After a year away from the national men’s volleyball team, Jeong Ji-seok (28, Korean Air – pictured) is eager to return.
Outside hitter Jeong Ji-seok is one of the V-League’s leading attackers, who was at the peak of his powers in the 2020-2021 season and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the men’s regular season in the professional volleyball league. However, he was at the center of controversy in September 2021, when he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend.카지노사이트
Although he reached a settlement with his accuser and received a suspended prosecution, the Korean Volleyball Association suspended him from the national team for one year in May last year, citing damage to national dignity.
After the suspension was lifted in May, Jeong was named to the national team that will compete in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup next month and the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to be selected, and I’m honored to be given this opportunity again,” said Jeong before the men’s national team’s open training session at Jincheon Athletic Village in Chungcheongbuk-do. “I hope to help men’s volleyball, which is in a downturn, to rebound.”
Returning to the national team, which has announced a “generation change,” Jeong is now a senior player.
Only three players on the national team are older than him: middle blocker Kim Kyu-min (33-Korean Air), libero Oh Jae-sung (31-Woori Card), and outside hitter Na Kyung-bok (29-military service).
Jeong, who previously competed in the 2018 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) as the youngest member of the national team, expressed his sympathy for the younger players.
“As a senior, I felt bad that younger players had to join a national team that was in a slump,” he said, “but I will overcome the pressure I have so that the juniors can experience international events like the Hangzhou Asian Games and the VNL.”
Jung also expressed his love for the Taeguk Mark. He said, “Originally, being a national team member felt heavy, but after making a mistake and coming back, I’m more careful and precious. I am grateful for the moment when I can play volleyball not only for the national team but also for my club team,” he said, adding, “Even if I can’t play the V-League due to injury, I will work hard and bring good results with the players.”