Retirement Ceremony Held After National Team Farewell Match on the 8th
Yang Hyo-jin, Kim Su-ji, and Others Also Participate in Retirement Ceremony
Kim Yeon-koung (36, Heungkuk Life) returned her Taegeuk mark amid tears and cheers.
On the 8th, Kim Yeon-koung held her retirement ceremony after playing her final match as a national team player at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul.
Kim Yeon-koung calmly said, "I am sincerely grateful to be able to have this retirement ceremony with so many people. I have played for a very long time wearing the Taegeukgi. From my childhood when I dreamed of the Taegeuk mark until now, many thoughts come to mind."
She credited others, saying, "If it weren't for everyone here and the seniors, women's volleyball would not have received so much attention."
Her emotions soon welled up as she said, "As I talk, tears are coming up a little. I sincerely thank you," then hurriedly handed the microphone to the host.
However, watching the tribute video displayed on the screen, Kim Yeon-koung could not hold back her tears and repeatedly wiped her eyes.
Kim Yeon-koung was presented with a plaque of merit from the Korea Volleyball Association and a plaque of appreciation from her hometown, Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province.
Senior and fellow players who had been with Kim Yeon-koung on the national team also participated in the retirement ceremony.
They included 10 members: Yang Hyo-jin (Hyundai Engineering & Construction) and Kim Su-ji (Heungkuk Life), who were part of the Tokyo Olympics semifinal team; Han Song-i, Kim Sa-ni, Lee Sook-ja, Lim Hyo-sook, Han Yu-mi, Kim Hae-ran (all retired), and Hwang Yeon-joo (Hyundai Engineering & Construction) from the London Olympics semifinal team; and Lee Hyo-hee (retired) from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics team.
Arri Grasa, President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), said in a video congratulatory message, "She is an excellent role model to millions worldwide and one of the greatest players in volleyball history. We thank her for everything she has done for our sport and for inspiring fans around the world."
President Grasa added, "Everyone will be saddened to see Kim Yeon-koung retire from the Korean national team, and her energy and dedication will be missed. I am confident she will remain a role model for many in other fields as well," offering his support.
Oh Han-nam, President of the Korea Volleyball Association, said, "It is a great pride for Korean volleyball to have had Kim Yeon-koung. I hope she will play an even greater role in the development of volleyball in our country as a coach, not as a player, in the future."
Stars who watched the retirement match in person also cheered for their close friend Kim Yeon-koung.
National MC Yoo Jae-suk said, "This moment shared with many people will remain forever in Yeon-koung's memories," and Song Eun-i praised, "When I thought about when I started liking volleyball, it was 'after Kim Yeon-koung.'"
Producer Na Young-seok said, "Although it is regrettable that Kim Yeon-koung is retiring, I will stay until the end with love and joy and be the one who applauds the longest. Thank you so much for your hard work."
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