Busan, South Korea – The Cheongju KB Stars secured their sixth regular season championship in the Korean Women’s Basketball League (WKBL) on Sunday, March 30, 2026, with a decisive 94-69 victory over the Busan BNK Sum. The win marked a triumphant return to the top for KB, claiming the title for the first time since the 2023-2024 season.
The championship was mathematically sealed regardless of the outcome of Bucheon Hana Bank’s final game, thanks to KB’s superior head-to-head record against their closest competitor. KB finished the regular season with a 21-9 record, edging out Hana Bank (20-9). This victory underscores a season-long dominance fueled by the return of star center Park Ji-su and the stellar play of guards Kang I-seul and Heo Ye-eun.
Park Ji-su’s impact was immediately felt upon her return to the KB lineup. Despite battling early-season health challenges, including bouts of influenza and acute pyelonephritis, the 6’8” center showcased her unwavering commitment and her undeniable dominance. Her presence alone created significant defensive pressure for opposing teams, and her ability to control the paint proved pivotal throughout the season.
In 23 regular season games, Park Ji-su averaged 16.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, shooting an impressive 60% from the field. She secured her 19th and 20th Round MVP awards this season, extending her WKBL record for most Round MVP honors. Against BNK on Sunday, Park delivered a dominant double-double performance, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
However, KB’s success wasn’t solely reliant on Park’s individual brilliance. The dynamic duo of Kang I-seul and Heo Ye-eun provided consistent scoring and perimeter threats, stretching opposing defenses and creating opportunities for Park to operate inside. The team’s offensive flow dramatically improved with Park’s return, as she effectively drew double-teams, opening up passing lanes and creating scoring chances for her teammates.
Kang I-seul, the team captain, enjoyed a particularly strong season, averaging 15.5 points and leading the league with 69 three-pointers. Her shooting percentages also saw a significant boost compared to the previous season, when Park was absent due to overseas commitments. Heo Ye-eun, known for her playmaking abilities, contributed 11.6 points and a league-leading 6.7 assists per game, while also achieving a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 37.3%.
The impact of Park Ji-su extends beyond individual statistics. Her presence fundamentally alters KB’s offensive approach. Opposing defenses are forced to account for her dominance in the paint, leading to more open looks for perimeter shooters and creating opportunities for intelligent passing plays. This synergy was evident in Sunday’s victory, where KB’s ball movement and shooting efficiency were on full display.
Park Ji-su, who debuted with KB in 2016, previously achieved an unprecedented eight WKBL awards during the 2023-2024 season, including Regular Season MVP, Yoon Deok-ju Award, Best Five, Outstanding Defensive Player Award, and Block Shot Award. She is now a strong contender for her fourth MVP award this season.
With the regular season now complete, the focus shifts to the playoffs. KB will enter the postseason as the clear favorite, but they will face stiff competition from teams like Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank. The playoffs are scheduled to start in early April, with the championship series expected to take place later in the month. Fans can discover the full playoff schedule and updates on the official WKBL website.
The KB Stars’ championship run is a testament to the power of a complete team, anchored by a generational talent in Park Ji-su. Their success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring basketball players across South Korea and a reminder of the excitement and drama that the WKBL consistently delivers.
