South Korean volleyball legend Kim Yeon-koung opened up about her past attempt to run a sports academy bearing her name, confessing that it ultimately ended in failure.
On February 9, the YouTube channel “Sister Bread Kim Yeon-koung” featured former short track speed skater Park Seung-hee and curler Kim Eun-jung, who shared updates on their lives after retirement.
Park Seung-hee revealed, “After retiring, I got married and had a child. Now I balance business and commentary as a working mom.” Specifically, she launched a kids’ brand after giving birth, producing children’s clothing and related products, adding, “I’m having a great time with it.”
Kim Eun-jung said she continues to play as an active athlete for the Gangneung City Hall team, stating, “During the week, I train, and on weekends, I go home to spend time with my child.”
Listening to the conversation, Kim Yeon-koung praised Park Seung-hee’s entrepreneurial spirit despite previous difficulties, saying, “It’s amazing that she’s trying again after facing challenges in business.” She then confessed that she herself had once operated a “Kim Yeon-koung Sports Academy.” “I went through a really tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that’s when I decided, ‘I should never do business again,'” she admitted.
Park Seung-hee explained her motivation for venturing into business: “I wanted to show that former athletes can also pursue various careers after retirement.” Turning to Kim Yeon-koung, she referenced the volleyball star’s broadcasting work and achievements, adding, “I want to emulate that. I hope younger athletes realize there are many options after retirement.”
Kim Yeon-koung playfully replied, “Should I step it up so you can follow my lead? Maybe I should do more broadcasting?”
