Korea finished third in the Asia Volleyball Championship in 2007 and 2009 and 11th at the 2007 World Cup. In the World League, Korea placed 10th in 2006, ninth in 2007, 13th in 2008, 14th in 2009 and 16th last year, a particularly disappointing result as they lost 12 matches. However, the side believe they gained valuable experience and were able to learn their weak points. Despite the results, the team survived the crisis and qualified for 2011 World League. After finishing sixth at the second AVC Men's Cup in August, the team challenged for a third gold medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, following successes in 2002 and 2006. But their dreams of gold were shattered in the semifinals when key player Suk Jin-Wook injured his knee. This year's team has a balance of veteran and rookie players. Among the former, setter Han Sun-Soo, center blocker Lee Sun-Kyu and libero Yeo Oh-Hyun are still at the top of their game, while rookies Kim Jung-Hwan and Kwak Seung-Suk were impressive during the 2010-2011 V-League season. New, taller players have also been selected at setter and center block. 

Park Ki-Won was appointed coach of Korea earlier this year. Park played for Korea from 1972-1978, helping them to a fourth-place finish at the 1978 World Championship and gold at the 1978 Asian Games. After retiring as a player, Park spent nearly 20 years as a coach in Italy. He led Perugia Sirio to the women's championship in 1987 and Forli Volley to the men's second league title in 1990. In 2002, he coached the Iran men's team to silver at the Asian Games. In 2003, the team beat Japan for the first time in its history and finished third at the Asian Championship in China. In 2007, he returned to Korea and became coach of LIG Insurance men's volleyball team.