South Korea stuns defending champion Vietnam to reach AVC Women's Cup finals

South Korea denied powerhouse Vietnam a shot at a fourth consecutive title, pulling off a 25-20, 25-19, 25-22 stunner during their semifinals clash in the 2026 AVC Women's Cup on Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The Koreans leaned heavily on veterans Lee Yelim, Na Hyunsoo, and Kang Sowhi as they ended Vietnam's three-year reign in the tournament and set up a finals duel against Chinese Taipei on Sunday.

Down 18-20 in the third set, Lee unleashed an attack before setter Dain Kim unloaded two service aces in a row as the Koreans turned the tides and regained a 21-20 lead.

Kim then set up Yelim in the next play before the latter shattered Nhu Anh Le's hands to send the world no. 31 South Korea to a crucial 23-21 lead. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, famously known as T4, committed an attack error that carried Korea to the match point at 24-21.

Yelim's service error allowed Vietnam to save one point, but another infraction from Tran Thi Thanh Thuy sealed the sweep victory for Korea, which has yet to drop a game in the tournament, having swept the group stage with a 5-0 record.

Yelim led Korea with 19 points built on 15 attacks, three aces, and one block while Hyunsoo and Sohwi chipped in 14 points each.

—JKC, GMA News