School Violence Controversy Lee Jae-young, Joins Himeji in Japan "Reflecting Seriously"

[Financial News]  Lee Jae-young (28), a former national team women's volleyball player who left the domestic volleyball scene due to a school violence controversy, will wear the uniform again after 4 years through the Japanese women's professional volleyball SV League.
Japanese Himeji Volleyball Team announced on the 21st through their official SNS the recruitment of Lee Jae-young, stating, "We are pleased to welcome an outside hitter with world-class offensive and defensive skills." Himeji, part of the SV League Women's Division 1, is a team based in a city near Osaka and ranked 6th among 14 clubs last season.
It is known that Himeji directly assessed Lee Jae-young's performance in Korea earlier this year and pursued recruitment, planning an adaptation period at the beginning of the season considering the long hiatus. Lee Jae-young reportedly agreed to relatively low salary conditions among foreign players.
Lee Jae-young had to leave the Korean volleyball scene in 2021 due to a school violence controversy that emerged during her middle school years. She later entered the Greek league with her sister Lee Da-young but left due to a knee injury before completing the season. Attempts to return to the V-League were thwarted by public backlash, and she hinted at retirement through SNS for a while.
However, with the opportunity to make a comeback on the Japanese stage, Lee Jae-young is set to continue her volleyball career. Through the club, she expressed, "I have wanted to play in Japan since I was young," and "I deeply reflect on the past and am grateful to be able to stand on the court again." She added, "Volleyball was an irreplaceable existence for me. I will do my best for the team."
Lee Jae-young's debut match for Himeji in the 2025-2026 season opener is scheduled for October 10 against Osaka Marvelous.


jjw@fnnews.com Jung Ji-woo Reporter