[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] "Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-kyung 2"—the Wonder Dogs—are taking their first step toward establishing the eighth professional team.

The first episode of “Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2,” which premiered on the 11th, depicted the “Empress of Volleyball,” Coach Kim Yeon-koung, as she set out to reorganize her team, and the “Victory Wonder Dogs” (hereinafter “Wonder Dogs”) embarking on their full-scale challenge to establish the eighth professional team.

On that day, Kim Yeon-kyung reunited with the production crew at the same location where she had held her first meeting for Season 1. The episode revealed the story of what had transpired since then—from the flood of interest from companies immediately following the conclusion of Season 1 to how discussions regarding the team’s formation had progressed.

However, due to a series of obstacles—including the dissolution of the “Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers”—the establishment of the Wonder Dogs ultimately did not materialize. The production team drew attention by revealing that, spurred by the program, a new volleyball team management office was established within the broadcasting station, and concrete steps toward forming the team continued, such as visiting the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) directly to seek advice.

Kim Yeon-koung has set the goal for Season 2 as “form the team or disband,” and has embarked on this journey once again. She is determined to assemble a professional-level roster, prove the value of the Wonder Dogs, and secure a team owner.

However, gaps emerged in the team’s core lineup as Season 1 standouts Lee Na-yeon, Pyo Seung-ju, and Koo Sol returned to the professional circuit. Even amid the crisis caused by the departure of key players, Kim Yeon-koung remained steadfast in rebuilding the team and conducted Season 2 tryouts alongside a strengthened coaching staff, including Yoon Bong-woo and Lee Hyo-hee.

As a large number of talented players released from professional teams applied for the Season 2 tryouts, Coach Kim Yeon-kyung and her coaching staff meticulously assessed the players’ skills based on detailed evaluation criteria. Kim Yeon-kyung created a tense atmosphere on the court with her keen eye, which didn’t miss a single move made by the players.

After fierce competition, the following players were selected: outside hitters Baek Chae-rim, Lee Ye-eun, Inkusi, Ji Min-kyung, Han Song-hee; opposite spiker Yoon Young-in; setters Kim Da-sol and Ha Hyo-rim; middle blockers Kim Bo-bin, Lee Ye-dam, and Lee Ho-bin; and liberos Chae Seon-ah and Seo Yu-kyung—a total of 13 players, each with their own stories and goals—were selected by Head Coach Kim Yeon-koung.

On the other hand, Koo Hye-in and Lee Jin, who had been with the team since Season 1, were left out of the final roster, leaving a sense of regret. Meanwhile, the Season 2 kickoff ceremony—attended by Head Coach Kim Yeon-kyung and Public Relations Director Bu Seung-gwan, among others—took place at the very venue where the actual professional volleyball draft was held, adding further significance to the event.

During the event, a video of a mock draft—in which professional club officials evaluated the Wonder Dogs players’ abilities—was unveiled, providing a surprising twist. Undeterred by the harsh evaluations, Coach Kim and the players channeled their competitive spirit to prove their worth.

The lineup of even stronger opponents set to heat up Season 2 was also revealed. With matches scheduled against a total of seven teams—including prestigious women’s volleyball clubs “Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders” and “Hyundai Construction Hillstate,” as well as Southeast Asia’s top professional team and the newly formed “SOOP Supers”—the first opponent was revealed to be the renowned Shujitsu High School volleyball team from Japan.

Shujitsu High School is the team that handed the Wonder Dogs a come-from-behind loss in Season 1 with their tenacious defense. Kim Yeon-koung expressed her strong determination to win, saying, “Don’t you think we should show them here in Korea? The bitter taste of defeat.” With this Korea-Japan rematch set to take place—a chance to shake off the disappointment of Season 1—all eyes are on how the NEW Kim Yeon-koung squad will perform.

According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode of “Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung 2” got off to a flying start, recording a nationwide viewership rating of 4.8%. Reflecting changes in the media consumption landscape, the show recorded a 3.0% rating in the 2054 demographic—a key indicator of channel competitiveness—demonstrating remarkable momentum right from its premiere. This achievement placed it at the top of the 2054 ratings, surpassing all other variety shows aired on Sunday.

The second episode of “Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-kyung 2,” featuring the first match of the second season of Wonder Dogs and a no-holds-barred Korea-Japan rematch between Wonder Dogs and Shujitsu High School, will air on the 18th at 9:10 p.m.