"I Chose the Third Team": Jang Ji-won Loses Another 2kg, Takes on KB's Defensive Responsibility as 'Second Consecutive Starting Libero Replacement'

*This content was translated by AI.

"This is my third team in the pro league, and for the first time, I chose to come here myself. So I feel an even greater sense of responsibility."

Jang Ji-won has changed uniforms twice since his professional debut. But this time was different. Having earned free agent (FA) status at age 25, Jang personally selected KB Insurance Stars as his new challenge. And the position awaiting him on his new team is the vacancy left by the starting libero who delivered top-tier performances across the league last season.

On the 11th, meeting with reporters at the training camp in Sakai City, Japan, Jang said, "Rather than setting overly ambitious goals, I'm focusing on achieving good results together with my teammates as one," while adding, "Since this is a team I chose myself, my sense of responsibility is definitely greater."

A graduate of Namwon Central Elementary, Namseong Middle School, and Namseong High School, Jang was selected in the first round, fifth pick overall by Our Card in the 2019–2020 Korean Volleyball League (KOVO) Rookie Draft. He later moved to KEPCO via trade and completed his military service with the Army Sports Promotion Team (Sangmu).

Last season, playing 31 matches and 98 sets for KEPCO, Jang recorded a reception efficiency of 35.2%. Despite returning from military service, he secured consistent playing time and demonstrated his competitiveness once again. After the season concluded, he earned his first FA eligibility and chose KB Insurance.

Jang stated, "The fact that this team wanted me was the most important factor. I believe it is the best-fitting team for me in every aspect, including my teammates." He added, "With many players like Acting Head Coach Ha Hyun-yong, Kyung-bok and Kyung-min, who I've played with before, there were no difficulties adapting."

However, simply saying he "adapted well" is not enough. KB Insurance has significant expectations for Jang's role. The team has changed its starting libero for two consecutive years. In the 2024–2025 season, Jung Min-soo, who had been responsible for the backcourt, left for KEPCO as compensation for Im Sung-jin's FA move. Last season, Kim Do-hoon filled that position admirably.

Kim Do-hoon appeared in 36 matches and 137 sets during the 2025–2026 season, achieving a reception efficiency of 37.18% (fifth in the league), 1.971 digs per set (fifth), and 3.992 defensive plays per set (fourth). In what was effectively his first full-time starting season, he grew into a top-five libero in the league, contributing to KB Insurance's third-place finish in the regular season. However, even Kim Do-hoon moved to OK Savings Bank via FA after the season. KB Insurance once again needed to establish a new starting libero and extended an offer to Jang Ji-won.

There is no way there would be no pressure. Especially last season, KB Insurance finished third in the regular season with 19 wins and 17 losses, earning 58 points, but lost to Our Card in a single-match playoff, settling for a short spring volleyball campaign. To aim higher in the new season, stability in the backcourt is essential—not only due to changes in the attacking lineup following Bye-na's departure and Im Sung-jin's enlistment.

Jang Ji-won also knows well what he needs. That is why he is already changing his body. He explained, "Over the past few years, I gained weight through weight training, and people told me my movements became slower. I want to return to my leaner physique from earlier days. I currently weigh around 75kg, and my goal is to lose another 2kg."

The libero position is more easily noticed when mistakes are made than when plays go well. Unlike attackers, it is difficult for a libero to recover from shaky receptions by scoring through attacks. Jang remarked, "Attackers can still push the game forward with their attacks even if their reception falters, but liberos cannot do that. That's what makes it difficult." He added with a smile, "However, as I've accumulated experience, I've learned to manage my mindset to some extent."

He also refuses to shy away from the weight of being a starter. He stated firmly, "I believe every athlete naturally carries this burden. With the thought that anything can happen at any time, I aim to give my all in every given situation without regret or fear."

Last season, Kim Do-hoon also showed excellent reception skills early in the opening but faced a period of inconsistency in the latter half and even shared roles with Lee Hak-jin. Ultimately, maintaining defensive consistency throughout the long regular season remains another challenge for KB Insurance's libero.

Now, that opportunity has come to Jang Ji-won. He was selected by Our Card in the 2019–20 Rookie Draft and moved to KEPCO via trade ahead of the 2022–23 season. This time, KB Insurance was chosen by his own will. Therefore, his promise to fans is not grandiose.

Jang said, "I understand that depending on my performance, fans' gaze may be cold at times, but if I play well, they might see me as endlessly lovable." He concluded with determination, "Whether things go well or not, I will do my best in every moment. Even if you see moments of hesitation, I hope you can look at me kindly and beautifully."

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*This content was translated by AI.