Kim Bo-reum Joins 'Baseball Queen' After Controversy Resolution

Kim Bo-reum, the speed skating silver medalist from the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, is set to join the cast of 'Baseball Queen,' two years after the resolution of her bullying controversy.

Set to premiere in November on Channel A, 'Baseball Queen' is a sports variety show where legendary female athletes from various sports take on the unfamiliar challenge of baseball. The show is directed by Shin Jae-ho, known for 'Steel Troops W,' and written by Kang Sook-kyung, who worked on 'Steel Troops W' and 'Physical 100' Seasons 1 and 2. The program features Park Se-ri as the team director, with Choo Shin-soo as the coach, and Lee Dae-hyung and Yoon Seok-min as assistant coaches.

The initial lineup for the 'women's baseball team,' carefully selected by Park Se-ri, includes track and field athlete Kim Min-ji, rhythmic gymnast Shin Soo-ji, handball player Kim On-a, judoka Kim Sung-yeon, and swimmer Jung Yoo-in. New additions to the team are Park Ha-yan, Kim Bo-reum, and Ayaka, raising anticipation.

Former handball player Park Ha-yan, who gained recognition through 'Physical: 100 Season 2 Underground,' will take on the pitcher position, showcasing her exceptional ball control skills. Kim Bo-reum, known for her agility and side-stepping ability, is expected to excel as a versatile infielder and outfielder.

Ayaka Nozawa, the first Japanese cheerleader active in Korea and a former softball player, will demonstrate her comprehensive baseball skills, embodying the '5-tool' player with abilities in hitting, power, running, fielding, and throwing.

The production team stated, “With Park Se-ri's deep knowledge and affection for female athletes and Choo Shin-soo's role as the 'development manager' in a professional team, they are scouting promising baseball talents from various sports with keen eyes. The selected players will creatively integrate their sports specialties into baseball.”

They added, “Under the mission to ignite a women's baseball boom, watch the journey and growth of these 'female legends' as they aim for the 'National Women's Baseball Championship victory.'”

Kim Bo-reum was previously embroiled in a controversy during the 2018 Winter Olympics for allegedly leaving teammate Noh Seon-yeong behind in the team pursuit event. However, a special investigation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism concluded that there was no intentional bullying, leading to her reinstatement as a national representative.

In a lawsuit against former teammate Noh Seon-yeong, Kim Bo-reum partially won, with the court ruling in April 2023 that Noh must pay 3 million KRW in damages. The ruling was finalized as neither party appealed within the deadline.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr