Hyundai Capital announced its split from Choi Tae-woong (48) on Sept. 21. Choi, who led the team for nine years from 2015, was an "alpha" and "Omega" of Hyundai Capital's volleyball team. During his tenure, he led the team to win two championships at the championship game, and displayed a style of volleyball that is rare in Korea. However, sluggish performances continued in recent seasons, and he ended up leaving the team.

After Choi left, Hyundai Capital, which coach Jin Soon-ki took on as acting coach, made another leap forward. After winning both consecutive games against KEPCO, he also won the Woori Card match, the last game in 2023, ending the year with three consecutive wins.

Hyundai has not collapsed thanks to senior players. Senior players including captain Moon Sung-min, Park Sang-ha (38), Choi Min-ho (36), and Jeon Kwang-in (33) encouraged younger players. Notably, Moon held close talks with acting coach Jin Soon-ki and other coaching staff, setting the tone. Despite being the oldest player, he also served as captain from the third round. "I am communicating with senior players. I am hearing opinions from Moon Sung-min during team meetings," acting coach Jin said.

"The first day that Choi Tae-woong left was very sad," said Moon Sung-min, who cut his long hair short. "I was very sad because I spent a long time with him. But we had to play the game, so we tried to calm down somehow."

Moon Sung-min is a player who represents Hyundai Capital. He joined Hyundai Capital in 2008 and played for 15 years, sharing the glory and hardships. Recently, he took less time to step on the court. He played in only four games this season. Foreign player Ahmed Iqbairi (registered name Ahmed) was recruited as Apogit Spiker, Moon's flagship position, reducing the chances.

Moon, however, is preparing to participate in the game while silently waiting for his turn. In the game against Woori Card, Moon also played as a one-point server in all four sets and fired heavy cannonballs. There was no serve ace, but he scored eight consecutive times without making any mistakes. This is attributable to his constant physical care.

Acting President Jin Soon-ki said, "Moon Sung-min is in good condition recently. If Ahmed is not in good condition, I was going to put him in the position of Apogit spy." Moon Sung-min said, "I'm always in good physical condition. Since it wasn't a long time to get on the court, the coach told me to prepare the serve. I hit him confidently because the situation was not too burdensome and I was in good condition."

One of the hottest players in the V-League in recent years is Lim Sung-jin of Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO). With his good looks and skills, he is considered a star who will succeed Moon. "I think Moon Sung-min is the most handsome," Moon said with a smile when he heard Lim say, "I think it's Lim Sung-jin. Of course, I think it's Kim Myung-kwan in Cheonan, where Hyundai Capital is based."

Moon is the oldest wing striker (apogit outside heater). The time has come to think about the end. However, Moon has a consistent mindset. "All I can do is do my best on the field. As a senior, it is important to set an example to younger players," Moon said.

The volleyball community expected Hyundai Capital to rebound. This is because most of the runners-up from last season remain. Many predicted that if players who were elected to the national team regain their physical condition, they would continue to fight hard. In fact, they have increased their chances of advancing to the post season by continuing consecutive wins. Still ranking sixth (7 wins, 13 losses, 25 points), they are able to catch up with Korean Air (11 wins, 9 losses, 35 points), which is ranking third, by 10 points.

"There were some difficult situations that the players might have encountered for the first time. However, the players are uniting well. If we keep this momentum and do our best to the end, I think we will have hope for spring volleyball," Moon said.

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