'Shooting Stars' Kim Jin-kyung Choked Up by Husband Kim Seung-gyu's World Cup Saves: "I Almost Fainted... They Called It a 'Baby Formula Buff'"

Model Kim Jin-kyung has made a surprise reveal of her newborn daughter alongside behind-the-scenes stories of her husband, national team goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu's first World Cup match.

Ahead of the broadcast tonight (June 17), the production team of the SBS variety show 'Shooting Stars' (also known as 'Kick a Goal') released a pre-release video online showing FC Giants captain Lee Hyun-yi sharing updates on her off-season life.

In the video, Lee Hyun-yi recalled the recently held 1st 'Shooting Stars Sports Day,' saying, "The sports day was so much fun. On top of that, we played handball, didn't we? Doing that gave me the feeling of the pilot episode." This heightened anticipation for the show's first-ever handball match to be revealed in the main broadcast.

Lee then mentioned her teammate Kim Jin-kyung, who recently gave birth. "I talked to Jin-kyung on the day she gave birth. As far as I know, she is being discharged from the postpartum care center today," Lee said, before making an impromptu video call. Once connected, Kim Jin-kyung revealed her daughter, nicknamed 'Dalbam-i,' for the first time. Seeing her on screen, Lee expressed her delight and admiration, saying, "Dalbam-i has gotten even prettier in the meantime. Her lips look just like Kim Seung-gyu's." Kim agreed, saying, "People keep saying she looks exactly like her dad."

In particular, the video call unveiled a heartwarming behind-the-scenes story about her husband, Kim Seung-gyu, who led South Korea to a 2-1 comeback victory with a series of brilliant saves in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against the Czech Republic on June 12.

When Lee offered her congratulations, saying, "He became a hero after the Czech Republic match," Kim playfully replied, "I'm actually getting more messages. People are telling me to treat Seung-gyu well."

Kim also shared the special mindset with which Kim Seung-gyu approached his first match after becoming a father. When Lee asked, "That was Seung-gyu's first match since becoming a dad, right? Did he say his mindset was different?" Kim proudly replied, "Even before the match, he did an interview saying he felt sorry to his daughter and wife and wanted to give them a great gift. I think he played with that weight of being the head of a household. He seems to feel a much greater sense of responsibility."

Lee praised him further, saying, "Everyone is saying we won thanks to Kim Seung-gyu blocking those two goals." Kim confessed her honest feelings during those tense moments, saying, "I almost fainted. My blood pressure, which was perfectly fine even after giving birth, suddenly shot up." She added, "People are calling it a 'baby formula buff' (extra motivation to perform well to support a newborn). Of course, he always does his best in everything, but his mindset must have been truly special," bringing a wave of warm emotion. At the end of the call, Lee sent her warm support, saying, "Please tell him to hang in there because the whole nation is cheering for him."

Meanwhile, the main episode of 'Shooting Stars' airing tonight will feature the 1st 'Shooting Stars Sports Day' held in Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province. Following the conclusion of the 2nd G-League, directors and players will split into the Blue and White teams to compete in speed, agility, strength, and teamwork, while also taking on the show's first-ever women's handball match. Handball legends Kim On-a and Bae Min-hee will appear as special directors, and former national reserve team player Park Ha-yan will join as a commentator to add support.

From the touching family stories of Kim Jin-kyung and Kim Seung-gyu to the sweat-drenched handball challenge, 'Shooting Stars' will air tonight (June 17) at 9:00 PM.

Reported by Kang Seon-ae
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.