The South Korea under-17 (U-17) girls' volleyball national team has advanced to the 5th-6th place playoff at the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Championship.

Led by head coach Lee Seung-yeo, the national team secured a dominant 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-11) victory against Thailand in the 5th-8th place classification match held at the National Stadium Park Court in Santiago, Chile, on August 16, Korea time.

South Korea will play its final match for 5th place against Italy at 2:00 AM on August 17.

Previously, the national team advanced to the Round of 16 with a perfect 5-0 record in the group stage, and then reached the quarterfinals by defeating the Philippines.

However, they missed out on the semifinals after a narrow defeat to Türkiye in the quarterfinals.

Though failing to reach the final four, South Korea maintained its focus in the classification match and earned a comprehensive victory over Thailand.

South Korea shook up Thailand's defense from the first set with strong serves and diverse attacks.

Leading 21-17, South Korea widened the gap with a middle quick attack by Choi Min-ju (Gyeonghae Girls' Middle School) and consecutive points by Son Seo-yeon (Sunmyung Girls' High School).

Son Seo-yeon also successfully executed a skillful tip attack at 24-19.

Son Seo-yeon's strong performance continued to shine in the second set.

She drove a powerful spike into the opponent's court at 14-8 and delivered the closing attack at 24-15.

Having won the first two sets in a row, South Korea took control of the game by widening the score gap early in the third set.

Ultimately, they comfortably took the third set to complete a shutout victory.

Team ace Son Seo-yeon recorded a match-high 19 points, while Jang Su-in (Gyeongnam Girls' High School) added 14 points.

(Photo: Captured from FIVB website, Yonhap News)