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Kim Yeon Koung’s net worth is a topic of great interest as she has officially retired from volleyball. Are you wondering about her net worth? You are in the right place. We will look at her net worth, salary, and volleyball career highlights.
Kim Yeon-koung is a professional South Korean volleyball player born on February 26, 1988. She is known for her exceptional skills as an outside hitter; she served as the captain of the South Korean National Team.
In addition to her impressive volleyball career, Kim was also a member of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission.
She announced her retirement from the national team in August 2021 and officially retired from volleyball on June 8, 2024.
Kim Yeon Koung Early Life
Kim Yeon-koung was born on February 26, 1988, in Ansan, South Korea. Kim Yeon-koung began playing volleyball in the fourth grade, inspired by her older sister, a volleyball player. Kim was considering quitting volleyball in middle school due to her height, but a growth spurt of over 20 cm during high school solidified her path in the sport. During that period, she moved from setter and libero to the outside hitter position, drawing national attention for her performance.
Kim Yeon Koung Bio:
- Name: Kim Yeon-koung (Korean: 김연경)
- Nickname: Bread Unnie, Volleyball Empress/Emperor(배구여제/황제), Yaki, The God, Asian Gamova
- Date of birth: February 26, 1988
- Age: 36 years old
- Height: 1.92 m (6 feet 4 in)
- Weight: 73 kg
- Nationality: South Korean
- Position: Outside hitter
- Spike: 330 cm
- Block: 320 cm
- Net worth: $2 million
- Social media handle: Instagram
Career Highlights
Korean V-League (2005–2009)
Kim’s professional debut was with Heungkuk Life in 2005. In her first season, she swept awards including the ‘New Face Award’, ‘Regular Season MVP’, and ‘Best Scorer’. She continues to dominate, as Heungkuk Life won championships in 2005–06 and 2006–07, with Kim consistently being named MVP and top scorer.
Japanese Premier League (2009–2011)
In 2009, Kim joined J.T. Marvelous in Japan. She quickly became the league’s top scorer, leading her team to a 25-game winning streak. Her performance earned her the ‘Fighting Spirit Award’ and ‘Best 6’. She stayed with JT Marvelous for another season, winning the league and being named MVP.
Contract with Heungkuk Life (2012-2013)
After the 2012 Olympics, Kim’s career hit a snag with a contract dispute with Heungkuk Life. The conflict centered around her free agent status, which was ultimately resolved in Kim’s favor by the FIVB, allowing her to continue playing abroad.
Fenerbahçe (2011–2017)
Kim signed with Fenerbahçe in Turkey in 2011, marking her European debut. She led the team to a CEV Champions League title in her first season and was named MVP and top scorer of the tournament. Despite a difficult 2012–13 season due to injuries and contract disputes, she remained a top performer, leading in scores and attacks.
Chinese Super League and Return to Turkey (2017-2020)
Kim moved to Shanghai in the Chinese League for the 2017-18 season, where she won the Best Foreign Player Award. She then returned to Turkey, signing with Eczacıbaşı. As team captain, she led them to win the Turkish Cup and the Super Cup.
Return to the V-League (2021)
In 2021, Kim signed with Shanghai, China, for a brief stint before returning to South Korea, continuing to showcase her skill and leadership on the court.
Awards and achievements
Kim has an impressive list of awards:
- MVP and Best Scorer at the 2012 London Olympics: Set a record with 207 points, earning MVP despite South Korea finishing fourth.
- CEV Champions League MVP: The first Asian player to win this title.
- Multiple MVP titles in the Korean V-League and Japanese V. Premier League: She dominated the leagues she played in, consistently being the top scorer and MVP.
Endorsements and social media
Kim’s popularity extends beyond the court. She has numerous endorsements, leveraging her athletic achievements and strong public image. Kim also has a significant social media presence.
YouTube: Her channel “Bread Unnie” has over 1.23 million subscribers, where she shares her life and career insights.
Instagram: With over one million followers, she is one of the most followed volleyball players globally.
Kim Yeon Koung Net Worth
South Korean volleyball superstar Kim Yeon Koung has an estimated net worth of $2 million, according to 2024 recent estimates.
