PNVF Appoints Korean Exec for 2025 Volleyball Worlds

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has appointed Jeon Yongjun as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, which will be hosted by the Philippines from September 12 to 28.

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara personally handed Jeon’s appointment during an official visit to Seoul, citing his expertise in Korean marketing and promotional strategies as pivotal to the event’s success.

“We wish to create opportunities for South Korea in the world of volleyball,” said Suzara, who also serves as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Jeon’s appointment was recommended by Choongwon Su, chief development officer of NEOCOLORS P&A Inc., South Korea’s exclusive advertising agency and a major partner of the PNVF.

Suzara emphasized the influence of Korean pop culture on Filipino consumer behavior and highlighted the potential for Korean brands to capitalize on the South Korea National Team’s participation in the 32-nation tournament.

“Filipinos are excited to watch the South Korea National Team and will be equally excited to welcome Korean brands,” Suzara said. He also hinted at the possibility of featuring a globally renowned K-pop group during the tournament’s opening ceremony.

Aiming for a Record-Breaking Championship

The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship is set to become the biggest volleyball event in the country’s history. The LOC, co-chaired by William Vincent Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, is confident of surpassing the 2022 edition’s reach of 1.5 billion viewers globally.

“The world championship is a big opportunity for Asian and Korean companies to be known to billions of viewers around the world and to expand their businesses to the Philippines and Southeast Asia,” Suzara added.

Matches will take place at two premier venues, the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Teams and Pools

Host Philippines is in Pool A, alongside Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia. South Korea, drawn in Pool C, will face France, Argentina, and Finland. Titleholder Italy will compete in Pool F against Ukraine, Belgium, and Algeria.

Other pools include Poland, Netherlands, Qatar, and Romania in Pool B; the United States, Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia in Pool D; Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile in Pool E; Japan, Canada, Türkiye, and Libya in Pool G; and Brazil, Serbia, Czechia, and China in Pool H.