[Anchor]

The South Korean men's volleyball team, which had fallen behind on the global stage for some time, is making a comeback. Showcasing a younger and faster style of play, the team secured a come-from-behind victory in a friendly match against Brazil, lighting a green light for their prospects at the Asian Games this September.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

The South Korean men's volleyball team had been on a downward spiral since the 2010s due to declining international competitiveness.

Having failed to reach the VNL stage since 2018, the team finished a dismal seventh at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago, suffering the humiliation of returning home without a medal for the first time in 57 years since 1966.

Embarking on a structural overhaul following the appointment of coach Isanaye Ramirez in 2024, the men's national team has taken steps forward by implementing a generational shift and adopting fast, diverse attacking combinations suited for modern global volleyball.

Having proven their potential by finishing as runners-up at the AVC Cup last May, the national team kicked off a series of friendly matches today (July 22) against world number 7 Brazil's under-23 national team, displaying a performance completely different from the past.

The team reduced predictable open attacks, with all players moving swiftly to unleash various quick attacks and time-difference attacks to shake up the opponent's defense.

As the setters evaded opposing blocks with a beat-faster toss, the spike success rates of hitters, including main weapon Shin Ho-jin, increased, while Jung Han-yong boosted momentum by landing consecutive powerful service aces.

As the national team completed a 3-1 comeback victory, Jecheon Gymnasium erupted with enthusiasm.

[Isanaye Ramirez / Men's National Volleyball Team Coach: As you can see, the players are now committed to change. We are well-preparing for the Asian Championship and the Asian Games in September. I will dedicate my life to winning a medal at the Asian Games.]

Displaying vastly improved skills, the younger and faster men's national team has lit a green light for restoring its pride at the Asian Games this September.

(Video Reporter: Hwang In-seok, Video Editor: Park Gi-deok)