The South Korea women's national volleyball team is gearing up with renewed determination for the 2025 Korea Invitational, set to take place this August in Jinju. The team reunited on the 23rd at the Jincheon National Training Center and, under the direction of Head Coach Fernando Morales, has embarked on an intensive training program aimed at comprehensive preparation for the tournament.
After finishing last out of 18 teams and facing relegation in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League, the squad had returned to Korea on June 14 and was recalled for training just nine days later. This regrouping follows a disappointing international run, raising the stakes for the upcoming event.
Key roster changes have been made in light of player movements and injuries. With Kim Sae-bin, Kim Da-eun, and Lee Ju-ah shifting to the U-21 World Women's Championship team, Park Eun-jin of Jeong Kwan Jang has been added as Kim Sae-bin's replacement. Additionally, Park Eun-seo from Pepper Savings Bank joins the roster in place of the injured Jung Ji-yoon, bringing the squad to a total of 14 players.
Starting with Argentina on August 12, Korea will face a challenging schedule with matches against France (August 13), Sweden (August 15), Japan (August 16), and the Czech Republic (August 17). Powerhouses such as Japan and France are reportedly fielding their top-tier players, using the Korea Invitational as a crucial lead-in to the World Championship slated for September.
Amidst these challenges, the South Korean team is actively pushing for a generational shift, focusing on younger players and using this competition to test and hone their game strategies in real match conditions.
The Korea Invitational marks the team's final international competition for 2024, after which Coach Morales will undergo a performance review to determine the extension of his one-year contract.
Buoyed by the experience gained from facing world-class teams, Coach Morales and the rejuvenated squad are expected to intensify preparations for next year’s Asian Games.
Note: “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”
Photo=Yonhap News Agency
