* Translated by AI

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'Met directly in an interview,' Hyundai E&C coach Kang Sung-hyung: "Injury status seems exaggerated; no problem playing full-time"

Published:

Kim Myeongseok

*This content was translated by AI.

Mega, who played for Jeonggwanjang in the 2024-2025 season. /Photo=Korea Volleyball Federation
Mega, who played for Jeonggwanjang in the 2024-2025 season. /Photo=Korea Volleyball Federation

The return of 'Indonesian ace' Megawati Pertiwi (27, registered name Mega), who previously played for Jeonggwanjang, to the women's professional volleyball V-League is imminent. The atmosphere suggests that her destination is Hyundai E&C, led by coach Kang Sung-hyung, has become a foregone conclusion.

According to the Korea Volleyball Federation on the 10th, Coach Kang Sung-hyung recently traveled to Indonesia and met with Mega, completing an interview. Coach Kang stated, "After meeting Mega, I did not feel any major issues with her physical condition. I confirmed her strong will to return to the V-League."

Mega, who played for Jeonggwanjang during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons and led the team to a runner-up finish, is regarded as the 'best Asian quota player in history.' After playing in Turkey and Indonesia, she decided to return to the Korean stage. It was reported that other clubs withdrew from the bidding for Mega due to repeated knee injuries, but Coach Kang Sung-hyung and the Hyundai E&C club determined there were no major issues based on interviews and medical records.

Kang Sung-hyung (right), coach of Hyundai E&C. /Photo=Korea Volleyball Federation
Kang Sung-hyung (right), coach of Hyundai E&C. /Photo=Korea Volleyball Federation

Coach Kang said, "Talks of surgery came up, but it doesn't seem to be that serious. It appears the injury status has been greatly exaggerated. If she manages well during the off-season, I believe there will be no problem in handling a full-time season."

Meanwhile, Hyundai E&C, like other clubs, is currently identifying Baki Buki (26, Serbia) as its top candidate in the foreign player draft being held in Prague, Czech Republic. Buki led Jeonggwanjang to a runner-up finish in the regular season of the 2024-2025 season before heading to Italy, and is now pushing to return to the V-League.

If Hyundai E&C signs both Mega and Buki, Mega and Buki will reunite at Hyundai E&C after previously playing together at Jeonggwanjang. However, given the fierce competition for Buki and the need for luck in securing the first-round draft right, the club is also focusing on outside hitters such as Jordan Wilson (USA) as a backup option.

Buki said, "It would be really fun to meet Mega again in the V-League. I want to meet her on the same team once more and definitely win the championship. If I end up playing on a different team, I will definitely win." Wilson stated, "I appreciate Hyundai E&C's interest. Although I do not personally know Mega, I am confident in our chemistry. Joining the V-League will be an opportunity for me to develop as a player to the next level."

Buki (left) and Mega, who played for Jeonggwanjang in the 2024-2025 season. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Buki (left) and Mega, who played for Jeonggwanjang in the 2024-2025 season. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

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*This content was translated by AI.

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