[Zoom In] Taeguk Warriors Now to Home Screens... The 'Jo Gyu-seong Recruitment' Battle

Kyo-sung Cho's Variety Show Appearance on 'You Quiz'
Qatar National Team's 'Precious Member'
Intense Competition Among Broadcasters for Casting

Soccer player Jo Gyuseong
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] "I love jumping. Jo Gyu-seong, I am a Korean star now!"

Jung Hwan Ahn, a key figure in the 2002 semifinal legend and MBC commentator for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, made a correct prediction. Did he see himself rising as a star by scoring a header goal in the round of 16 match against Italy? On the 28th of last month, when Jo Gyu-seong scored two goals with headers against Ghana in the group stage, Ahn shouted joyfully like this.

Ahn Jung Hwan's shout became reality. Jo Gyu-seong, who has been scoring goals consecutively and performing well in this World Cup, became a 'precious figure.' The Ghana match was crucial. He dramatically equalized by scoring consecutive goals in just 3 minutes at the 13th and 16th minutes of the second half when Korea was trailing 0-2. This was recorded as the first multi-goal in the World Cup finals for Korea.

Foreign media predicted a move to Europe. Jo Gyu-seong was included in a list of 11 "stars whose market value soared after the World Cup," selected by a British football specialized media outlet. They said, "His market value was 1.9 billion KRW as of last month, but not anymore," and predicted, "It will skyrocket."

Jo Gyu-seong's handsome appearance also became a hot topic. When he appeared on the field as a substitute in Korea's first group stage match against Uruguay, interest surged. Reactions said his tall height and moistly combed long hairstyle were attractive, gaining popularity. People watching the game searched his name all at once. His social media (SNS) account followers, which were about 30,000 before, reached 2.7 million, drawing attention.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Each broadcasting station moved early. News departments invited players such as Hwang Hee-chan, Jo Gyu-seong, and Kim Young-gwon to the studio for interviews. Sports stars are frequent guests on variety shows because they attract a lot of public attention in a short time. Previously, major variety shows like 'I Live Alone,' 'Radio Star,' 'You Quiz on the Block' (hereafter 'You Quiz'), and 'Running Man' quickly recruited sports players who rose as stars in the Olympics or World Cup.

tvN's 'You Quiz' quickly secured Jo Gyu-seong. A variety show official said, "Jo Gyu-seong's appearance has not been filmed yet, and the exact filming date and broadcast date have not been decided."

It is expected that for a while, viewers will be able to see the stars born from the Qatar World Cup on their home screens. A broadcasting official said, "Many variety programs are busily contacting the Taegeuk Warriors. The main production teams monitor players who receive reactions in real time after matches and contact them quickly within minutes. The behind-the-scenes competition is also intense." He added, "For some popular broadcasts, schedules are coordinated to avoid overlaps."

The official also said, "In the past, there were many concerns about sports players appearing on TV programs. It was not easy due to interference with game schedules or training, but now the atmosphere is different." He continued, "If managed well, popularity helps players' careers. Many professional players communicate with the public through variety shows, bring joy, and then return to the field to perform great games."