Dramatic Turn of Events in Korean Volleyball Leagues

What makes sports news more interesting than any other is the unpredictable nature of sport itself.

In this sense, professional volleyball in Korea, this winter, is guaranteed to provide fans with more surprises. In the men’s division, in contrast to the previous seasons when Samsung Fire and Hyundai Capital continued to make their semi final appearances, other teams were expected to give these two powerhouses a run for their money.

Experts predicted that in the 2007–2008 V Leagues, Korean Air and LIG, who have long been considered as underdogs, have garnered what it takes to fight toe to toe against the big guns, such as Samsung Fire or Hyundai Capital. This is all thanks to a newly furbished starting line up that boasts a tremendous pool of raw talent, both seasoned and new. The tide has turned and the once untouchable Samsung Fire and Hyundai Capital have been unsuccessful in garnering a new line up of superstars. In Samsung Fire’s case, their team’s backbone, Shin Jin-shik, among other key players, has hung up his jersey, while Hyundai Capital failed to draft a foreign player to complete their roster.

Even the truest of believers couldn’t have predicted the latest turn of events. The aging dynasty of Samsung Fire ousted Hyundai Capital and Korean Air, recording two straight wins. On December 4, against Korean Air, Samsung Fire lost the first set, but came back strong and won the following three in succession. KBS sportscaster Choi Cheon-shik said, “Korean Air had everything going their way, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Samsung Fire’s experience and teamwork. I’m really looking forward to Samsung Fire’s next match.”

Currently Samsung Fire has recorded two wins, while Hyundai Capital and LIG each have lost once, and Korean Air has one win and one loss. Experts predict that until the 7th round, the four teams will continue to experience a reversal in rankings, and that once Hyundai Capital drafts a foreign player, things will be shaken up even further.

In the women’s league, GS Caltex and Hongguk Life were expected to be the dominant teams to be reckoned with, but instead, KT&G, coming back from their worst season ever, dished out bitter defeats to both teams.

yjongk@donga.com