"Because of that one point..." Shin Young-seok and Seo Jae-deuk wipe away tears; Korea Electric Power Corporation's veteran players fuel their determination for a "spring volleyball" run [On-site in Osan]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A "spring volleyball" berth slipped away by a mere one point. The bitter pain of that day awakened the desperation of the KEPCO VIXX veteran players.

KEPCO held a press conference at its club gymnasium in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, on the 12th to prepare for the 2026-27 season.

At the press conference, the regret over missing the postseason due to a last-minute setback against KB Insurance in the final regular-season match of the previous season stood out, along with the resolve of the senior players to make up for it. At the time, KEPCO lost 2-3 in sets and could have advanced to the playoffs had they secured just one point, but they collapsed with a 0-3 sweep.

Veteran libero Jung Min-soo candidly shared the shock of that day. "The final match last year was not just a single game; it was a decisive moment for whether we would advance or fall, so the pressure was immense," Jung said. "I think I was completely broken mentally at the time. I am determined to make sure this does not happen again and to definitely reach spring volleyball this season."

Shin Young-seok, the team's oldest player and a middle blocker, also carries the grudge of that one point in his heart. "I am the only player in my 40s on this team, but my heart still beats like it is in its 20s," Shin began. "Last year, I went through a very difficult time because of the memory of missing spring volleyball by just one point. If we can add that desperation for that one point, I believe KEPCO will definitely make it to spring volleyball this season."

Furthermore, the desire for KEPCO's first championship since its founding is burning hot, as the team has yet to reach the championship finals. In particular, the shoulders of outside hitter Seo Jae-deuk, a 16-year "one-club man," bear an even heavier burden. "As I get older, the pressure and sense of responsibility regarding results grow larger. I will show as much as possible on the court," Seo emphasized.

He continued, "I have not yet felt what it is like to be in that high place (the championship finals), but if we truly reach that spot, I think I can happily do whatever the fans want. That is how desperate I am," making a weighty promise of victory.

The veterans, united as one using their bitter failure as fertilizer. Attention turns to what fruit KEPCO's "last dance," armed with the desperation for "one point," will bear on the court in the new season.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original