Choo Shin-soo Embarks on New Challenge as Manager of Channel A’s ‘Baseball queen’
Table of Contents
Channel A is betting on star power and a unique concept with its upcoming sports variety show, ‘Baseball Queen,’ featuring former Major League Baseball player Choo Shin-soo as its inaugural manager. The program, unveiled at a production presentation held at The Saint in Guro-gu, Seoul on november 25, 2025, aims to spotlight the potential of women’s baseball in South Korea by bringing together elite athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds.
A League of Extraordinary Athletes
‘Baseball Queen’ will follow a team of legendary female athletes – both active and retired – as they navigate the challenges of learning and competing in baseball. The “Black Queens,” as the team is officially named, represent the 50th women’s baseball team established in Korea. The roster boasts an impressive array of talent,including track and field’s Kim Min-ji,rhythmic gymnast Shin Su-ji,handball players Kim On-ah and Park Ha-yan,judoka Kim Seong-yeon,swimmer Jeong Yu-in,speed skater Kim Bo-reum,softball player Ayaka,boxer Choi Hyun-mi,shooter Park Bo-ram,rower Lee so-yeon,and volleyball player Kim yeong-koung. Shin PD,the show’s director,shared her surprise upon learning about the existing landscape of women’s baseball in Korea.”I chose baseball as a sport, and I was very surprised to hear that, as the director said, there are 49 women’s baseball teams in Korea.” She described being captivated by the passion displayed by existing women’s baseball players, inspiring the creation of ‘Baseball Queen’ as a platform for challenge and growth.
Convincing Choo Shin-soo: A Story of Hesitation and Inspiration
Securing Choo Shin-soo as manager wasn’t a straightforward process.Shin PD revealed that the former MLB star, currently an assistant to the owner of the SSG Landers, initially hesitated due to scheduling conflicts and a lack of managerial experience. However, the production team was determined to bring him on board. “The reason I really wanted to bring him in was, of course, the rarity of not having seen him on sports entertainment,” shin PD explained. “Also, the process of competing in the major leagues was very difficult… I wanted to show that even as a player, he can challenge unknown territory.”
Choo Shin-soo himself admitted to initial reluctance, acknowledging his existing commitments. However, the project ultimately resonated with him on a deeper level.”‘Baseball queen’ moved my heart when I was running out of goals after retirement,” he confessed.”I was trying to take a break after retirement, but I was really excited when I received an offer for another challenge.” He expressed anxieties about coaching players unfamiliar with baseball, but ultimately found the experience rewarding. “When I actually tried it, I was very impressed because I could feel that the players were following me so well and their skills were improving as they went along.”
A Mission Beyond Entertainment
Choo Shin-soo emphasized that the program’s ambitions extend beyond mere entertainment. “Even though it may have started as an entertainment show, all of our players, including me, worked with a sense of mission for women’s baseball,” he stated. He expressed a desire to promote the sport and increase its visibility in Korea.
Looking ahead, Choo shin-soo has set enterprising goals for the ‘Black Queens.’ “Winning the national championship is natural, and my ultimate goal is to have a female national baseball player from our ‘Baseball Queen,'” he declared.”My final goal is to produce at least one female baseball player. I think I can do it.” He believes the team’s composition – comprised of athletes who have already reached the pinnacle of their respective sports – will be a key factor in their success.
The frist episode of ‘Baseball Queen’ is scheduled to air at 10 PM on November 25th, promising a compelling blend of athletic challenge, inspiring stories, and a renewed focus on the potential of women’s baseball in South Korea.
