As the free agent negotiations broke down, Kim Yeon-koung, known as the 'queen of volleyball,' took a jab at the retirement situation of Pyo Seung-ju.
On the night of the 24th, Kim Yeon-koung expressed her thoughts on Pyo Seung-ju's retirement situation through her personal social media account. She said, “If the environment had been a little better, I could have played volleyball more, but I feel a lot of regret. I hope that more systems for players will be established,” taking a jab at the volleyball world with deep regret.
Pyo Seung-ju, who was called the top free agent, suddenly announced her retirement from her playing career through her personal social media on the 24th.
Pyo Seung-ju began by saying, “After contemplating how to express this, I am leaving this message.” She stated, “Now I plan to end my 15-year professional player career. Though my playing career hasn’t been very glamorous, I worked harder than anyone else to show a proud appearance to all the fans and supporters.”
According to the 2025 Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) distribution of the women's free agent contract results announced on the evening of the 24th, Group A free agent Pyo Seung-ju was unable to find a team by the 6 p.m. deadline on the 24th. Her negotiations with her former team broke down, and there were no clear offers from other clubs. Pyo Seung-ju remained the only unsigned player among the 14 free agents, rendering her unable to step onto the court for the 2025-2026 season.
Pyo Seung-ju conveyed her retirement background by saying, “There were no precise offers from other teams, and I could not find a point of agreement with my former team (Jeonggwanjang). After deep consideration, I have made this decision.”
Pyo Seung-ju graduated from Hanil Jeonsan High School and was selected first overall by Korea Expressway Corporation in the 2010-2011 V-League women's rookie draft. She then spent 15 seasons (424 matches, 1482 sets) with GS Caltex, IBK Industrial Bank, and Jeonggwanjang. She also played as a national team attacker and led Jeonggwanjang to the championship finals in the 2024-2025 season but suddenly announced her retirement, shocking the volleyball community.
Pyo Seung-ju reflected, “There were many tough moments during my playing career, but thanks to my loving family, husband, and my favorite sisters, friends, and younger siblings, I was able to overcome it all.” She added, “This season, I was the most eager to advance to the championship finals for the first time and fought passionately without regrets. I believe that moment was truly the happiest time as a player. I sincerely thank the fans who were there with me during that moment and everyone who supported me.”
She continued, “Regardless of whether I did well or not, the support and affection you all showed me were overwhelming. I wondered if I deserved all this love, and it became a great strength and comfort for me. I am truly grateful, and whenever I face difficulties in the future, I will remember this. So, I hope you will warmly watch over me as I live outside the court. Thank you sincerely for everything.”
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