Former Volleyball Star Kim Yeon-koung Returns to the Court After 7-Month Retirement

Former volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung has returned to the court just seven months after her retirement.

On the recent episode of MBC's variety show 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung,' the Pilseung Wonder Dogs faced off against the professional team Jeonggwanjang Red Sparks.

Ahead of the match, the Pilseung Wonder Dogs began their training. Key players Kim Na-hee, Yoon Young-in, and Park Chae-rim were absent due to overseas commitments. Kim Yeon-koung stepped in to assist with the training, stating, "It's not a problem if someone is missing," as she took to the court herself.

While training with the players, Kim Yeon-koung humorously shouted the word "bread," a term she frequently used during her playing days, bringing laughter to the session. She commented, "Filling in the gaps is my role. It reminded me of my playing days, and it was fun. A comeback wouldn't be so bad," she joked.

The episode also featured Pilseung Wonder Dogs' captain Pyo Seung-joo sharing her thoughts on retirement. Over a meal with Kim Yeon-koung, she confessed, "I think I would have regrets no matter when I retired. But I feel like I could have played for two more years. I quit too suddenly."

In an interview with the production team, she added, "It wasn't easy to give up 15 years of volleyball. It was just too sad, and I cried. But retirement was ultimately my choice. If I get the chance to stand on the court again with the Wonder Dogs, I want to finish well."

Pilseung Wonder Dogs' team manager Boo Seung-kwan prepared a strategic analysis ahead of the match against Jeonggwanjang. He explained, "I've prepared insights on Jeonggwanjang's strengths and weaknesses, and our potential, based on my 20 years as a fan." Boo Seung-kwan noted, "The Jeonggwanjang team can collapse suddenly. It's happened more than once. We need to exploit that. Coach Go Hee-jin tends to change all the players if the game isn't going well."

During his explanation, when Boo Seung-kwan referred to Jeonggwanjang as "our team," Lee Na-yeon and Pyo Seung-joo jokingly asked, "Is Jeonggwanjang in your heart? Are you cheering for them?" Boo Seung-kwan replied, "Even at a Seventeen concert, my voice doesn't give out, but after a Wonder Dogs game, my throat hurts. I hope you know how sincere I am," he explained, drawing laughter.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr