[Official Announcement] Controversial Setter Involved in Domestic Violence and DUI Set to Return to Volleyball... OK Savings Bank Reclaims Him, Deciding to "Provide a Final Chance"

The controversial setter, who left the volleyball scene after causing significant public outcry, is returning.
It has been reported that the V-League men's team, OK Savings Bank, recently requested the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) to register setter Kwak Myung-woo as a player.
In 2024, Kwak Myung-woo was sentenced to 6 months in prison, 1 year of suspension of qualifications, and 1 year of probation for violating the Protection of Communications Secrets Act and causing injury in connection with allegations of assaulting his wife. The court also ordered him to complete a 40-hour domestic violence treatment program.
At the time, the OK club had reached an agreement for a trade to send setter Kwak Myung-woo to Hyundai Capital in exchange for middle blocker Cha Young-seok and a first-round pick in the 2024–2025 season rookie draft. However, an unprecedented situation occurred when the trade fell through after Kwak's legal proceedings were discovered late. Furthermore, during the fact-finding process, it was additionally confirmed that Kwak had previously been fined for violating the Road Traffic Act (DUI).
Consequently, the Korea Volleyball Federation held a disciplinary committee meeting and imposed a one-year suspension on Kwak Myung-woo. The OK club stated, "We take responsibility for our lack of supervision regarding actions that betrayed the expectations and trust of our fans," and the matter was settled by withholding Kwak's remaining salary of approximately 40 million KRW and using those funds for the development of volleyball in the local community.
Kwak Myung-woo's one-year suspension has now expired in 2025. Under the current regulations, there are no issues with his return to the court, and after long deliberation, OK Savings Bank has decided to take Kwak Myung-woo back to strengthen their setter position.
On the evening of the 10th, OK Savings Bank released a press release stating, "First, we bow our heads and deeply apologize to volleyball fans, KOVO officials, and everyone who loves Korean volleyball for the disappointment and concern caused by player Kwak Myung-woo's past misconduct and the subsequent concealment process. Our club also feels a profound sense of responsibility for our shortcomings in player management and in preventing such unfortunate incidents."
The club further explained, "Player Kwak Myung-woo has faithfully fulfilled all legal procedures during this time, and throughout a period of voluntary termination lasting over two years, he has reflected deeply on his mistakes and spent time in self-reflection. Furthermore, he has conveyed a strong determination to the club to serve society through volleyball alone as an athlete to atone for the controversy he caused."
OK Savings Bank announced, "After long discussions and deliberation, we decided that permanent expulsion is not the only answer. Instead, we have decided to provide a 'final chance' for Kwak Myung-woo, who has dedicated his entire life to volleyball, to repent to society based on thorough self-reflection and remorse."
However, his return is subject to strict preconditions. Kwak's annual salary will be set at the league minimum of 40 million KRW, and a clause has been included stating that his player status will be immediately revoked and his contract terminated if any further controversies, such as a violation of the duty to maintain dignity, occur in the future.
OK Savings Bank concluded its statement by saying, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, we will completely overhaul our player ethics training and risk management systems from the ground up, and we intend to lead and manage our players under even stricter moral standards. Once again, we sincerely apologize to the volleyball fans who love Korean volleyball and our OK Woori Bank Pro Volleyball Team for causing concern, and we ask for your deep understanding."

[Official Announcement] Controversial Setter Involved in Domestic Violence and DUI Set to Return to Volleyball... OK Savings Bank Reclaims Him, Deciding to "Provide a Final Chance"
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