3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Goal-Scoring Girls' empowers women in soccer and shatters stereotypes in Korea
Revolutionizing Korean TV with a kick
What if Bollywood queens like Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone ditched the glam and formed teams for serious cricket showdowns? That's the vibe of '
Gol Ttaerineun Geunyeodeul
' - or '
Goal-Scoring Girls
' - the TV show that's got Korea obsessed.
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Launched fully in June 2021, it stars female celebs from models to singers and comedians, clashing on the soccer field. The hype? It's shattering stereotypes in a guy-heavy sport, much like how women's cricket is booming in India with powerhouses like Harmanpreet Kaur leading the charge.
It all sparked from a cheeky trial. In early 2021, SBS dropped a Lunar New Year special on February 11 and 12, drawing inspiration from a soccer skit in 'Burning Youth'.
The pilot exploded in popularity - like a festive blockbuster that spawns a franchise. Fans adored watching novices transform through gritty training and real matches, no scripts involved. By 2025, it's still a ratings darling, pulling steady 5-7% viewership nationwide per Nielsen Korea, impressive for its slot.
The magic lies in its underdog appeal. Stars like Han Hye-jin or Kim Min-kyung start as total newbies but hustle like pros, delivering laughs from fumbles and cheers from triumphs.
It's that perfect blend of humor and heart, akin to your pals' chaotic gully cricket games but with pro-level stakes and flair.
Why fans can't get enough of the action
So, what's fueling this show's staying power amid K-dramas and idol battles? Authenticity reigns supreme. Ditching fake gags for genuine effort, it showcases stars sweating it out, with gems like singer Shin Hyo-bum saying the ball became her "excitement pill." This realness hooks viewers, echoing how we in India root for IPL underdogs turning into stars.
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Humor amps it up too - think tall models in 'FC Gu-cheok-jang-sin' (giant stature) bungling plays, or comedians in 'FC Gavengers' turning slips into slapstick gold. It's witty, pokes at gender norms lightly, and inspires women to hit the field, similar to India's Women's Premier League sparking desi girls' interest in sports. Sports data from the Korea Football Association notes a 20% rise in
female soccer participation
since the show's start - real impact, folks.
Culturally, in K-pop's beauty-obsessed world, it champions strength and teamwork, flipping the script. For us, it's like actresses swapping red carpets for festival fun during Ganesh Chaturthi, where skill takes a backseat to spirit.
The fun origins and evolution
Digging into the roots: SBS producers spotted gold in 'Burning Youth's casual soccer bit and turned it into a full gig to jazz up variety TV. Aimed at spotlighting
women in sports
and promoting fitness, it rode the wave of empowerment trends post-#MeToo, proving gals can shine beyond appearances.
From a two-day special with peak 10% ratings (Nielsen Korea), it went regular, filling a void in Korea's song-and-date-show overload. It's grown with twists like Japanese star Mashima Yu joining for cross-border thrills, reminiscent of India-Pakistan cricket rivalries. Sure, early editing flubs stirred drama, but the show rebounded by emphasizing fair play.
Teams like 'FC National Family' with athlete kin add pro vibes, boosting women's sports visibility overall.
What's next for these fierce players
Peeking ahead, 'Goal-Scoring Girls' promises more teams and challenges, like a sporty spin on 'Bigg Boss'. Fans dream of global crossovers - maybe even a desi edition! It's more than TV; it's a vibe that shows sports can be fun and inclusive, urging everyone to get in the game.
Bottom line: from experimental start to fan frenzy, it's all about laughs, grit, and girls owning the field. Perfect for your next feel-good watch.
