'Korean Air One-Club Man' Kwak Seung-seok's Farewell: "I Already Miss the Court and the Fans"

*This content was translated by AI.

The versatile "Jumbo Man" Kwak Seung-seok (38) bid farewell to the court he loved and the fans.

On the 1st, Kwak Seung-seok posted a handwritten letter on his social networking service (SNS) Instagram, conveying his final farewell as "player Kwak Seung-seok" to the fans.

Kwak Seung-seok was included in the list of free agents announced by the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) on the 30th of last month, and it was reported that he intended to retire.

A day later, Kwak Seung-seok spoke directly. Starting his post with, "Today, I would like to share some somewhat heavy and difficult words with you," Kwak Seung-seok stated, "Back in 2010, I took my first step into the professional league with excitement, and I have now spent 16 long years alongside Korean Air Jumbos and you, the fans. At the end of this journey that was more than I deserved, I am now here to bid my final farewell as a volleyball player."

He continued, "Facing the word 'final' for the first time, my heart feels a bit sad, and I already miss the passionate court and you, the fans." He added, "Every single word of warm support you gave me was the greatest reason I could keep running on the court without giving up until the very end."

Kwak Seung-seok's greatest strengths were his diligence and versatility. He won the defensive award in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 seasons and was selected for the V-League Men's Best 7 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of KOVO's establishment in 2024, making him a player with significant influence.

Kwak Seung-seok, who also excelled as a national team player, transformed from an outside hitter to a libero at Korean Air due to team circumstances and quietly fulfilled his role. He then won his sixth championship ring last season.

He did not forget to express gratitude to his teammates. Kwak Seung-seok wrote, "I extend my deepest gratitude to my Korean Air teammates who sweated, cried, and laughed together on the court, to my seniors and juniors in the national team, and to all the staff who guided me." He added, "Because I had good teammates by my side, I was able to endure difficult moments, and every moment of my volleyball life has remained as a shining memory."

He is now preparing for another life. Kwak Seung-seok said, "I will deeply engrave in my heart the precious values of teamwork, perseverance, and gratitude that volleyball taught me, and now I am about to start a new beginning off the court." He continued, "I am now preparing for my second life under the careful consideration of the club. If you could send warm encouragement for my next journey, I would be more than happy. I sincerely thank you for accompanying me, player Kwak Seung-seok, for 16 years."

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*This content was translated by AI.