Star Volleyball Player Jeong Ho-young Joins Heungkuk Life Insurance

In a significant move for the Women's V-League, national team middle blocker Jeong Ho-young has officially signed with Heungkuk Life Insurance, marking the first major free agency deal of the season. The three-year contract, valued at 540 million won (approximately 420 million won in salary plus 120 million won in options), brings one of the league's most sought-after players to the team.

Heungkuk Life Insurance expressed strong confidence in Jeong's ability to bolster their squad. "Jeong Ho-young's recruitment will further strengthen our central power," the team stated, highlighting her height, mobility, and blocking prowess. The club anticipates that her presence will enable more diverse tactical combinations and elevate the team's overall performance, aiming for greater completeness in their play.

Jeong, who was the first overall pick in the 2019-2020 rookie draft, has been recognized for her high-hitting ability and stable blocking. This season, she recorded an average of 10.7 points per game and ranked fourth in blocks per set. Her inclusion in the national team roster further underscores her importance in the sport.

Reflecting on the move, Jeong conveyed her excitement about joining Heungkuk Life Insurance, expressing eagerness to adapt to her new environment and contribute to the team's success. Head coach Tomoko Yoshihara also lauded Jeong's attributes, emphasizing her height, speed, and blocking timing as key assets that will enhance both the team's stability in the middle and the speed of their offense.

This signing is particularly noteworthy given the compensation structure in the V-League. As a Class A free agent who earned 300 million won this season, Heungkuk Life Insurance will need to compensate her former team, KGC, with either 200% of her previous salary (600 million won) plus one unprotected player, or a transfer fee of 300% (900 million won). This transaction underscores Jeong's value and the competitive landscape of player acquisitions in South Korean professional volleyball.