Kim Yeon-kyung recalled the story of how she got the nickname 'Bread Sister'

Kim Yeon-kyung recalled the story of how she became a ‘bread sister.’

In KBS2's 'The Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (hereinafter referred to as 'Donkey'), which aired on the 30th, the behind-the-scenes footage of volleyball player Kim Yeon-kyung's national team retirement ceremony was revealed.

Kim Yeon-kyung established the ‘Kim Yeon-kyung Foundation’ and became its chairman. Kim Yeon-kyung said, "I am the first volleyball player. There are foundations for Ji-Sung Park (for soccer) and Chan-Ho Park (for baseball), but there is no foundation for volleyball, so I prepared for a long time and decided to create one this time." He also promoted, "We sponsor not only volleyball, but also unpopular sports. We also receive a lot of sponsorship."

Kim Yeon-kyung arrives at the office as chairman of the board. Foundation employees greeted Kim Yeon-kyung politely, but exposed her as a "young old man." Employees cited “continuous contact” as the most difficult part. However, Kim Yeon-kyung made people laugh by saying, "We keep in touch with each other even at late hours. (Employees) like to text."

It is said that the thing Kim Yeon-kyung put the most effort into after establishing the foundation was the World Women's Volleyball All-Star Game and retirement ceremony. Kim Yeon-kyung, who had a burning desire to win in the event adult retirement match, appeared in tears at the retirement ceremony. Kim Yeon-kyung expressed her feelings, "I feel like my career is coming to an end. Representing the national team is so meaningful. I was moved to tears thinking about the past and the emotions that the word 'last' gave me." He also said, "I am fortunate to have been able to enjoy my career as a player while receiving a lot of love. I have that much pride. Although I retired from the national team, I will show many good sides of me."

Kim Yeon-kyung had an after-party with colleagues after her retirement ceremony. They reminisced about past games. The seniors laughed, saying, “During the 2012 London Olympics, Yeon-kyung was the youngest, but she was the ace. We had a hard time keeping her in the mood.” It is said that seniors, juniors and colleagues even personally cleaned Kim Yeon-kyung's room to maintain her mood and condition.

The Korea-Japan match at the 2016 Rio Olympics was also mentioned. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “The atmosphere is different in the Korea-Japan match,” and the Italian coach at the time was also surprised by the atmosphere of the Korea-Japan match. Kim Yeon-kyung also said, “Isn’t that where the bread sister was born?” He also laughed, saying, "It's a good thing that we won. It's like, 'When did Kim Yeon-kyung curse at me? She called me bread.'" and laughed. Kim Yeon-kyung made people laugh by jokingly saying, "I'm glad I won. If I had lost, I might have suffered from malicious comments."

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr