Women's Volleyball Defeats Tough Vietnam, Secures Top Spot in Group and Advances to Quarterfinals

Advanced to Quarterfinals with Three Consecutive Wins at the Asian Games
Avoiding China in the Bracket

The South Korean women's volleyball team secured first place in their group and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Asian Games after achieving three consecutive wins in the preliminary round, including a victory over strong opponent Vietnam (ranked 32nd).

On the 18th, at Park Arena Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, the third match of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games women's volleyball Group D between South Korea and Vietnam took place. The victorious South Korean players are celebrating. Photo by Yonhap News

Under the leadership of head coach Cha Sanghyun, the team defeated Vietnam in the Group D preliminary round match held at Park Arena Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on September 18 with a set score of 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 26-28, 25-18).

Following shutout victories against Hong Kong (ranked 127th) and Qatar (ranked 107th) with set scores of 3-0, South Korea also beat Vietnam, earning a total of 9 points from 3 wins and taking first place in Group D. As a result, South Korea will play Kazakhstan (ranked 42nd), who finished second in Group B, in the quarterfinals.

The team claimed the first set thanks to setter Kim Dain’s performance. In a closely contested set, South Korea allowed Vietnam to overtake them after conceding consecutive points at 18-17. At 19-20, a failed reception on the opponent's serve widened the gap to two points, putting South Korea in a tough spot.

However, at 20-21, Kim Dain delivered two consecutive short service aces, causing a comeback. Then, at 22-21, her powerful serve forced Vietnam into a fault.

At 23-21, Kim Dain successfully dug a strong spike from the opposing team, which led to an attacking error by Vietnam.

In the second set, South Korea saw their 16-12 lead dwindle after conceding three straight points, allowing Vietnam to close the gap to just one point. An error at 19-18 resulted in a tie. However, Kim Dain once again saved the team in the clutch moments of the second set with her sharp serves.

Vietnam took the third set after a deuce battle, but in the fourth set, ace Kang Sohwi shone. Kang scored 8 points in the fourth set alone, including quick attacks and blocks, securing victory for South Korea.

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