Former Coach Jo Hye-jung: "Kim Yeon-koung and Kim Su-ji's Absence? Lee Jae-young and Da-young Should Fill It After Reflection"

Lee Jae-young and Da-young (25), who were suspended indefinitely from competition due to controversy over school violence. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Online Issue Team] Former GS Caltex coach Jo Hye-jung expressed hope for the return of twins Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young (25), who were indefinitely banned from the national team due to school violence controversies.

Earlier, the two players were embroiled in school violence allegations following a post on an online community in February. They admitted to the facts and officially apologized.

On the 16th, former coach Jo appeared on Yonhap News TV and stated, "If I have a hope, it is that Lee Jae-young and Da-young reflect more, grow, mature, and join the national team to fill the gaps left by Kim Yeon-koung and Kim Su-ji, so that we can achieve good results at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games."

When asked about the strategy needed for the women's volleyball national team after the retirement of Kim Yeon-koung and Kim Su-ji, she replied, "I think we have to go through growing pains. 'How quickly we fill that gap' is the task for us in volleyball. From a team strength perspective, renewing the contract of head coach Stefano Lavarini should be the top priority." Kim Yeon-koung and Kim Su-ji announced their retirement from the national team after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Regarding the intense attention given to women's volleyball and leader Kim Yeon-koung at this Tokyo Olympics, she said, "I did not expect the public to support us so much," adding, "After the match, I sent a text to Kim Yeon-koung saying, 'I am so proud to have been a volleyball player. Thank you for letting us see a happy Olympics. Now, rest well.'"

The most memorable match for her was the quarterfinal against Turkey. She said, "We were very exhausted physically by the time we reached the quarterfinals. I did not think we would win," adding, "I was worried about losing focus, but they did so well that it remains memorable, and I want to applaud them."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young sisters are pursuing a transfer to the Greek league.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.