Korean V-League Sets Attendance Record Without Star Players Megawati Hangestri and Kim Yeon-koung
The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) announced that the 2025-2026 V-League season recorded a record-breaking total attendance of 635,461 spectators across both men’s and women’s divisions, surpassing the previous season’s mark of 598,216. This achievement comes despite the absence of South Korean star Kim Yeon-koung, who retired after the 2024-2025 season, and Indonesian outside hitter Megawati Hangestri, who returned to Indonesia following her stint with Red Sparks.
According to KOVO’s official announcement reported on April 16, 2026, the record attendance was achieved through 266 matches played during the regular season and postseason. The average attendance per match reached 2,389 spectators, reflecting strong fan engagement throughout the league.
The men’s division contributed significantly to the growth, with a total attendance of 307,449 spectators—an increase of 19.6 percent compared to the previous season’s 257,159. This surge helped offset concerns about declining interest following the departures of two of the league’s most prominent international stars.
League officials had initially expressed worries that the retirement of Kim Yeon-koung, a legendary figure in Korean volleyball, and Megawati Hangestri’s decision to return to Indonesia would negatively impact attendance. However, the final figures demonstrate that the league’s popularity continued to grow, driven by emerging talent and sustained fan interest in domestic competitions.
The record-breaking attendance underscores the V-League’s resilience and ability to maintain momentum even during transitional periods. As the league looks ahead to future seasons, the strong performance in 2025-2026 provides a positive foundation for continued growth and engagement with volleyball fans across South Korea and beyond.
For ongoing updates on the V-League and other volleyball competitions, fans are encouraged to follow official KOVO announcements and trusted sports news sources.
