Yang Hyo-jin's Team Korea Faces Off
6,000 Spectators Including Yoo Jae-suk Attend
Kim Yeon-koung (36, Heungkuk Life) wore the Taegeuk mark for the last time in her playing career.
On the 8th, at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul, Kim Yeon-koung led 'Team Korea' to a 70-60 victory by scoring 13 points in the 'Kim Yeon-koung National Team Retirement Match.'
Kim Yeon-koung had announced her retirement after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021, but due to the impact of COVID-19, her retirement match was held only after three years.
Although it was not an official national team match, the Taegeuk mark was clearly embroidered on the left side of Kim Yeon-koung’s chest.
In the match, 'Team Korea' led by Kim Yeon-koung faced off against 'Team Korea' led by Yang Hyo-jin (Hyundai Engineering & Construction). The team that accumulated 70 points over three sets was declared the final winner.
As it was an exhibition match, the overall atmosphere was light and filled with laughter, but the players, including Kim Yeon-koung, occasionally showed serious play as if their competitive spirit was triggered.
Kim Yeon-koung attacked seriously without holding back, mixing digs with powerful spikes and consecutive hits. After scoring a service ace in the second set, she raised both arms high to encourage the fans’ cheers.
Team Korea took the initiative with their mature skills.
Team Korea was anchored by Kim Yeon-koung, Kim Su-ji (both from Heungkuk Life), Han Song-i (retired), and Hwang Yeon-joo (Hyundai Engineering & Construction).
On the other hand, Team Korea’s captain Yang Hyo-jin was absent from the starting lineup due to a finger injury, and Kim Hee-jin (IBK Industrial Bank) mostly stayed on the bench, seemingly not at 100% physical condition.
Kim Yeon-koung scored a powerful spike at 11-5 and then executed a time-difference attack to slam the ball into the opponent’s court at 12-6.
Unable to stand it, Yang Hyo-jin entered the backcourt defense at 15-21 without any limb braces. It was a rare sight for a middle blocker.
Team Korea finished the first set leading 25-16.
The second set was a close battle with Team Korea making a strong effort, resulting in a one-point difference.
During a timeout at 43-43, Kim Yeon-koung clapped and said, "Let’s do it. Let’s do it. No regrets." This was a self-homage to her famous quote from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
At that time, when she led the team to the semifinals, she passionately shouted, "Let’s do it! No regrets," inspiring the nation.
After the game resumed, Kim Yeon-koung gave her team the lead with a strong straight attack and then took a break off the court at 45-43.
Team Korea responded to Kim Yeon-koung’s fighting spirit by winning the second set 50-46.
In the third set, Team Korea gradually extended their lead and reached the 60-point mark with a 9-point advantage.
At 63-57, Kim Yeon-koung succeeded in a direct kill by hitting a ball that came from the opponent’s reception error, and at 64-59, she delivered a diagonal spike.
With the serve, Kim Yeon-koung led five consecutive points and showed a powerful back attack at 67-59. Team Korea ended the match with a blocking point.
About 6,000 spectators attended the match, including broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk, actors Lee Kwang-soo, Jung Ryeo-won, and producer Na Young-seok, who came to support their close friend Kim Yeon-koung.
Kim Yeon-koung debuted as an adult national team player in 2005 and led two historic semifinal runs at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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