In a return to the court after being retired at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season, 'volleyball queen' Kim Yeon-koung played in front of fans alongside global stars.

The 'KYK Invitational 2025' took place on the 17th at Incheon Samsan World Gymnasium. The event spans two days, held on the 17th and 18th. On the 17th, the World All-Stars faced off against the Korean women's volleyball team, with the World All-Star team winning 80-59.

The match was conducted in a best-of-four sets format, with the team that first scores 80 points, achieving 20 points per set, winning the game.

Kim Yeon-koung participated as an outside hitter for the World All-Star team. She joined forces with global stars such as Natalya Goncharova (Russia), Natalia Pereira (Brazil), Pleumjit Thinkaow (Thailand), Marit Grosse, Laura Dijkema (Netherlands), Eda Erdem, Melihah Diken (Turkey), Jordan Larson, Kelsey Robinson, and Chiaka Ogubogu (United States).

The World All-Star team was led by Marcelo Abondanza, former head coach of Heungkuk Life Insurance.

The Korean women's national team, led by head coach Fernando Morales, featured stars from the V-League including Kang So-hwi, Yook Seo-young, Lee Joo-ah (GS Caltex), Jung Yoon-joo, Jung Ji-yoon, Kim Se-bin, Lee Da-hyun, Jung Ho-young, Moon Ji-yoon, Lee Sun-woo, Kim Da-in, Park Sa-rang, Kim Da-eun, Han Da-hye, and Han Su-jin.

Even before the game started, many fans cheered for Kim Yeon-koung's appearance. During the player introductions, fans welcomed her even more enthusiastically. After the game started, each time Kim Yeon-koung hit the ball, the fans erupted in cheers. Not only did they watch Kim Yeon-koung, but they also followed the plays of both the Korean national team and the World All-Stars.

The World All-Stars quickly scored 20 points, moving on to the second set. Following the end of the first set, there was a congratulatory performance by singer Kyu-bin.

After two songs from Kyu-bin, the second set began. For the Korean team, Lee Da-hyun and Jung Yoon-joo (both of Heungkuk Life Insurance) stood out with their play. Middle blocker Lee Da-hyun, who will play at Heungkuk Life Insurance starting next season as a free agent, showcased sharp movements against the World All-Stars in the center.

However, the World All-Stars also finished the second set first, scoring 40 points. After the second set, singer Hyolyn held a congratulatory performance. Hyolyn, who shares a friendship with Kim Yeon-koung, sang, saying, "I will support Kim Yeon-koung for a long time." After the song ended, Kim Yeon-koung approached to express her gratitude.

After Hyolyn's performance, the third set began. At 50-33, there was a technical timeout. At this time, a cheerleader performance illuminated the 'KYK Invitational 2025.'

'World-class' Kim Yeon-koung's presence raised the level of the World All-Stars. The third set also ended with the World All-Stars reaching 60 points first, leading to the start of the final fourth set.

With a strong attack from Lee Sun-woo, Korea scored first. However, there was a service error from Kim Da-eun. Korea finished the match, realizing the high wall of the World All-Stars.

On the 18th, the World All-Star team will split into two teams for a match. Kim Yeon-koung will serve as both a player and coach for the Star Team, facing off against Coach Abondanza of the World Team.

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