Kim Yeon-koung's 'Wonder Dogs' Face Off Against Japan's Shuji High School in Thrilling Volleyball Match

'Wonder Dogs' captivated viewers with an intense Korea-Japan volleyball match over the weekend.

On the 19th, the fourth episode of MBC's variety show 'Rookie Director Kim Yeon-koung' aired, featuring the 'Wonder Dogs' led by director Kim Yeon-koung as they faced off against Japan's top high school team, Shuji High School.

Kim Yeon-koung made her debut as a director in this Korea-Japan match, drawing attention. Before the match, Director Kim traveled to Japan to analyze the opposing team's strengths and attended the 'Inter-High,' Japan's largest high school volleyball tournament, famously depicted in the anime 'Haikyuu!!'. After witnessing Shuji High School's skills firsthand, she returned to Korea and immediately headed to the gym to train the 'Wonder Dogs,' showcasing her determination as a director.

Under Kim Yeon-koung's leadership, the 'Wonder Dogs' began rigorous training to break through Shuji's formidable defense. Kim Yeon-koung worked tirelessly to enhance the skills of setters like Lee Na-yeon, Lee Jin, and Gu Sol, and their growth throughout the training moved viewers.

As the highly anticipated Korea-Japan match approached, the 'Wonder Dogs' faced the overwhelming cheers of the Japanese supporters and the formidable presence of Shuji's players. With the threat of disbandment looming over a single match's outcome, Director Kim was determined to secure a victory, having recorded one win and one loss in two matches.

In an interview, Kim Yeon-koung humorously remarked, "I was deceived by MBC and the PD. They're con artists. I was tricked into losing my voice and personal life," eliciting laughter. She added, "I'm worried about how my voice will sound on the broadcast. Why is this interview so long? It's 11 PM. Are you crazy?" expressing her candid concerns.

In the first set, the 'Wonder Dogs' were initially caught off guard, trailing 0-5. Director Kim pointed out the lack of promised plays, while captain Pyo Seung-joo rallied the confused players, igniting their fighting spirit.

Director Kim strategically positioned the players, successfully executing a three-person block, leaving viewers in awe. Pyo Seung-joo, who played under Kim Yeon-koung's captaincy during the Tokyo Olympics, now shone as the captain of the 'Wonder Dogs,' touching the hearts of viewers.

Pyo Seung-joo's excellent serves disrupted the opponent's defense, helping the team recover the lost 5 points in the first set. Her stable defense and sharp attacks targeting the sidelines shook Shuji High School, thrilling viewers with a dopamine rush. With Pyo Seung-joo's impressive performance, scoring 8 points with a 55% attack success rate, the 'Wonder Dogs' secured the first set.

In the second set, Director Kim proposed a new attack strategy, advising a pushing attack after noticing Shuji's defense focused on the back row. Rookie director Kim Yeon-koung's brilliant tactics were perfectly executed by Pyo Seung-joo, leveling the score at 14-14, providing viewers with an exhilarating moment. Pyo Seung-joo continued to lead the game as the 'maestro on the court,' energizing the 'Wonder Dogs.'

When setter Lee Na-yeon's space began to open up, Director Kim substituted her with Gu Sol. Responding to the change, Gu Sol raised the blocking position and delivered perfect sets, leaving a strong impression as the 'setter underdog.' The 'Wonder Dogs' non-starter setter Gu Sol's performance impressed not only Director Kim and the team but also the commentators. Commentator Lee Ho-geun humorously remarked, "'Gu' Sol 'Sol' idly does well," bringing laughter to the audience. The passionate play of players breaking the boundaries between starters and non-starters brought the 'Wonder Dogs' closer to victory, winning both the first and second sets.

In the third set, the 'Wonder Dogs' began to falter against Shuji's intense defense and side attacks. At this point, Director Kim ordered a strengthening of the blocking, and Inku-shi and Moon Myung-hwa blocked the opponent's attacks, closing the gap to 20-21. Whether the determined 'Wonder Dogs' can overcome adversity and secure victory, and what strategies Director Kim will employ, leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode.

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