"There won't be a happier retirement than this."
Kim Yeon-koung, a living legend of Korean volleyball, marked the end of her illustrious career with a dazzling last dance.
On April 8, at the Incheon Samsan World Gymnasium, the fifth match of the 'Dodram 2024-2025 V-League' championship finals between Heungkuk Life and Jeongkwan was nothing short of drama. Kim Yeon-koung, the eldest sister and an athlete on the verge of retirement, swept through the court collecting 34 points. This was a personal season high and a performance showcasing her presence as an 'ace' until the very last moment.
The set score was 3-2 (26-24, 26-24, 24-26, 23-25, 15-13). After a fierce battle, Heungkuk Life lifted the championship trophy with a series record of 3 wins and 2 losses. Thus, the team achieved 5 championships and 4 overall victories.
Above all, Kim Yeon-koung led the team by scoring an impressive 133 points in the championship finals. In the MVP voting, she received nearly unanimous support with 31 votes, presenting an unprecedented moment as the second 'unanimous' MVP in history.
Kim Yeon-koung announced her retirement following the GS Caltex match on February 13. During her subsequent retirement tour, she shared her final goodbyes with fans and concluded her career with the best gift of victory in her last championship.
After the awards ceremony, Kim Yeon-koung conveyed a heartfelt farewell to her fans.
"I don't think there could be an ending like this in a movie or drama. I think I was able to win thanks to the tremendous support I received today. I may be leaving now, but there are wonderful juniors, so please continue to support Heungkuk Life. I will never forget this moment."
And just as those words suggested, Kim Yeon-koung remained with the fans until the end. Dancing with her teammates to her cheering song, she adorned the dazzling retirement ceremony amidst the cheers of her fans.
Kim Yeon-koung's last match, more brilliant than any spotlight, will remain a scene etched in Korean volleyball history. 2025.04.09
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