South Korean volleyball star Jung Ho-young has spoken candidly about her emotional departure from Daejeon Jung Kwan Jang Red Sparks after seven seasons, revealing she chose to embrace enthusiasm rather than dwell on fear as she embarked on a new chapter with Heungkuk Life Insurance Pink Spiders.
The 26-year-old middle blocker’s transfer to the Pink Spiders was confirmed in mid-April 2026, marking the end of her tenure with Red Sparks where she played from the 2019/20 season through 2025/26. Her move came amid the V League’s free agency period following the conclusion of the 2025-26 championship series.
In her first public comments since the transfer was announced, Jung addressed the mixed emotions of leaving a team that had become her professional home for nearly a decade. Rather than focusing on apprehension about the change, she emphasized her decision to approach the transition with positive energy.
“Daripada rasa takut, saya lebih memilih untuk membawa antusiasme,” Jung stated, translating to “Instead of fear, I chose to bring enthusiasm.” This mindset reflects her outlook as she joins a Pink Spiders team actively reshaping its roster during the 2026 free agency period.
The transfer represents one of the most significant moves in the women’s V League offseason. According to verified reports, Jung signed a three-year contract worth 540 million won (approximately $365,980), structured with 420 million won in base salary and 120 million won in performance incentives. This agreement constitutes the maximum allowable contract under V League regulations for free agents.
Jung’s departure ends a seven-year stint with Red Sparks during which she established herself as one of the league’s premier middle blockers. Her experience with the team spans from her early professional years through her development into a key contributor for the Daejeon-based franchise.
The timing of her move aligns with the V League’s free agency timeline, where the women’s league deadline for contracts was set for Tuesday following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season on April 5. Jung finalized her agreement with Heungkuk Life Insurance Pink Spiders on April 16, as confirmed by team-released photography showing her celebrating the new contract.
Her transfer contributes to what league officials describe as an active free agent market for the 2026-27 V League season. The women’s division features approximately 20 free agents this offseason, with teams strategically evaluating roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming campaign slated to commence in late October 2026.
For Jung, the move to the Pink Spiders represents both a professional challenge and an opportunity for growth. Having spent her entire professional career to date with Red Sparks, she now joins a Heungkuk Life Insurance franchise looking to bolster its middle blocking position as part of its offseason recruitment strategy.
The middle blocker position remains crucial in modern volleyball, requiring athletes to excel in both offensive blocking at the net and quick attacking options. Jung’s skill set in this specialized role made her a sought-after free agent, with multiple teams reportedly expressing interest before her decision to sign with Heungkuk Life Insurance.
As she prepares for her first season with the Pink Spiders, Jung’s emphasis on enthusiasm over fear suggests a forward-looking approach to this career transition. Her seven years with Red Sparks provided a foundation she now brings to a new team environment, where she aims to contribute immediately while continuing her professional development.
The V League’s 2026-27 season is scheduled to commence in late October, giving Jung and her new teammates several months to integrate and prepare through training camp and preseason activities. Fans will be able to evaluate her impact on the Pink Spiders’ middle blocking unit when regular season play begins.
For continued updates on Jung Ho-young’s transition to Heungkuk Life Insurance Pink Spiders and the latest V League developments, readers are encouraged to follow official league announcements and team communications.
