How a Group of Korean Football Legends Turned Charity Heroes
Against all odds, the cast of KBS2’s reality show ‘뽈룬티어’—retired football legends with an average age of 41.4—clinched a stunning national futsal victory, wrapping up a six-month journey that was as inspiring as it was entertaining.
Not only did the team conquer futsal courts across the country, they did so while giving back to society. The team, joined by beloved singer and TV host 이찬원, amassed a total of 65 million KRW in donations. This included 10 million KRW directly from 이찬원’s personal funds and 8 million KRW in prize money from the final match.
From knowing little about futsal rules to becoming national champions in just half a year, the transformation of the ‘뽈룬티어’ members was nothing short of miraculous. Their gameplay was passionate, their teamwork unbreakable, and their purpose meaningful—inspiring millions of viewers.
In the climactic match that sealed their legacy, 김포 Zest posed a fierce challenge. It was a rematch one year in the making, rooted in a painful loss the previous season. But the veteran players held their ground. Goalkeeper 김영광 not only scored the first goal but made a crucial save during the penalty shootout, earning praise from 이찬원, who declared, “The match began and ended with 김영광.”
Other heroes emerged. 조원희, playing with a fractured ankle, scored the final magical goal, while veteran 이영표 uplifted the team’s mindset by declaring, “In moments of crisis, we have a winning mentality.”
In a standout episode, the team faced cultured athletes from 건국대. Though younger and perhaps more agile, the match ended in mutual respect. Legends 이영표, 현영민 praised their juniors, highlighting the spirit of football that transcends generations.
The series arc wasn’t just about victory—it was about growth, unity, and giving. Former pro 정대세 reflected, “I used to be selfish; a win meant little unless I scored. ‘뽈룬티어’ changed that. Thinking of the smiles of the children we helped gave me motivation to go further.”
Indeed, this wasn’t just a game. It was a movement. And with that, ‘뽈룬티어’ exits the field with not just a championship, but as champions of the heart.
