Shining Debut: 'Run, Fire Girls' Kicks Off with SHINee's Minho as Special Coach

'Run, Fire Girls' has made a powerful debut with eight rookie soccer players. The next episode promises a special appearance by SHINee's Minho as a coach.

On the first episode aired on the 23rd, tvN's 'Run, Fire Girls' showcased the journey of young girls with innate sports DNA, forming a team and making their debut just 60 days after its inception, capturing the hearts of viewers nationwide.

As the first variety show to chronicle the growth of South Korea's U-7 girls' soccer team, 'Run, Fire Girls' has garnered attention even before its broadcast. The show features eight young girls with an average age of 6.6 years and about 30 days of soccer experience, all inheriting athletic prowess.

The team includes goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo's daughter Jo Ha-rin, forward Jung Jo-guk's daughter Jung Yoon-ha, midfielder Lee Ho's daughter Lee Ji-eum, basketball player Shin Jung-ja's daughter Yoon Seo-ha, baseball player Jung In-wook's daughter Jung Ah-in, national women's soccer player Hwang Bo-ram's daughter Lee Bom, former national women's soccer coach Lee Min-young's niece Lee Ga-yeon, and the hidden ace Kim Se-ah, all of whom have shown promise in sports.

The Fire Girls Soccer Team, the only U-7 girls' soccer team among 1,430 youth soccer clubs nationwide, has inspired support with their challenge. The initial meeting of the Fire Girls at the test site was particularly captivating. Initially shy, Lee Ji-eum, Jo Ha-rin, and Jung Yoon-ha warmed up to each other with the enthusiastic arrival of Jung Ah-in, creating a heartwarming scene. The natural passing of the ball among the girls brought smiles to viewers' faces.

The team's leader, Coach Lee Dong-gook, and Coach Lee Soo-geun's first encounter with the Fire Girls was also entertaining. When Coach Lee Dong-gook introduced himself and asked what they should call him, the girls simply replied with his name, 'Lee Dong-gook,' without any title, showing their straightforward nature.

Coach Lee Soo-geun made a lively entrance, capturing the girls' attention and lightening the mood with his humor, showcasing his versatility as a coach. He used a ball to perform comedic acts, easing the tension of the nervous Fire Girls before their test.

During the official test and practice match, the adorable movements of the Fire Girls, who had just started playing soccer, and the genuine reactions of their families watching from the sidelines added to the fun. In the shooting test, Jo Ha-rin showed movements reminiscent of her father, Jo Hyun-woo, but dodged the incoming ball. In the practice match, Jung Yoon-ha amusingly grabbed the ball with her hands or took the ball from her teammates.

The Fire Girls' exceptional athletic skills were also evident. Kim Se-ah, who has been playing soccer for half her life, stood out in the dribbling test and scored two goals in the practice match, emerging as the ace. Lee Ji-eum, who closely defended Kim Se-ah's shots, demonstrated her father Lee Ho's defensive DNA, showing potential.

The Fire Girls Soccer Team's debut match, just 60 days after its formation, will be against the Chuncheon Panas Youth Soccer Club, known for winning the 2024 Gangwon Youth Sports Festival boys' elementary division and three consecutive Little K League titles, drawing attention.

The appearance of SHINee's Minho as the special goalkeeper coach, alongside Head Coach Lee Dong-gook, Coach Lee Soo-geun, Chief Coach Alberto, and Coach Song Hae-na, piqued curiosity. Minho recently showcased his stable acting skills in JTBC's drama 'Family X Melo' and the play 'Waiting for Godot.' He also released his first solo album last month.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr