A kind entertainment show 'Ballunteer' that brings joy through futsal and also donates is coming.
On the morning of the 3rd, an online production presentation for KBS2's entertainment show 'Ballunteer' was held. PD Jung Jae-yoon, announcer Nam Hyun-jong, Lee Chan-won, Lee Young-pyo, Hyun Young-min, Kim Young-kwang, Jo Won-hee, Jung Dae-se, Jeon Ga-eul, Kim Dong-cheol, and Kim Ye-geon attended.
The regular program 'Ballunteer' features legendary football stars from South Korea, with an average age of 40, competing against futsal powerhouses across the country while also practicing charity.
The name 'Ballunteer' is a combination of 'BALL' (football) and 'VOLUNTEER' (volunteer), and it received a positive response during its special broadcast last Lunar New Year, recording a national viewership rating of 3.9% and a peak rating of 5.4% per minute. Previously, 'Ballunteer' donated 10 million won for the treatment of pediatric cancer patients at the National Cancer Center and a total of 11 million won during its YouTube phase.
In the regular program 'Ballunteer', big matches will unfold with teams from Seoul, Gyeongin, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang, challenging for national futsal supremacy. The entire prize money will be donated.
On this day, Lee Chan-won said, “I am the MC and a special commentator. I am happy to be able to be with football legends like this.”
Lee Chan-won mentioned, “Football commentary and futsal are quite different. I have done football commentary through entertainment. I may not be able to play football, but I have a clear understanding of the rules, so there were no issues. I was not familiar with futsal, so I studied the rules anew while doing this program. It is based on football, but I focused on understanding the rules.”
He also added, “I had a lot of concerns while commentating about whether to go for sports commentary or to combine it with entertainment. I think a proper balance is needed, so I plan to do both entertainment and futsal commentary.”
When asked to pick key members for offense and defense, Lee Young-pyo replied, “The best defender is teamwork. The best attacker is a counterattack.” He continued, “There is a game this afternoon, and if I pick one player, it could cause issues with the organization. The players here all seem generous, but they can be quite petty.”
Lee Young-pyo also picked Jung Dae-se and Hyun Young-min as members who would add fun to the entertainment. Hyun Young-min said, “I am the Shin Dong-yup of the football world,” and Lee Chan-won also praised him, saying, “I have been broadcasting with senior Shin Dong-yup for several years. He is very witty and similar. He is full of wit in various situations.”
When asked about impressive members while playing futsal, the 'young blood' Jeon Ga-eul said, “Everyone here is a legend, so it’s hard to mention just one,” but added, “I am impressed by how Lee Young-pyo escapes when two or three people press him.”
She continued, “Kim Young-kwang and Jo Won-hee create a good atmosphere both on and off the field. However, they are very clear about their on-off switch, and I am learning from their changing appearances. I learn about coolness, calmness, and decisiveness from Hyun Young-min. Kim Dong-cheol is younger, but his fighting spirit is undeniable. He has improved a lot in football.”
Lee Chan-won commented on Jung Dae-se, who joined as a new member, saying, “He actively engages in the attack line, which has opened up attacking opportunities. There will be a difference between the pilot and the regular show.”
Lee Chan-won, who earned the title of 'Ballunteer Octopus' for his excellent predictions during the pilot, said, “I have liked and loved this player since his active days, so I have a sense of how much skill will come out. So far, I have gotten everything right.”
In response, announcer Nam Hyun-jong urged, “Please watch how well he predicts in future broadcasts.” Lee Chan-won confidently stated, “Until today, I have gotten everything right from the commentary booth,” sparking curiosity.
Nam Hyun-jong remarked, “There is a saying in the football world. Football form is temporary, but class is eternal. The players here were legends, but it’s not easy for them to play on the field now. However, in the smaller futsal court, their past brilliant plays and class stand out,” and added, “We donate, but the charm lies in competing with the viewers. There is a possibility for two-way communication. If you want to challenge, please feel free to apply,” revealing a point of interest for viewers.
Finally, Lee Chan-won requested, “We pursue something different from existing sports entertainment. We provide healthy laughter and also have the touching aspect of donating for a good cause. I ask for a lot of interest.”
'Ballunteer' will air on the 5th at 10:40 PM.
