Kim Yeon-koung's variety show dominates ratings and topicality rankings

MBC's 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2' has topped Sunday variety ratings for two consecutive weeks, with the second episode on the 18th reaching a 5.2% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area. The program also became the first terrestrial seasonal variety show since 2020 to reach first place in the TV-OTT non-drama topicality category.

The momentum of MBC's variety programming is significant. 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2', featuring volleyball legend Kim Yeon-koung as a coach, has established itself as a Sunday powerhouse by simultaneously driving up viewership ratings and topicality. Following its start for Season 2, the program has topped the ratings for two consecutive weeks and swept topicality rankings, as Kim Yeon-koung's competitive nature and the relentless challenge of the Victory Wonder Dogs captivate viewers.

The second episode of 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2', broadcast on the 18th, recorded a 2054 viewership rating of 3.3%, ranking first among Sunday variety programs for the second week in a row. The 2049 viewership rating also reached 2.9%, taking the top spot among all Sunday programs, including dramas. The rating for households in the Seoul metropolitan area soared to 5.2%, breaking its own record. The upward trend is particularly notable as it has attracted both the young viewership demographic and the interest of all households.

The topicality performance is also overwhelming. In the TV-OTT non-drama topicality category for the third week of October announced by Good Data Corporation via FUNdex, 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2' took first place overall. This marks the first time since 2020 that a terrestrial seasonal variety program has reached the top in this category. Kim Yeon-koung also ranked first in topicality among TV-OTT non-drama performers, driving the program's popularity. By dominating both viewership ratings and online buzz, the program is firmly establishing the presence of Season 2.

The core of this broadcast was the rematch against Shujitsu, the strongest Japanese high school team that dealt a painful comeback defeat to the team in Season 1. The Victory Wonder Dogs, led by Coach Kim Yeon-koung, faced the burden of avenging that previous loss from their very first match of Season 2. As 13 players entered a training camp, Kim Yeon-koung held the first video meeting to clarify the team's goal. The objective for this season was not mere survival, but an "undefeated" record.

Kim Yeon-koung emphasized the importance of victory, stating, "If we show a progressive side, wouldn't many companies want to establish the Victory Wonder Dogs?" She judged that the team's performance would not just be the result of a single match, but could influence the sustainability of the Victory Wonder Dogs and the expansion of the foundation for women's volleyball. To this end, the team accelerated its strengthening of capabilities, such as replacing equipment to match speed volleyball and deploying coaching staff for each position.

Changes were also evident in the player composition. When Yoon Young-in, who had been the team's only opposite spiker since Season 1, did not meet expectations, Kim Yeon-koung recruited Hwang Yeon-joo, a former V-League player. Having played on the court with Kim Yeon-koung since their school days and gaining extensive experience on the professional stage, Hwang Yeon-joo joined the Victory Wonder Dogs with a desire to play volleyball again ahead of her retirement. While the players could not hide their surprise at the appearance of Hwang Yeon-joo, who is older than Kim Yeon-koung, she demonstrated her value through experienced game management starting from practice matches.

The changes surrounding the team continued outside the court. SEUNGKWAN, whose role changed from manager to PR team leader, handed over duties to the new manager, and Yang Hyo-jin, who has worked closely with Kim Yeon-koung for a long time, joined as a commentator. However, an unexpected gap in strength occurred as Han Song-hee was unable to play due to injury. With the need to adapt to a new system combined with the absence of a key player, the start for the Victory Wonder Dogs was not smooth.

On the day of the match, the Victory Wonder Dogs invited Shujitsu, whom they faced during their away trip to Japan in Season 1, to their home. Despite the support of family and fans, an unstable flow continued from the beginning of the match. Yukiji Onishi, an outside hitter for the world number one youth team Shujitsu, unleashed powerful attacks, and although the Victory Wonder Dogs attempted a counterattack led by the coordination of Ha Hyo-rim and Kim Bo-bin, they lost the first set 18 to 25. The nightmare of losing the first set, which repeated in Season 1, resurfaced.

In the second set, the Victory Wonder Dogs also struggled to seize the momentum. Although they maintained a close contest with Baek Chae-rim's opening score and Lee Ho-bin's blocking, errors such as mismatched receiving signals between Inkushi and Baek Chae-rim held them back. Amidst the frustrating flow of the game, Coach Kim Yeon-koung scolded, "Isn't this our home? Why are you all so nervous and making such a fuss!" While doing so, she also tried to ease the burden by soothing the players, saying, "Relax. It's okay." It was a moment that revealed Kim Yeon-koung's unique coaching style of alternating between strong reprimands and encouragement.

Psychological warfare with the opposing bench also heightened the tension. Kim Yeon-koung and Shujitsu's coach Miki Nishihata engaged in a tight battle, providing detailed feedback to their players whenever a team scored. In particular, the scene where setter Ha Hyo-rim, who had shown passive play in the past, moved actively under Kim Yeon-koung's instructions to lead to a score, recorded a peak viewership rating of 6.4% per minute. The moment where the coach's orders led to a player's change captured the viewers' attention.

At the end of the broadcast, Kim Yeon-koung's decisive move to overturn the match appeared. While the Victory Wonder Dogs were trailing by 10 points, she substituted Hwang Yeon-joo for Yoon Young-in. Upon entering the court, Hwang Yeon-joo attempted to shift the atmosphere by scoring consecutive points through touch-outs and blocking. The introduction of a veteran with abundant experience raised expectations for what kind of change the veteran would bring to the shaking team.

The first test of Season 2 is now heating up in earnest. Attention is focused on whether 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2', which has consecutively reached the top in ratings and topicality, can translate that heat into victory on the court. Whether Kim Yeon-koung and the Victory Wonder Dogs, who have set an undefeated goal, can avenge their defeat from one year ago and succeed in their revenge against Shujitsu makes the results of the next match even more anticipated.

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