The memorable KYK Invitation 2024 volleyball event was hosted at the Jamsil Sports Complex Indoor Stadium, located in the district of Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 8th of June. The Korea Volleyball Association organized the event to celebrate the esteemed libero Kim Yeon-kyung’s retirement from her illustrious career with the national team.
Kim Yeon-kyung delivered a heartfelt speech during the post-match retirement ceremony, stating, “Despite my efforts to hold back tears, I became slightly overwhelmed with emotion. For a considerable period, I have had the privilege of playing volleyball donned in the national colors of Korea. It was a childhood aspiration of mine. Numerous memories are flooding back at this moment. I am profoundly grateful to everyone.”
Notably, the ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent South Korean figures such as entertainer Yoo Jae-suk, comedienne Song Eun-yi, producer Na Young-seok, writer Kim Dae-joo, and actor Lee Kwang-soo, all of whom were seen cheering for Kim Yeon-kyung.
Last month, Kim Yeon-kyung appeared on the SBS program “Whenever Possible,” where Yoo Jae-suk pledged to attend her final game. Recalling an earlier instance, Kim Yeon-kyung reminded Yoo Jae-suk, “You had said you would come see me play, but you ended up going to IU’s concert instead.” Yoo Jae-suk then explained the clash in schedules and accepted Kim Yeon-kyung’s invitation to her retirement match.
Yoo Jae-suk, honoring his commitment, together with Lee Kwang-soo, made an appearance at the stadium to partake in Kim Yeon-kyung’s retirement celebration. Both Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo previously collaborated with Kim Yeon-kyung in the Netflix 2022 entertainment show “Korea No.1”.
Adding to the list of celebrities in attendance were actresses Jung Ryeo-won and Park So-dam, who are both well-acquainted with Kim Yeon-kyung.
FAQ
- Where was Kim Yeon-kyung’s retirement ceremony held?
It was held at the Jamsil Sports Complex Indoor Stadium in Seoul. - Who are some of the celebrities that attended the event?
Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, Song Eun-yi, Na Young-seok, Kim Dae-joo, Jung Ryeo-won, and Park So-dam were among the attendees. - Did Kim Yeon-kyung cry during her retirement speech?
She admitted to getting emotional and shedding some tears during her speech. - Have Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo worked with Kim Yeon-kyung before?
Yes, they worked together on Netflix’s entertainment program “Korea No.1” in 2022.