Former Athletes Shine on YouTube: The Rise of Sports Stars in the Digital Arena

Former athletes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity on YouTube, with their videos garnering millions of views and subscriber counts soaring past the million mark. Analysts attribute this success to the 'unexpected charm and genuine daily life' that was rarely seen during their athletic careers.

Former judo and mixed martial arts athlete Choo Sung-hoon launched his YouTube channel 'ChooSungHoon' in November last year. Offering a variety of content such as vlogs, workout routines, mukbangs, and family life, he surpassed 1.6 million subscribers within just five months. Notably, his video showcasing his Tokyo home has amassed over 10 million views, highlighting his explosive popularity.

Unlike his charismatic athlete persona, Choo Sung-hoon has captivated audiences with his approachable 'nice guy' charm. By actively featuring his family in his videos, he has drawn significant interest, sharing humorous stories about marital spats with his wife, Yano Shiho, and everyday moments with his daughter. His collaborations with celebrity guests and leveraging his entertainment industry connections have further fueled his channel's growth.

Former volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung is showcasing another side of her personality through her YouTube channel 'Bread Unnie Kim Yeon-koung.' With diverse content ranging from daily vlogs to talk shows and beauty tips, she has attracted 1.15 million subscribers. Known for her nickname 'Bread Unnie' during her playing days, Kim's candid and lively personality has been a key factor in her channel's success.

Former soccer player Park Joo-ho leveraged his popularity from the KBS2TV show 'The Return of Superman' to launch his YouTube channel 'Captain PaChuHO.' Covering topics like parenting, daily life, and soccer, he has gained 710,000 subscribers. His honest portrayal of family life, including interactions with his three children and dates with his wife, resonates with audiences.

What makes these former athletes stand out on YouTube? Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun explains, "Their unexpected charm and genuine daily life, which were hard to see during their sports careers, offer a fresh appeal to the public. With their established recognition and likability from their athletic days, adding a touch of human charm and eloquence significantly boosts their chances of success on YouTube."

These former sports stars are competing in a new arena on YouTube, not with athletic prowess but with engaging content. Their second act in front of the camera might just be the real beginning of their journey.

By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr