CANDON, Ilocos Sur – South Korea ended Vietnam’s reign in ruthless fashion, sweeping the three-time defending champions in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-22, to barge into the final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup on Saturday night at the Candon City Arena.
The result marked a striking response from the South Koreans, who were relegated from the Volleyball Nations League last year and now find themselves in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup final against Chinese Taipei on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Ranked No. 33 in the world, South Korea extended its flawless run to six matches and remained unbeaten in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, as it handed No. 28 Vietnam, who lost to Kazakhstan in pool play yesterday, only its second loss across four campaigns in the continental tilt.
Lee Yelim came up big with 19 points on 15 attacks, three aces, and one block, while the pair of Na Hyun-Soo and team captain Kang So-Hwi registered 14 points apiece in the win.
“I heard that we won against Vietnam for the first time. I think it’s very meaningful for us. It became a very big motivation to win the game tomorrow,” said Lee, who also credited the Filipino crowd for energizing them.
“They’re very passionate in supporting us. Everybody is cheering loudly for us and I’m very thankful for that. I really want to give back with a win tomorrow. Thank you Filipinos and Filipinos,” she added.
The 28-year-old Lee scored off a block touch before Trần Thị Thanh Thúy’s attack sailed long, giving South Korea a 24-22 lead. Lee then misfired on the next rally, briefly handing Vietnam a lifeline.
But the match ended in a chaotic finish as Thi Thuy Dinh sent her attack wide, sealing a dramatic victory for South Korea in an anticlimactic close to a tense set.
South Korea controlled the statistical battle from start to finish, finishing with a 49-39 advantage in attacks, 8-6 in blocks, and 7-2 in aces against Vietnam.
On the other hand, Vietnam will head into the third-place series for the first time in the tournament against Kazakhstan, the same side that snapped their 23-game winning streak in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, which is co-presented by the FIVB, AVC, Volleyball World, and Candon City led by Mayor Eric Singson.
T4 paced the Vietnamese side with 17 points, while Thi Kim Thanh Dang had 10 markers.
