SEOUL: In a pivotal Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason elimination game, childhood fans turned star pitchers, Hwang Dong-jae of the Samsung Lions and Im Chan-kyu of the LG Twins, will face off on Thursday in Seoul. Both pitchers are not only competing to advance their teams to the Korean Series but are also fulfilling their lifelong dreams of playing for the teams they grew up supporting.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hwang Dong-jae, 22, is set to make his postseason debut for the Lions in a crucial Game 3 of the best-of-five series, with the Lions leading two games to none. The young pitcher was unexpectedly called to start after Samsung Lions’ manager Park Jin-man revised his pitching rotation, moving scheduled starter Lee Seung-hyun to the bullpen. Hwang, a native of Daegu, expressed readiness and focus on contributing to his team’s victory, emphasizing the importance of team success over personal statistics.
Hwang’s rapid rise from the minors to a key postseason role captures a significant
moment in his career, especially since he watched the Lions claim multiple titles as a youngster from the stands of Daegu Citizen Baseball Stadium. His performance this season has cemented his place in the team’s pitching lineup, showcasing his growth and determination since being drafted in 2019.
On the opposing side, 31-year-old Im Chan-kyu has already demonstrated his postseason prowess for the Twins, maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure. Im, who vividly remembers the Twins’ heartbreaking loss to the Lions in the 2002 Korean Series, has been a crucial player in this year’s postseason, earning the MVP title in the first-round series against the KT Wiz. With a 2-0 record and a 1.59 ERA in that series, Im has shown his capability to perform when stakes are high.
The upcoming game not only represents a personal achievement for both Hwang and Im but also carries significant weight for their teams. The Lions are eyeing their first KBO title in a decade, while the Twins are fighting to keep their repeat t
itle hopes alive. As both pitchers take the mound, their childhood affiliations and current responsibilities to their teams intersect, adding a poignant layer to the high-stakes matchup.