1. Overview
Lee Gyeong-su (이경수Lee Gyeong-suKorean, born April 27, 1979) is a prominent South Korean former professional volleyball player and current administrator. Standing at 78 in (197 cm) tall, with a weight of 205 lb (93 kg), he played as an outside hitter (left), demonstrating exceptional athleticism with a spike height of 134 in (340 cm) and a blocking height of 130 in (330 cm). Throughout his illustrious playing career, he was a key offensive force for the Uijeongbu KB Insurance Stars (formerly LG Fire and LIG Insurance), becoming a symbolic "one-club player." Lee Gyeong-su achieved significant milestones, including being the first player in Korean professional volleyball to reach 3,000 career attack points. After retiring due to injury, he transitioned into coaching and administrative roles, currently serving as the general manager for the Gwangju Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers women's volleyball team. His career, marked by both remarkable achievements and a notable scouting controversy, reflects a deep commitment to the sport and a lasting impact on South Korean volleyball.
2. Early Life and Education
Lee Gyeong-su was born on April 27, 1979. He completed his elementary education at Yuseong Elementary School, followed by Daejeon Jungang Middle School, and Daejeon Jungang High School. He then pursued higher education at Hanyang University, where he further developed his volleyball skills before embarking on his professional career.
3. Playing Career
Lee Gyeong-su enjoyed a comprehensive and impactful career as a professional volleyball player, marked by significant contributions to both the national team and various professional clubs.
3.1. National Team and Olympic Participation
Lee Gyeong-su was an integral member of the South Korean national volleyball team for an extended period, representing his country from 1997 to 2011. During this time, he participated in several major international competitions, including the men's tournament at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics, where he competed against the world's elite volleyball players.
3.2. Professional Club Career and Key Achievements
Throughout his professional career, Lee Gyeong-su remained with a single club lineage, starting with LG Fire, which later rebranded as LIG Insurance, and eventually became the Uijeongbu KB Insurance Stars. This dedication solidified his status as a "one-club player," a rare distinction in professional sports. He was a cornerstone of the team's offense for many years, notably leading the attack alongside fellow player Kim Yo-han for the Uijeongbu KB Insurance Stars.
His career was highlighted by several significant scoring milestones in the Korean professional volleyball:
- On January 27, 2009, in a match against the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos, he recorded his 2,000th professional career attack point, showcasing his consistent offensive prowess.
- On December 29, 2012, in a game against the Daejeon Samsung Bluefangs, Lee Gyeong-su made history by becoming the first player in Korean professional volleyball to achieve 3,000 career attack points, a testament to his longevity and scoring ability.
3.3. Retirement from Playing
Lee Gyeong-su's distinguished playing career came to an end ahead of the 2015-2016 season. His retirement was primarily prompted by a worsening back injury, which ultimately necessitated his stepping away from active competition despite his enduring passion for the sport.
4. Scouting Controversy
In 2001, Lee Gyeong-su was embroiled in a notable "scouting controversy." Before his graduation from Hanyang University, he controversially refused to participate in the professional draft and instead chose to join LG Fire directly. This decision sparked a significant dispute within the Korean volleyball community, leading to severe consequences for his team. As a direct result of the controversy, LG Fire was barred from participating in the 2002-2003 Superleague season.
During this period, the dispute largely kept him off the court, limiting his professional playing opportunities to only the 2002 Asian Games. The situation was eventually resolved through arbitration, and Lee Gyeong-su formally entered the professional league through the draft process, making his official debut in the 2003-2004 season. Additionally, having secured a military service exemption due to his gold medal achievement at the 2002 Asian Games, he was able to join his team shortly after the start of the season, following his basic military training. This period presented significant challenges, but Lee Gyeong-su ultimately navigated them to continue his career.
5. Post-Playing Career
After retiring as a player, Lee Gyeong-su transitioned into various coaching and administrative roles within the volleyball community. Initially, he served as a trainer for the South Korea men's national volleyball team. He then took on the role of head coach for the Mokpo National University volleyball team, where he guided collegiate athletes. Following his tenure at the university, he returned to the professional league as a coach for his former club, KB Insurance Stars.
In a pivotal career move, Lee Gyeong-su became part of the inaugural staff for the newly established women's professional team, the Gwangju Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers, joining as a founding coach. His leadership qualities were further recognized when he twice assumed the role of interim head coach for the team following the resignations of head coaches Kim Hyung-sil and Jo Trinzi. After Jang So-yeon was appointed as the third head coach, Lee Gyeong-su transitioned into a front office position, currently serving as the general manager for the Gwangju Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers, overseeing the team's administrative and strategic operations.
6. Major Awards and Honors
Lee Gyeong-su received numerous individual and team accolades throughout his distinguished playing career:
- 2001 Asian Volleyball Championship: Attack Award
- 2002 Busan Asian Games: Gold Medal
- 2005 Asian Volleyball Championship: Serve Award
- 2006 Doha Asian Games: Gold Medal
- 2012 KOVO Cup: Suwon Professional Volleyball Championship
7. Legacy and Impact
Lee Gyeong-su's career is widely regarded as significant in South Korean volleyball history. His long tenure as a "one-club player" for LG Fire, LIG Insurance, and KB Insurance Stars cemented his status as a symbol of loyalty and consistent performance in an era of increasing player movement. Despite facing the challenges of the 2001 scouting controversy early in his career, he demonstrated resilience and perseverance, overcoming obstacles to become a central figure in the V-League. His achievements, particularly being the first to reach 3,000 attack points in professional volleyball, highlight his exceptional skill and dedication. Beyond his playing days, his transition into coaching and administrative roles further underscores his enduring commitment to the sport, demonstrating a continuous effort to contribute to the growth and development of Korean volleyball from various capacities.