Korean Men's Volleyball Team Returns to World Championship After 11 Years, Highlighted by FIVB for Strategic Shifts

The Korean Men's National Volleyball Team is returning to the FIVB World Championship stage after an 11-year absence, drawing international attention with a feature on the official website of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

On September 2, the FIVB published an article noting that Korea's entry in the upcoming World Championship marks its first appearance since 2014, and constitutes the team's 10th participation in the tournament’s history.

Although Korea failed to reach the semifinals at the 2023 Asian Championship, the team's position as 28th in the world rankings secured it one of the coveted spots in the expanded World Championship, which now includes 32 nations. Korea was among the last teams to qualify.

After missing opportunities to compete in the 2018 and 2022 editions, Korea has been assigned to Pool C for the upcoming tournament. The team will face a formidable schedule in Quezon City, Philippines, starting with France on the 14th, followed by Argentina on the 16th, and Finland on the 18th. Korea is aiming for a second-place finish in the group, which would grant them advancement to the round of 16.

The FIVB article highlighted Korea’s most successful World Championship run in 1978, when Ho-Cheol Kim—now head coach of IBK Altos—guided the team to the semifinals as a setter.

FIVB also acknowledged Korea’s consistent international presence, citing three Asian Games gold medals and four Asian Championship titles, and noting the team’s ongoing rivalry with leading Asian squads from Japan, Iran, and China.

Key team members identified by FIVB include Su-Bong Heo of Hyundai Capital and Woojin Lee, who will spend the 2024-2025 season with Vero Volley Monza in Italy.

The article observed that, unlike some teams reliant on height and power, Korea’s volleyball philosophy prioritizes rapid transitions, ball control, rhythm, and tactical precision—hallmarks of its evolving play under Head Coach Isanaye Ramirez, whose career was also profiled.

Meanwhile, the men’s national team convened at the Jincheon National Training Center on August 27 to officially begin preparations. From September 6 to 11, they will undergo overseas training in Tagaytay, Philippines, including a series of friendlies against Tunisia, another team competing in the World Championship.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News, FIVB