Dark Horse” Seo Dong Joon

Seo Dong Joon seems very unlikely to have made this list, but her natural instincts as a poacher resulted her in scoring in each game of the regular season. Her overall gameplay may not standout but her ability to smell opportunity reminds us of Italy’s Filippo Inzaghi.

With her in the team, FC Tiger Moth always have an added attacking threat that would be hard to mark.

Defender/Attacker – “Nam Messi” – Nam Hyun Hee

FC National Team Family were one of the 2 favourites and a huge portion of that goes to the former Korea fencer and Olympic medallist. It’s not everyone who gets a nickname as widely regarded as the Argentine Magician, but Hyun Hee was absolutely dazzling in her dribbling that bamboozled a lot of opposition players. She was a constant threat going forward, but she was equally adept at defending and even goalkeeping. Unfortunately, her time to shine in the tournament was cut short in her second game where she picked up a ligament injury effectively ending season. As captain of the team, she led with grace and poise that gelled her team quickly. With her injury still a concern, her participation in the upcoming season is doubtful and hopefully the viewers will once again get to see Nam Messi.

There are other honourable mentions that Baztalks would have love to include like Shim Ha Eun, Saori Fujimoto, Oh Na Mi, Lee Hyun Yi and Han Chae Ah but they all failed to make the cut because of the outstanding performances of the players on our list. We can’t wait for the upcoming season to come around and what surprises it will bring.

Written by: Baz

Photo credit: Seoul Broadcasting Station (SBS)

Translation Credit: Papago

P.S – We made the post in the spirit of sharing it to more people who might enjoy it and hope it is taken in the same spirit because we definitely love it! All credit goes to SBS and its team.