Badminton Korea League ‘Different grades’..Fan service is abundant in the all-English open atmosphere

[스포츠조선 최만식 기자] ‘The class is different.’

The ‘2022 DB Group Badminton Korea League‘ is stimulating fans’ curiosity with an unprecedented ‘fun’. The DB Group Korea League is the first tournament launched in the form of a professional league this year. Correspondingly, the ‘class’ was different. Fan service outside of competitions, which was not seen in existing domestic competitions such as category championships and presidential competitions, is abundant.

First of all, the moment you enter the Hwado Sports and Culture Center in Namyangju, the venue of the event, your mouth is likely to open. There is only one game court in the middle of the gym, and it is decorated like a performance stage where spotlights are concentrated.

It was a stage that could only be seen in the British Open or the World Championship finals, the world’s most prestigious competitions with a 112-year history. Seven broadcast cameras, including one Jimmy’s house, are mobilized to catch even the sweat of the players.

It’s a completely different atmosphere from the previous domestic competitions, where they were busy playing each other close to each other in a gym divided into about 10 courts.

Olympic gold medalist Ha Tae-kwon, former coach of Yonex (47), couldn’t hide his surprise, saying, “I’m envious of playing on a stage like this. I regret that I retired early. I’ll have to seriously think about returning to active duty.”

Fans who enjoy the game in a concert venue-like atmosphere can enjoy various fan services as a bonus. The Korea Unemployment Badminton Federation has appointed ‘ulzzang’ badminton stars Lee Yong-dae (Yonex) of the same age, born in 1988, and Jang Su-young, a federation director, as well as celebrities who appeared in the entertainment program ‘Racquet Boys’ as public relations ambassadors.

In addition to their respective online (SNS) promotional activities, they also appear in offline spaces (competition venues) to provide fan service. On the 21st, Director Jang hosted a surprise interview with former director Ha Tae-kwon, which was well-received. Former director Ha, who exuded ‘skills’ in entertainment programs such as ‘Get Together’, gave a big laugh to the audience with his unique and sassy speech.

‘Badminton Idol’ Lee Yong-dae is also in charge of fan service. Lee Yong-dae was also active as a surprise MC after hosting a quiz giveaway event with Director Jang. On the other hand, the atmosphere of a ‘village festival’ was also created, such as an improvised dance talent show by the spectators who won prizes. For the spectators who visited the stadium, taking commemorative photos with the stars and receiving gifts is a bonus.

As the matches are held every week until the 26th of next month, the federation is pursuing a plan to invite other entertainers who appeared in ‘Racquet Boys’ to present a surprise event. The Federation said, “We are receiving spectators through a thorough quarantine pass. In the meantime, we have taken the main concept of fan service as ‘communication’ in order to relieve the fans’ stress caused by Corona 19.”

Another thing I haven’t seen in other competitions. It is said that the dress code of the participating team manager-coach was introduced for the first time. There is no dress code at the All-Young Open. This is to revive the authority of the newly launched Korea League and to increase the pride of the participating teams.

There was also a happening because of this. Miryang City Hall manager Son Seung-mo forgot the dress code rules on the first day of the competition and sat on a bench wearing training suits as usual, but after receiving a severe warning, he hurriedly bought a suit.

A federation official said, “I tried the dress code with the intention of showing seriousness to the fans from the outfit, and making the participants’ minds professional.” The team and fans responded well.
Correspondent Mansik Choi [email protected]