'Volleyball queen' Kim Yeon-koung (Heungkuk Life) has completed her last regular season match. This also marks the last time as an active player visiting the Jangchung Gymnasium.
Heungkuk Life and GS Caltex faced off on the 20th at Jangchung Gymnasium for the Dodram 2024-2025 V League final. The result was a victory for GS Caltex with a set score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-21). On that day, Kim Yeon-koung did not play on the court.
Having already confirmed the regular season championship, Heungkuk Life rested its key players to prepare for the championship match, focusing on stamina management and injury prevention. Kim Yeon-koung only observed her juniors' games from the warm-up zone, encouraging and giving advice to them during the match.
After the match ended, Kim Yeon-koung stepped onto the court. This was for a 'retirement celebration' event prepared by GS Caltex management, officials, and players. There was a moment where she handed a ball signed by her to the fans and shared her feelings about finally arriving at Jangchung Gymnasium.
Kim Yeon-koung said, “I wish I could have played today, but it is unfortunate. I sincerely thank GS Caltex officials, the players, and all the fans watching here for creating this event. This is my last time wearing the player uniform in Seoul. I appreciate everyone coming here. Although the season for GS Caltex has finished, I hope for your strong support next year.”
She continued, “GS Caltex fans, you don’t have any team to support now, do you? If you have no team to cheer for, please support Heungkuk Life in the championship match. There may be over 2,000-3,000 home fans, but if GS Caltex fans have no team to support, I would appreciate it if you could cheer for us when you're bored.”
After Kim Yeon-koung completed her remarks, a commemorative photograph with the GS Caltex players took place. The last regular season schedule of 'legend' Kim Yeon-koung, who has illuminated Korean women's volleyball, has come to an end.
Although an opposing coach, GS Caltex's Lee Yong-taek said, “She is truly an incredible 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 fifth round, but every athlete has their time to retire. She must have made many considerations before reaching her decision, and I am grateful for all her hard work for Korean volleyball over the years.”
He continued, “Since this is our players' last opportunity to compete against Kim Yeon-koung, I hope our players can create good memories and experiences through today's match.”
Heungkuk Life will play the first match of the championship final on the 31st. They will face the team that wins the playoff between Hyundai E&C and Jeonggwanjang.
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