"Kim Yeon-koung, I grew my dream watching you" From 18-year-old volleyball prospect to 15-year-old fencing hope... Kim Yeon-koung embraces 22 promising athletes across 11 sports

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'Bae Gu (황제)' Kim Yeon-koung (38) spent a special time with young athletes who grew their dreams watching her.

The KYK Foundation announced on the 16th that it held the '2026 KYK Youth Scholarship Recipients Meeting' in Seoul's Samseong-dong on the 12th.

The meeting was attended by Kim Yeon-koung Lee (President), foundation officials, 20 of the 22 total scholarship recipients, and athletes' families.

Established in 2024, the KYK Foundation provides scholarships and sports equipment to help youth and adolescent athletes focus on training and academics in a more stable environment. It also conducts checkups and treatment support through affiliated hospitals.

The scale of support has quickly expanded. Last year, nine volleyball players were selected as the first scholarship recipients. This year, the program expanded to include sports such as sport climbing, taekwondo, triathlon, fencing, swimming, and snowboarding, adding 13 more athletes across 11 sports. Currently, a total of 22 youth and adolescent athletes are receiving support from the foundation.

During this meeting, the athletes freely discussed their recent training lives, future goals, and what they hope for from the foundation.

Yang Da-young (18), a libero for Mokpo Girls' High School preparing for this year's V-League rookie draft, said, "I grew my dream watching Kim Yeon-koung Lee (President)." She added, "Knowing that there are people who not only provide financial support through the KYK Foundation but also cheer for and believe in me makes me train with a greater sense of responsibility."

She further stated, "Although it still feels unreal, I am both excited and nervous as we approach this year's V-League rookie draft. I want to face the draft without any regrets," expressing her determination.

For Kim Do-ha (15), a fencing epee prospect in his third year at Balan Middle School, equipment support itself is a great source of strength. Kim Do-ha said, "Recent global issues have caused significant price increases for equipment. Thanks to the foundation's support, I can focus solely on training." He added, "I feel a responsibility to work hard and grow into a proper athlete in return for their support. I will do my best with the goal of becoming an Olympic gold medalist."

The event also provided special memories for the athletes. A professional photographer personally took profile photos capturing each scholarship recipient's sport and individuality. This was an opportunity arranged not just for economic support, but to allow young athletes to concretely visualize their dreams.

Kim Yeon-koung Lee (President) said, "I watched the scholarship recipients selected by the foundation show good performances in various competitions this year and grow. This is the foundation's greatest achievement." She continued, "In the long term, I hope that today's scholarship recipients will grow into excellent athletes and create a virtuous cycle where they can help future juniors again. We will continue to be a foundation that provides consistent support."

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