‘Just 38 Points Across Three Sets’: South Korea Men’s Volleyball Team Swept 0-3 by Japan... A Stark Gap in Ability Raises Concerns Ahead of the Asian Games

[Financial News] South Korea’s men’s national volleyball team failed to overcome longtime rival Japan and advance to the final of the 2026 Asian Championship. The gap in ability between the two teams was even wider than feared.
South Korea, ranked 24th in the world and coached by Issanayê Ramires, suffered a 0-3 (13-25, 11-25, 14-25) semifinal defeat to sixth-ranked Japan on the 12th at Kitakyushu City General Gymnasium in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
South Korea had advanced from the group stage in second place in Group C with a 2-1 record and seven points. It then defeated China 3-1 in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals for the first time in seven years, since 2019. South Korea had hoped to go one step further and reach the final for the first time in 13 years, since 2013, but it was no match for Japan, which has emerged as Asia’s strongest team and a global powerhouse.
South Korea was thoroughly outplayed in every aspect. It was dominated so completely that it failed to reach 15 points in a single set. Japan overwhelmed South Korea in both height and serving. South Korea trailed 6-8 in blocking points and was especially far behind in service aces, 2-10, causing its reception line to collapse completely.
The poor performances of the attackers South Korea had counted on were also costly. Heo Su-bong of Hyundai Capital and Lim Dong-hyeok of Korean Air, who were expected to lead South Korea’s attack, were stifled by Japan’s tight defense and blocking and managed just six and five points, respectively.
South Korea, left to rue the defeat, will play Australia, ranked 38th, in a crucial third-place playoff at 3:30 p.m. on the 13th. It must win the match to secure a berth in the 2027 FIVB Men’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Japan, which defeated Australia 3-1, will face Iran at 7:30 p.m. on the 13th for the championship trophy. Both teams have already secured World Cup berths, and a direct qualification ticket for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will be at stake in the final.


[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter