Professional volleyball club Korea Expressway Corporation has appointed acting head coach Kim Young-lae as its permanent manager.

Korea Expressway Corporation announced on the 29th, ahead of the opening of the 2026–2027 V-League professional volleyball season, that it has finalized the promotion of acting head coach Kim Young-lae to permanent manager.

The club explained the background of the appointment, stating, "Manager Kim, a former setter, has led the team based on his ability to read the flow of the game and his meticulous game management." The club added, "In particular, he demonstrated outstanding leadership by quickly reorganizing the team, leading them to the finals in the recent cup competition."

Manager Kim stated, "I sincerely thank the club for trusting and giving me this opportunity, as well as the citizens of Gimcheon and our fans who continue to send unwavering support." He added, "I will do my best to balance the entire team and reach the top of the V-League this season based on our reinforced strength."

In March, Expressway Corporation dismissed former manager Kim Jong-min, who had led the team to first place in the regular league, and appointed Kim Young-lae, who was then the head coach, as acting manager.

Having dismissed the helm just before the championship series, Expressway Corporation lost the championship after suffering three consecutive defeats to GS 칼텍스.

Since then, Expressway Corporation had shown no movement regarding the appointment of a manager, but finalized the position through an internal promotion two days before the opening of the new season.

Expressway Corporation will play its V-League women's opening match against GS 칼텍스, whom they met in last year's championship series, at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul on the 31st.

(Photo: Yonhap News)