Lim Seong-jin (24) of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is nicknamed the "prince of Suwon." 

Lim Seong-jin (24) of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is nicknamed the "prince of Suwon." '

However, his popularity on social media shows that he is a "world star" beyond KEPCO's hometown of Suwon. Lim is a "volleyball idol" who has 1.137 million followers on Instagram.

Lim Sung-jin is an outside heater (left) in his fourth year of joining the team as the second choice overall in the first round of the 2020-21 rookie draft. He was selected as an early draft pick when he was a junior at Sungkyunkwan University.  

His popularity on and off the court is beyond imagination. Lim has as many Instagram followers as Lee Kang-in (1927,000 soccer players) and Kim Min-jae (1.34 million soccer players) who play for prestigious global soccer clubs. Lim has more followers than Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) and Kim Ha-sung (San Diego Padres), who play in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB), and 10 times more than his "basketball brothers" Heo Woong (KCC) and Heo Hoon (KT).

Im Sung-jin's popularity is spreading overseas. It is thanks to his good looks and physique that stands out more than models. Recently, fans from Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan also visit Suwon to see Im. When this reporter met him, Im said, "I thank all the people who came to Korea to cheer for me."

Comments on his SNS account are full of various languages. "I sometimes use a translator to check comments," Lim said, feeling embarrassed.

He has also been asked to cast him on "Solo Hell," a popular entertainment show on Netflix. He was offered to appear on "Solo Hell" series, which has been aired so far, but all of them turned down the offer. "I have no intention of appearing on the show. If I appear on the show because I'm such a boring character, I will fail," Lim said with a smile. 

Earlier, basketball player Lee Kwan-hee (Changwon LG) increased his Instagram followers from 25,000 to 800,000 after appearing in "Solo Hell 3." His popularity has led to a boom in basketball. The volleyball community also expects that Lim's appearance in an entertainment program will help boost his popularity in the V League. However, Lim drew the line, saying, "Solo Hell program is a concept in which male cast members compete to win women's hearts, but it doesn't really fit me."

Im Seong-jin is an introvert. KEPCO coach Kwon Young-min even encouraged him to do a ceremony with bigger moves. "I've heard a lot that we need to perform bigger in order to grow further. It's not easy, but I keep trying," Im said.

"My parents often told me that I should never be swayed by the outpouring of attention," said Lim Sung-jin, who was noted for his outstanding appearance from a young age. "Even if I do outdoor activities, I am careful not to interfere with my sports," Lim said. "If I had been recognized for my skills as a volleyball player, I would be able to appear in entertainment programs, but I am not at the stage yet. I am careful because I can get unappreciated attention for no reason." 

Lim Seong-jin said, "A senior I met at the national team said, 'By the end of this season, please have more than 1 million Instagram followers. Upload a lot of pictures as it helps increase your popularity,'" adding, "However, I am cautious because it is more known through SNS, not on a volleyball court."

His skills are improving as much as his popularity. Having scored a total of 67 points - 168 points - 306 points in his first season, he ranked 10th in the category of Korean players with 432 points in the 2023-24 season. He ranked fourth among Korean players. He was also named the MVP of the second round. Not only in offense but also in defense and fifth in digs, boosting his stock price. He also showed strong performance in big games in the 2022-23 post season. 

"I'm not satisfied. I want to keep improving and improving," Lim said. "I'm afraid if I'm satisfied, I'll become complacent. Last year, I had some difficulties at the end of the season as I had to join the national team. I realized that it was difficult to maintain consistent performance in long-term race for six months. I will prepare better for the 2024-25 season." Lim continued, "I really want to experience winning the league championship as a professional. My ultimate goal is to join forces with my seniors and juniors to compete in the Olympics."

BY: 토토사이트