Popular actress Hong Soo-ah reveals her heartache about her decision to leave SBS's "Goal Girl" show, expressing her deep affection for the program.

On the afternoon of the 15th, Hong Soo-ah confessed to our newspaper, "During my final recording with Sun-young, we cried a lot." She explained, "When you're exercising, you share a spectrum of emotions. While I play tennis in other shows, where you just have to take care of your partner, in soccer you need to become a team to succeed. This was my first team sport, and it was a truly amazing experience."

She continued, "Sun-young was the ace of our team, so her departure will impact the team. Many looked up to her, and I also wanted to be a strong support for her. It's unfortunate I couldn't be that. I had to leave due to personal circumstances, but I didn't know Sun-young would also leave."

Hong Soo-ah played her final game on "Goal Girl" aired on the 14th. It was the third and fourth place match between FC Koo Cheok-jangshin and FC Fireflies. Soo-ah, alongside the Fireflies' captain Sun-young, decided to step down due to health issues. The broadcast reached a 5.5% viewership (Nielsen Korea), leading the charts and hitting a 2.6% viewership among the key demographic of 20 to 49-year-olds.

Explaining her inevitable departure, Soo-ah said, "My immune system has weakened recently and my face had a severe breakout of atopic dermatitis. I'm undergoing treatment with steroid medication. I had a constant fever and scratched my face like crazy at night due to the intense itchiness, which led to scars. As an actress, it was tough to have injuries on my face. I had to apply bandages and make public appearances. Since soccer is an intense sport, I was informed to cut back. I've been over-exercising compared to my physical stamina. Between tennis and soccer, I desperately needed rest."

Furthermore, she expressed, "I hope a better player joins the Fireflies and gives the team the boost it needs. Despite playing for almost a year, it wasn't easy. Even with my athletic skills, I felt lacking as a forward and sorry for my team. Scoring goals wasn't easy. I started with the thought, 'I just have to do well,' but had to leave due to health reasons."

While playing soccer, she was also shooting for the movie 'Butterfly Effect.' It was a hectic schedule, but she couldn't give up either as she had a deep love for both. Hong Soo-ah said, "This work carries a hopeful message. It brings hope not only to the young ones who couldn't fulfill their dreams, but also to the elderly, making them think, 'It's not too late for me.' That's my mindset. I've been trashed with malicious comments and all sorts of criticism. Even a few minutes of support becomes a great strength to me."

"Goal Girl" was indeed a special show for Hong Soo-ah. Her fan base has drastically grown, particularly among older male fans after her soccer stint. She confessed, "My soccer pictures on social media get extremely hot reactions. At first, it was hard but I worked hard nonetheless. It seemed like an impossible challenge. I truly respect Sun-young."

"Upon hearing about Sun-young's departure, I cried my eyes out. There's no way to articulate her hard work. She's an amazing person and was stronger than anyone. Saying she nurtured me wouldn't be an exaggeration," Soo-ah added, "She guided me, educated me, and I wanted to match her pace and be supportive. On our last day, everyone including So-yeon cried so much. It was like an ocean of tears. Sun-young was like a symbol of the Fireflies, her departure must've been a shock to everyone."

"I have absolutely no regrets about participating in 'Goal Girl.' I feel proud. I realized that there are many people who admire and support my natural, diligent persona, Hong Soo-ah. I've learned that sincerity reaches people," she conveyed. "As an actress, many people prejudge and criticize me for my plastic surgery. They often care more about my surgery than my acting. During 'Goal Diggers,' I felt they saw me for who I truly am. Whether I go to rest stops or restaurants, people recognize me. They cheer me on, shout 'fighting,' and it gives me strength. I'm sincerely grateful."

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