*This content was translated by AI.
Lee Jae-young (30), a former member of the South Korean women's national volleyball team, has left the Victorianna Himedji team of the Japanese SV League just one season after joining.
On the 12th, the Himedji club announced via its official website that five players, including Lee Jae-young, and three staff members will be leaving the team due to contract expirations.
Regarding Lee Jae-young, the club stated, "With his rich experience, he saved the team whenever we faced difficulties. We are grateful for his contributions so far and wish him even brighter performances on his new stage."
Through the club, Lee Jae-young expressed, "I sincerely thank the team for giving me the opportunity to return as a volleyball player. Although I felt anxious in the new environment, my teammates, staff, sponsors, and fans welcomed me warmly."
He continued, "Due to injuries near the end of the season, I was unable to join the team for a long time and could not play properly. Nevertheless, the warm support I received became a great source of strength. Moving forward, I will work hard with a positive mindset to continue playing the volleyball I love."
Once a star representing the V-League, Lee Jae-young parted ways with Heungkuk Life amid a school bullying controversy involving his twin sister, Lee Da-young, during their middle school years. He later transferred to PAOK in Greece but returned after only a few games due to a knee injury. He attempted to return to Korea by joining Pepper Savings Bank, but the move was ultimately canceled amid controversy.
Subsequently, in July 2023, Lee Jae-young hinted at retirement through social media and fan cafes, saying, "Please support my second life." However, a year later, he made a surprise return to the court by joining the Himedji club in Japan.
At the time of joining Himedji, Lee Jae-young stated, "I am extremely happy to be able to play on the Japanese stage I have dreamed of since childhood. I sincerely reflect on past events. Although I questioned whether I could continue playing volleyball, I ultimately found no substitute for it. I am truly grateful to the club officials who gave me the chance to play again."
Lee Jae-young participated in 24 matches (42 sets) of the 2025-2026 SV League season, scoring 108 points, with an attack success rate of 35.8% and a reception efficiency of 41.5%. However, his playing opportunities were limited due to injury aftermath, and he ultimately parted ways with the team after just one season.
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*This content was translated by AI.
