TEAM COMPOSITION

Korea finished third in the Asia Volleyball Championship in 2007, 2009 and 2011 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 in 2010. The side showed much more promise in 2011 however, beating Cuba for the first time since 1984 and registering two wins over France, eventually finishing 13th. The side believe they gained valuable experience and were able to learn their weak points. This year's team has a balance of veteran and rookie players as they look to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Park Ki-Won was appointed coach of Korea in 2011. He 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.