Apink's Oh Ha-young is returning to the public eye after a three-year break by launching her own soccer-focused YouTube channel.
Titled "OFFICIAL HAYOUNG," the channel will debut on October 21 at 6 p.m. KST, marking her first solo activity since 2022. Known among fans as a devoted football supporter, Oh Ha-young plans to blend her passion for the sport with lifestyle and variety-style content.
Oh Ha-young first garnered attention for her love of soccer when she posted a "match day" photo last September after attending the Icons Match. As a long-time Manchester United fan, she follows both the English Premier League and Korea's K-League closely, often naming players and discussing their performances with the knowledge of a seasoned viewer. Through her new channel, she aims to demystify soccer for newcomers and create a welcoming space for female fans.
Since debuting with Apink in 2011, Oh Ha-young has been praised for her approachable image and warm communication with fans. Now, she intends to unveil different facets of her personality by offering viewers behind-the-scenes vlogs, match-day guides, and player stories, always from her unique perspective as a woman who loves the game. Her first episode opens with her arrival on set, dragging a large suitcase and quipping, "I'm back faster than the World Cup," showcasing her trademark wit and variety flair.
Oh Ha-young shared her ambition, saying, "Since I'm starting again after three years, I want to talk about the sport I genuinely love and connect more closely with fans." She stressed the importance of removing intimidating jargon, encouraging fans to learn basic rules, stadium etiquette, and player backgrounds in an easy-to-follow format. The channel will also host live match experiences and encourage interactions with K-League supporters at stadiums.
Behind the scenes, the channel is produced by Kim Jin-soo of Oneness Korea, who is known for innovative AI content, including Korea's first virtual human "ROZY." His direction aims to create vibrant visuals that reflect Oh Ha-young's deep football enthusiasm and lively personality.
As idols increasingly turn to digital platforms to engage fans, Oh Ha-young's venture represents a strategic embrace of YouTube to maintain close connections. By focusing on soccer, a domain often perceived as male-dominated, she hopes to break barriers and inspire new audiences, especially women, to enjoy the sport naturally. Her "OFFICIAL HAYOUNG" channel promises both entertainment and relatability, offering tutorials, personal anecdotes, and live events that showcase why she stands out as a true football enthusiast.
