Hyundai Construction, with Yang Hyo-jin gone: "We just keep going!" Newcomer SOOP: "A rebellion through humility"... Seven teams' banners issue uncompromising declarations of war [Media Day on the scene]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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The 2026-2027 season professional volleyball media day was held on the 7th at Hotel Riviera Cheongdam in Seoul Gangnam-gu.

Coaches and players from seven teams participated. Korea Expressway Corporation head coach Kim Young-rae, Kang So-hwi, Uchiseto Mami; Hyundai Construction head coach Kang Seong-hyung, Kim Da-in, Mega; GS Caltex head coach Lee Young-taek, Kwon Min-ji, Gizelle Silva; Heungkuk Life head coach Yoshihara Tomoko, Pyo Seung-ju, Kindelan; IBK Industrial Bank of Korea head coach Manabe Masayoshi, Yook Seo-young, Osanai Miwako; SOOP head coach Kim Se-jin, Go Ye-rim, Izushie; and Jeonggwanjang head coach Kwon Soon-chan, Yeom Hye-sun, Bukirich attended.

Koo Dan (CEO) players previewed their on-court performances for the new season, expressing firm resolve. First, Kwon Min-ji of "defending champions" GS Caltex stated her ambition: "I want to achieve similar results once again as a pillar of the team." Gizelle Silva displayed strong confidence, saying, "I will deliver definitive results on the court with my name and reputation on the line."

Kang So-hwi and Mami of Korea Expressway Corporation, consistently cited as strong championship contenders each season, also voiced in unison that "unified championship" is their top priority for this season.

Kim Da-in and Mega of Hyundai Construction, which unveiled a new slogan "Just keep going," agreed: "We will move forward steadily, looking only ahead without wavering, and play solidly as one team."

Pyo Seung-ju, who returned to her former team Heungkuk Life, also pledged, "I will do my best to reach the head coach's goal of seeing a beautiful view together from the highest place." Kindelan, stepping onto the V-League stage for the first time, also reaffirmed her resolve: "I will dedicate and devote everything I have."

Yook Seo-young and Osanai Miwako of IBK Industrial Bank of Korea also conveyed their firm determination to contribute as much as possible to the team's championship in the midst of a new challenge.

The declarations from players of SOOP, a newly established team facing its first season since founding, also drew attention. Go Ye-rim said, "I will lead the team in every match with the mindset of a fresh start." Izushie left a witty remark: "We will challenge other teams with a humble attitude, and hope that at the next media day, our head coach can sit further forward for the interview."

Yeom Hye-sun of Jeonggwanjang, who swallowed disappointment due to injury last season, previewed her revival by stating, "This year, I will shed the label of injury and become a great asset to the team from the start." Bukirich also conveyed expectations for the new season with a bright demeanor, saying, "I will win as many matches as possible and enjoy volleyball itself."

Through subsequent Q&A sessions, players revealed their inner thoughts and specific goals ahead of the new season. Kwon Min-ji, who scored the final point in last season's championship finals, showed strong responsibility as an ace by saying, "If the opportunity for the last point in the fifth set comes again this season, I want to take charge and finish it."

Kang So-hwi previewed a change in her attacking patterns by stating, "My attacking form is quite straightforward, so this season I will try many feint motions to deceive opposing blockers." Mami shared a special behind-the-scenes story: "I wanted to show my play in a great league where one can run freely to my younger cousin who started playing volleyball, which is why I challenged the Korean stage."

Kim Da-in, setter for Hyundai Construction, which faced a new phase due to the retirement of "national treasure-level center" Yang Hyo-jin, hinted at tactical changes. She revealed, "Previously, we mainly played volleyball utilizing middle blockers, but this season we will play aggressive volleyball by actively utilizing our side attackers."

Pyo Seung-ju, returning to the court with Heungkuk Life, stated, "My biggest desire was to stand on the court again," and pledged, "I will show improved performance in defense, such as receiving, compared to before."

Yook Seo-young of IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, selected as the youngest captain in V-League history, revealed solid leadership by saying, "When the team is in difficulty, I will take the lead and turn the atmosphere around." Asian quota player Osanai Miwako said, "The presence of Japanese coaching staff within the team greatly helps with psychological stability and adaptation."

Go Ye-rim of newcomer SOOP pointed out, "The bright atmosphere where players enjoy volleyball during training and matches is the most positive change for the team." Yeom Hye-sun of Jeonggwanjang promised a healthy season finish by stating, "Above all, it is important not to get injured again, and I will create good synergy with the new foreign players."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original