Kim: “I deeply miss my days with the national team”

Kim Yeon-Koung hasn’t played for the Korean national team since the Tokyo Olympics, back in 2021, but it’s still hard to not immediately think of her when the Asians compete against the top teams in the world in international events.

The superstar outside hitter was not only the face, but also a major part of the team for 17 years and, more than two years after she stepped away, she still spends a lot of time thinking about the Asian squad, be it in her new role as a national team advisor or just cherishing the moments she experienced with them.

One of the greatest Asian players ever, the 35-year-old Kim is also helping shape the future of Korean volleyball by serving as the face of the country’s national league since she returned home to play for the Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders, in 2020.

In this exclusive interview, Volleyball World caught up with Kim to better understand what her new life is like.

Volleyball World: You haven’t played for the Korean national team since 2021. Do you miss it? How is it watching the team from the outside after so many years as a big part of it?

Kim: Deciding to retire from the Korean national team was, without a doubt, the toughest decision I've ever faced in my life. Having been a part of the team for so many years, I've experienced incredible achievements and weathered numerous challenges alongside my teammates. The Korean national team was such an integral part of my existence. I find myself missing those days deeply. When I watch the younger players on the team now, I often catch myself imagining what it would be like to still be in their shoes, given the immense honor that comes with representing our nation.

From my perspective now, on the outside looking in, I believe our current Korean national team is still in a phase of growth and development. In my view, the team's focus should be on the future, looking towards the next Olympics and even further. It's essential that there's a long-term plan in place, one that emphasizes continuous development and improvement, rather than just concentrating on immediate results. This, I believe, is the key to ensuring the enduring success and evolution of our national team.

VW: You had a role in the national team coaching staff this season. What exactly were your duties and what motivated you to take them? How did you feel being back with the team in a different capacity?

Kim: Stepping into the role of advisor for the Korean women's national volleyball team has been a new and exciting journey for me. It's my first time in such a position and my initial thoughts were all about how I could contribute to the coaching staff and the players. Being on the road with the team has opened my eyes to experiences vastly different from my playing days.

However, balancing this role with my ongoing career as a professional athlete means I haven't been fully immersed in every competition. But, personally, it's been an incredibly enriching experience. As I contemplate my future beyond playing, these varied experiences are shaping my thoughts, and guiding me towards the path I'll eventually choose.

VW: Since 2020, you’ve also returned home and have been playing in the Korean League. How has it been to play in your country again? Do you feel like your presence has helped make the league better in some way?

Kim: After spending over a decade playing in leagues abroad, I harbored a deep desire to conclude my career back home in the Korean Volleyball League (KOVO), among Korean fans. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity presented itself, and now I'm really enjoying and giving my all in the game.

The KOVO is proactively working to elevate the league's standard even further. With the introduction of two foreign players per team, including one from the recent Asian Quarter, the league is becoming increasingly competitive and diverse.

Ultimately, I believe the progress of the national team is closely tied to the quality of the KOVO. By continuously enhancing the league and making it more appealing to a wide audience, we're not just improving the league itself but also bolstering the national team's performance.

VW: What are you thinking about this new phase of your life and your career? After several years of living overseas and playing at the highest level for most of the year, how does it feel to ‘slow down’ a little bit at this point?

Kim: Playing in a highly competitive league, I've had the opportunity to learn and compete alongside skilled teams and talented teammates. Even now, I'm fully committed to striving and competing for my team's victory. However, I believe comparing this experience to my time playing overseas isn't quite fair. The KOVO has developed tremendously and now stands as a competitive league among many in Asia. My current focus is singular: to lead my team to win the championship.

VW: What have you been doing in the past few years, besides playing for your club? Have you been using the time available now to do things you didn’t have the opportunity to do before?

Kim: Being back in Korea, I get to spend valuable time with my family and catch up with friends, which is important to me. I also make sure to enjoy my leisure time, indulging in hobbies and learning new things beyond volleyball. Having lived abroad for an extended period, initially, there were many aspects I found unfamiliar. But now, I've adapted well, and life feels really comfortable and fulfilling. There's a unique comfort in being in my hometown that I cherish deeply.

VW: Are you involved with any projects off the courts now?

Kim: I'm striving to make a positive impact in various ways. With that in mind, I'm excited to announce that we're launching a scholarship foundation for young people next year. My aim with this foundation is to inspire and support not just the youth but also contribute to the sports industry as a whole. I want to share the love and knowledge I've been fortunate to receive, offering hope and opportunities to many.