"Thought She Was a Celebrity": Japanese Media Buzz Over Korea’s No. 12 in Women’s Volleyball

"Looks Like an Actress"
Lee Dahyeon's Skills and Appearance Capture Attention
Korean Women's Volleyball Falls to Japan and Thailand, Finishes Fourth

After consecutive losses to Japan and Thailand, the South Korean women's national volleyball team finished the Asian Games without a medal. Meanwhile, middle blocker Dahyun Lee (25, NEC) is receiving unexpected attention in Japan. Local media are focusing on her performance, highlighted by her height of 185cm, as well as her outstanding appearance.

Korea women's national volleyball team player Lee Dahyun. Lee Dahyun Instagram

On September 22, the Japanese media outlet 'The Answer' featured Dahyun Lee, stating, "South Korea's number 12, a middle blocker who is 185cm tall, is capturing attention." Another Japanese media outlet, 'Cocokara,' also covered Lee by introducing recent game scenes and everyday photos.

"Rooting for Japan, but I Like Dahyun Lee"... Japanese Netizens Go Wild

In fact, on Japanese social networking services (SNS), posts include comments such as, "She has an actress-like face and is truly beautiful," "I support the Japanese national team, but Dahyun Lee is a great player," "South Korea's number 12 stands out," "Number 12 from Korea is definitely cute," "She looks more like a celebrity than an athlete," and "I became a fan the moment I saw her."

It is not just her appearance that is attracting local attention. Born in 2001, Dahyun Lee is a middle blocker standing 185cm tall, who excels in blocking and quick attacks. She has been recognized for her skills, playing a key role in the South Korean national team.

South Korean women's national volleyball team player Dahyun Lee. Dahyun Lee Instagram

Influenced by her mother, Ryeo Yeonsu, a former volleyball player, Dahyun Lee began playing volleyball and was drafted by Hyundai Engineering & Construction Hillstate as the second overall pick in the first round of the 2019-20 rookie draft, making her professional debut. After developing at Hyundai Engineering & Construction, she also played for Heungkuk Life Insurance, establishing herself as a leading middle blocker in South Korea.

After earning free agent (FA) status ahead of the 2025-26 season, she expanded her career to Japan. She is currently playing for the NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki in the Japanese SV League, gaining international experience.

South Korea Loses Consecutively to Japan and Thailand, Finishes 4th

However, the results of the tournament for the South Korean women's national volleyball team, including Dahyun Lee, were disappointing. On September 21, South Korea lost to Japan in the women's volleyball semi-final held at Park Arena Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with a set score of 0-3 (20-25, 22-25, 16-25). Japan, ranked 6th in the world, advanced to the final after defeating South Korea, while South Korea was relegated to the bronze medal match.

The next day, South Korea lost to Thailand in the bronze medal match with another set score of 0-3 (20-25, 19-25, 23-25). Thailand, ranked 13th in the world at the time and the winner of the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship, proved to be another barrier that South Korea could not overcome, ultimately resulting in no medal for the team.

Initially, South Korea aimed to win an Asian Games medal for the first time in eight years since winning bronze at the 2018 Jakarta–Palembang Games. However, after consecutive defeats to Japan and Thailand, the team finished in fourth place.

This is only the third time in history that the South Korean women’s volleyball team has failed to win a medal at the Asian Games. Previously, the team finished fifth at the 1962 Jakarta Games, the 2006 Doha Games, and the 2022 Hangzhou Games, and this time ended the tournament in fourth place.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.