Model Kim Jin-kyung of 'Kick a Goal' Gets Emotional Over Husband Kim Seung-gyu's World Cup Saves

Model Kim Jin-kyung shared behind-the-scenes stories from her husband and national team goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu's first World Cup match, while also making a surprise reveal of their recently born daughter.

Ahead of the broadcast on June 17, SBS's variety show 'Kick a Goal' released a pre-release video online featuring FC Gucheok Jangsin captain Lee Hyun-yi sharing updates from her off-season.

In the video, Lee Hyun-yi recalled the recently held 1st 'Kick a Goal Sports Day,' saying, "The athletic meet was so much fun. On top of that, we played handball, didn't we? Doing that gave me the feeling of the pilot episode." Her comments raised anticipation for the first-ever handball match on 'Kick a Goal' to be shown in the main broadcast.

Lee Hyun-yi then mentioned her teammate Kim Jin-kyung, who recently gave birth, saying, "I spoke with Jin-kyung on the day she gave birth. As far as I know, she is being discharged from the postpartum care center today," and made an impromptu video call. Once connected, Kim Jin-kyung revealed her daughter 'Dalbam-i' in her arms for the first time. Upon seeing the screen, Lee Hyun-yi 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 Jin-kyung agreed, saying, "People keep saying she looks exactly like her dad."

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

When Lee Hyun-yi offered her congratulations, saying, "He became a hero after the Czech Republic match," Kim Jin-kyung playfully replied, "I actually get more messages. People tell me to treat Seung-gyu well."

Kim Jin-kyung also shared the special mindset Kim Seung-gyu had going into his first match after becoming a father. When Lee Hyun-yi asked, "Wasn't that Seung-gyu's first game after becoming a dad? Did he say his mindset was different?" Kim Jin-kyung proudly showed her support, saying, "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 the weight of being a family man. He seemed to feel a much greater sense of responsibility."

Lee Hyun-yi went on to praise him, saying, "Everyone is saying we won thanks to Kim Seung-gyu saving those two goals." Kim Jin-kyung 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, touching viewers' hearts, "People are calling it the baby formula buff. Of course, he always does his best in everything, but his mindset must have been different." At the end of the call, Lee Hyun-yi sent warm encouragement, saying, "Please tell him to hang in there because the whole nation is cheering for him."

Meanwhile, tonight's episode of 'Kick a Goal' will feature the 1st 'Kick a Goal Sports Day' held in Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province. Following the conclusion of the 2nd G-League, the directors and players will be divided into the Blue Team and the White Team to compete in speed, agility, strength, and teamwork, while also taking on a women's handball match for the first time in 'Kick a Goal' history. Legends Kim On-a and Bae Min-hee will appear as special directors, and former national team reserve player Park Ha-yan will join as a commentator to support the event.

Featuring everything from the touching family stories of the Kim Jin-kyung and Kim Seung-gyu couple to the sweat-drenched handball challenge, 'Kick a Goal' will air tonight (June 17) at 9 PM. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)