*This content was translated by AI.
The South Korean men's Bae Gu (CEO) team (world ranking No. 26) secured a thrilling comeback victory against Brazil (No. 7).
Led by Brazilian coach Isanaye Ramirez, Korea defeated Brazil 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-20) in the first exhibition match held on the 22nd at Jecheon Sports Complex in North Chungcheong Province.
Although Brazil fielded its second-string players due to their participation in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL), this remains a meaningful victory considering the gap in world rankings.
Korea lost the first set after collapsing on consecutive service points while trailing 22-23.
However, led by Shin Ho-jin (Hyundai Capital), Im Sung-jin (Army), and Jeong Han-yong (Korean Air), Korea immediately launched a counterattack, with Im Sung-jin sealing the set with an ace on set point.
In the third set, Korea briefly trailed 19-21 but tied the score at 23-23 through consecutive points by Jeong Han-yong and Im Sung-jin. The momentum shifted when Kim Yo-han (Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance) and Lee Sang-hyun (Army) scored back-to-back points to turn the match around.
Momentum carried Korea forward, as they built a 15-10 lead in the middle of the fourth set to seize control. A series of successful attacks led by Shin Ho-jin ultimately sealed the victory.
Shin Ho-jin accounted for the team's highest score with 20 points, while Im Sung-jin contributed 18 points. Jeong Han-yong added 12 points.
The South Korean men's Bae Gu (CEO) team will face Brazil again on the 25th at 3 p.m. and on the 26th at 1 p.m., both at the same venue.
These three exhibition matches against Brazil aim to enhance performance and strengthen international competitiveness in preparation for the September 2026 Asian Championships and the Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) Asian Games.
Meanwhile, the South Korean women's Bae Gu (CEO) team will play three exhibition matches against Indonesia on the 23rd at 3:30 p.m., the 25th at 1 p.m., and the 26th at 3 p.m., all at the same location.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
![[Photo] Im Gi-young "Believes in the Power of Rotation"](https://image.starnewskorea.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=avif,w=1200,h=831,fit=cover,g=face/21/2026/07/2026072221111373969_1.jpg)
![[Photo] Im Gi-young, a nuclear fastball hero conquers the Heroes](https://image.starnewskorea.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=avif,w=1200,h=831,fit=cover,g=face/21/2026/07/2026072221095972879_1.jpg)
![[Photo] Koo Ja-wook: "It's a pity"](https://image.starnewskorea.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=avif,w=1200,h=831,fit=cover,g=face/21/2026/07/2026072221021883596_1.jpg)
