The important thing is an unyielding spirit. The tenacity and passion of retired players raised the temperature of soccer in Korea. The second story of FC Shooting Star begins this second half of the year.

June 2025 in Korea is hotter than ever with the excitement of soccer. On the 6th, the Korean national soccer team defeated Iraq 2-0 at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq, resulting in a remarkable achievement of qualifying for the World Cup for the 11th consecutive time. Upon returning home, the national team celebrated the great record by defeating Kuwait 4-0 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The heat continued at Yongin Mir Stadium. What made the stadium, which had been temporarily used as a home ground by the national team due to turf issues, hot was none other than FC Shooting Star. The Coupang Play program "Shooting Star" successfully concluded its first season last year and returned for its second season. Under the leadership of head coach Choi Yong-soo and chief coach Seol Ki-hyeon, they strengthened their roster by adding veterans like Koo Ja-cheol, Lee Geun-ho, and Yun Young-sun.

Following two special matches, FC Shooting Star is now conducting the 2025 Legend League. The match against Chuncheon Citizen Football Club in the 4th round of the 2025 Legend League was significant for both FC Shooting Star and Chuncheon Citizen Football Club as it marked a turning point. Therefore, even during warm-up ahead of the game, the players' expressions were filled with tension.

Another reason this game was special was the participation of Paris Saint-Germain's, England's Manchester United, and Italy's Juventus among many prestigious clubs representing their countries, world-class defender Park Ji-sung's close friend, Patrice Evra, as a mercenary player. In a pre-match press conference, Evra said, "I don’t want to approach this like a friendly match. I came here not as the player Evra but for the program, so I will do my best."

The news that Evra, who is also a close friend of Park Ji-sung, the 'have-ji' who led the popularity of overseas soccer in Korea, would participate filled the venue with spectators. Evra approached the fans close to the stands to greet them and encourage their response. The fans also friendly called out Evra's name and responded to his gestures, raising the cheer.

Evra was 'world class' in both skill and fan service. In an event before the game, he provided multiple opportunities for fans who missed their chance, showcasing premium fan service. As Evra's jersey and soccer shoes were given as gifts, the game between FC Shooting Star and Chuncheon Citizen Football Club was approaching.

As the cheering squad took their positions and led the cheers, the atmosphere of anticipation enveloped the stadium while chanting for FC Shooting Star. When the starting lineup of FC Shooting Star was introduced, the spectators shouted the names in unison, energizing the team. The kickoff for that day's match was performed by Choi Jae-hyuk, son of head coach Choi Yong-soo and a youth soccer player. Introducing himself as "the son of woke leader head coach Choi Yong-soo," Choi Jae-hyuk gained attention for advising head coach Choi to stop using three-back during season 1 of 'Shooting Star'. He stated, "I still advised against using three-back for season 2," while raising his voice in support of his father's team for victory.

As Choi Jae-hyuk vigorously kicked the ball received by head coach Choi Yong-soo, a touching scene unfolded with the sound of the kickoff whistle marking the start of the 4th round of the 2025 Legend League. Chuncheon Citizen Football Club used the strong fitness and activity level built over a long period of time to pressure FC Shooting Star. The seasoned FC Shooting Star, unafraid of rough physical confrontations, utilized wide transitions with left and right passes to wear down the opponent's stamina and looked for opportunities with sharp passes.

As both teams exchanged intense attacks back and forth, the pitch heated up, and the crowd became excited. With every shot and tackle, everyone was on edge, feeling joy or letting out sighs. Fans of all ages, from young children to elderly, without regard to gender, raised their voices in hope for victory for FC Shooting Star, culminating after a fiercely contested 90 minutes.

The players of FC Shooting Star, who swept across the field for 90 minutes, sat down immediately when the whistle indicating the end of the match blew. Just from this scene, one could fully feel how sincerely they engaged in the game, and whether their sincerity was conveyed, all the spectators stood up and applauded. Both those who had not witnessed their prime and those who had did unite as one in that moment of soccer, right then and there as "Shooting Star."

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