"Queen of Volleyball" Kim Yeon-koung (Heungkuk Life) played her last regular season match.
Heungkuk Life and GS Caltex faced off on the 20th at the Jangchung Gymnasium for the final match of the Dodram 2024-2025 V-League. The result was GS Caltex winning with a set score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-21).
GS Caltex finished strong. Although they were far from spring volleyball this season, they achieved 5 wins and 1 loss in just the 6th round. Their final season record was 12 wins and 24 losses, finishing in 6th place.
In fact, neither team fielded their best lineup on that day. Heungkuk Life secured the regular season championship early and did not push themselves. GS Caltex provided opportunities for players who had not played much to get on the court starting from the second set.
Kim Yeon-koung did not play until the end of the match. Kim Yeon-koung, who announced her retirement during the season, completed her last regular season schedule as an active player. This visit to Jangchung also marked her last as a player.
Heungkuk Life has already secured a direct ticket to the championship decision. This means that key players do not need to overexert themselves. Heungkuk Life, aiming for a combined victory, needed to conserve energy and prevent injuries for Kim Yeon-koung, who wanted to retire at the top.
Instead, Kim Yeon-koung encouraged her teammates in the warm-up zone and generously offered advice to her juniors. She did not waste time, massaging the shoulders of juniors who came to the warm-up zone after finishing their tasks and sharing "golden tips."
Although he is an opposing coach, GS Caltex's Lee Young-taek said, "She is truly a great player. She has played a significant role in increasing the popularity and growth of women's volleyball to this extent. I was surprised when she suddenly announced her retirement after our match in the 5th round; the retirement timing is something every player inevitably faces. She must have thought about it a lot and made her decision, and I truly appreciate all the hard work she has done for Korean volleyball."
Then, Coach Lee noted, "Since it is the last time our players will play against Kim Yeon-koung, I hope our players can gain good memories and experiences through today's match."
Although Kim Yeon-koung did not play in the final match, she spent meaningful time with her teammates during her last schedule as the "Queen of Volleyball." After the match, GS Caltex players completed the day with a special flower bouquet presentation and commemorative photo session prepared for Kim Yeon-koung.
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