"After losing 8kg, my body completely changed": KB Hong Sang-hyeok, ranked second overall, overcomes eight-game pain to challenge for a starting spot again.

*This content was translated by AI.

KB Insurance Outside Hitter Hong Sang-hyeok (28) is once again entering the competition for a starting spot.

Hong Sang-hyeok met with reporters at the KB Insurance training camp in Sakai, Japan, on the 12th, stating, "This time, I truly made up my mind. During the off-season, I lost 8 kilograms, which made me feel lighter and significantly boosted my confidence. The speed that was previously considered a weakness has also improved."

Hong Sang-hyeok was selected as the second overall pick by KB Insurance in the 2019-2020 V-League rookie draft, marking his entry into professional volleyball. He steadily increased his playing time and, during the 2023-2024 season, appeared in 35 matches, scoring 306 points with an attack success rate of 49.91%, achieving a career high. Although he seemed poised to take a step up as a starting outside hitter, he enlisted in the military shortly after his upward momentum began, joining the Army's COLONY unit (military service).

The situation of the team upon his return from military service had changed significantly. Na Gyeong-bok had joined, and Im Sung-jin also came on board as a free agent. Mohamed Yaqub, holding an Asian quota spot, was also part of the competition. While Hong Sang-hyeok was away, the competition for the outside hitter position became much fiercer. Hong Sang-hyeok reflected, "Although the team environment has changed greatly since I returned from military service, I thought I could compete," adding, "However, things did not go as well as expected, so I felt regretful."

Ultimately, he played in only eight games across 13 sets during the 2025–2026 season. It was one of the most frustrating periods since joining the professional league. From the off-season, he focused on transforming his body.

He lost a remarkable 8 kilograms. This was not merely about reducing weight; it was a deliberate choice to improve his movement and speed, which had long been identified as his weaknesses. Hong Sang-hyeok said, "After losing a significant amount of weight, my speed has improved, which was previously a disadvantage," adding, "I am pleased to see clear results during the training camp."

The path of rapid change was not smooth from the start. Hong Sang-hyeok said, "At first, I lost weight all at once and felt my body sagging, but as we continued training systematically with our trainers, it's now fine," adding, "Now that I've built a good physique, I need to show it through my performance."

The team is also checking its improved physical condition during this training camp in Japan. KB Insurance embarked on its first overseas training camp in 10 years, playing several practice matches against the Japanese professional team Sakai Blazers. Hong Sang-hyeok and Yoon Seo-jin were given significant playing time as they prepare for the new season.

Internal assessments also suggest that he is one of the team's outside hitters who has recently regained top form. Hong Sang-hyeok does not receive opportunities simply by chance. In the new season, while Im Sung-jin joined the military, Hwang Kyung-min returned after completing his service.

Na Gyeong-bok, who struggled with a knee injury last season, is also preparing for a comeback by losing weight. In addition, Tarusha Chames (registered name Cha Tu-sha), an Asia quota player, and Yoon Seo-jin, who has gained experience as a senior national team member, are joining the competition.

Interim manager Ha Hyun-yong also evaluates that despite Lim Sung-jin's departure, the overall competitiveness of the new season's outside hitter lineup has actually improved. For Hong Sang-hyeok, he must overcome more intense competition than last season.

Hong Sang-hyeok emphasized, "I am determined to secure a starting position this season," adding, "I have prepared early and my condition has improved significantly; I must maintain this level of performance until the opening game to receive many opportunities during the season."

For KB Insurance, Hong Sang-hyeok's resurgence is important. Although the team finished third in the regular season last year, it was eliminated early from the spring volleyball season after losing to Woori Card in the quarterfinals. In the new season, Andres Vigena, who had been responsible for the offense for four years, has left, and Im Sung-jin has also enlisted in the military.

Although new foreign player Linus Beber (registered name Beber) has joined, the roles of domestic attackers have also become significant. In particular, if Hong Sang-hyeok, who recorded 306 goals in a single season, regains his competitiveness, it will add another card to the arsenal available for acting head coach Ha Hyun-yong.

Hong Sang-hyeok, who has returned to the starting line with a lighter body and heightened confidence, is drawing attention as fans wonder whether he will be able to secure a regular spot this time.

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*This content was translated by AI.