On the show, Seo steps in as head coach, builds a celebrity roster and takes them into an international friendly against the Philippines’ premier celebrity team. The game is set for Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena, one of Asia’s largest indoor venues.
As coach, Seo will run strategy sessions and high-intensity practices, blending competitive grit with laughs and heart. Former pro Jeon Tae-poong is also confirmed to join the program.
The season’s finale is a marquee showdown in the Philippines―more than a goodwill game, it aims to bridge Korean and Filipino sports culture, a symbolic moment already drawing buzz from the industry and fans alike.
Known locally as MOA Arena, the roughly 15,000-seat landmark hosts everything from K-pop world tours and international sporting events to world-class esports finals. BLACKPINK, BTS and EXO have all ignited crowds there. Landing that stage―one even national teams rarely touch―raises the stakes for SBS’s project.
In the Philippines, basketball is a way of life. Courts dot neighborhoods nationwide, and the NBA enjoys massive popularity across all ages.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)―Asia’s first professional basketball league―boasts deep history and a devoted fanbase, drawing millions annually. This Korea-Philippines celebrity friendly could mark a key milestone in taking Korean hoops content global.
SBS is positioning the series as more than sports entertainment: a blend of cultural exchange, sports diplomacy and global fandom. By fusing celebrity appeal with athletics, Hallyu and local culture, the network is aiming for scale and ambition that set it apart from past basketball reality shows.
“With Seo Jang-hoon―an icon of K-basketball―building a team and competing at a world-class Philippine venue, the symbolism and buzz speak for themselves,” a production insider said. “We hope this program helps Korean basketball evolve into cultural content that resonates globally.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)