"Such a Beauty in Korea" "Looks Like a Movie Star"... Which Volleyball Player is Making Japan Buzz?
Japanese Media Highlights Lee Dahyun’s Performance Against Japan
Quick Attacks and Blocks Stand Out, Utilizing Her 185 cm Height
"Looks Like a Movie Star"... Striking Appearance Also in the Spotlight
South Korean Women's National Volleyball Team middle blocker Lee Dahyun (25, Heungkuk Life Insurance) made a strong impression during the Korea-Japan match, capturing the attention of local media and fans. Demonstrating her overwhelming height and outstanding offensive skills, she also became a hot topic thanks to her striking appearance. As her transfer to Japan's professional volleyball league approaches, Lee is garnering tremendous interest in Japan.
Lee Dahyun, South Korean Women's National Volleyball Team Player. Lee Dahyun Instagram
View original image'11 points, 2 blocks... Shining Presence Despite Defeat to Japan'
The Japanese outlet "The Answer" recently covered the South Korean women's volleyball team's match against Japan. According to the report, South Korea (ranked 26th in the world) lost to powerhouse Japan (ranked 6th) in the second Group C match of the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship group stage, held in Tianjin, China, on August 23, with a set score of 0-3 (31-33, 19-25, 20-25).
Although the team was defeated, Lee Dahyun, who started the match as middle blocker, was a clear standout. Standing 185cm tall, Lee intensified the team's momentum from the first set by blocking a powerful spike from Japan's leading attacker Yoshino Sato. She continued to shake the Japanese defense throughout the game, scoring a team-high 11 points (including 2 blocks) with quick attacks using her high reach and smart play.
"Movie Star Looks", "Korea's Strongest Wall"... Japan Enthralled
Immediately after the match, The Answer highlighted Lee Dahyun's performance and shed light on the local response. The outlet reported, "Lee Dahyun persistently tormented Japan with fast attacks and blocks utilizing her height," and added, "Set to play in Japan's SV League next season, she left a powerful impression on Japanese fans."
Lee Dahyun also received widespread praise on Japanese social media. Japanese fans commented, "She is truly beautiful," "She looks like an actress," "She was the tallest and most solid wall on the Korean team," "The competition for the middle blocker position will be even fiercer next season," and "I can't believe there's such a beautiful player in Korea," expressing their keen interest.
Loan Transfer to SV League's NEC Red Rockets... Challenging the Overseas Stage
Lee Dahyun, who joined Hyundai Engineering & Construction as the second overall pick in the first round of the 2019-2020 Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) rookie draft, established herself as the starting middle blocker for the national team from 2021. Ahead of the 2025-2026 season, she earned free agent status and transferred to Heungkuk Life Insurance, announcing her intention to challenge herself on the Japanese stage in pursuit of further growth.
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Heungkuk Life Insurance announced on June 30 that Lee Dahyun will move on a one-year loan to the prestigious NEC Red Rockets in the Japanese SV League for the 2026-2027 season. After experiencing Japan's advanced volleyball system for one season, Lee is scheduled to return to Heungkuk Life Insurance for the 2027-2028 season.
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