[Official] 'Kim Dong-yeop, Kook Hae-sung, Gong Min-gyu, Ji Ji-wan, Shim Jae-min failed' Ulsan Wales, including Bae Sang-kwon, Shin Jun-woo, Nam-ho, Park Min-seok, Cho Je-young, and Kim Do-gyu

*This content was translated by AI.

Ulsan Wales, which is about to enter the KBO Futures League in the 2026 season, has completed the selection of its founding members. Analysts say it is an unconventional selection that weighs on "current skills" and "body condition" rather than "name value."

On the afternoon of the 15th, Ulsan Wales confirmed the list of the final successful candidates for the tryout (which will be held on the 13th and 14th). Only 26 players were selected as the final successful candidate list, but the Ulsan club is known to have internally classified the list of players on hold. It has been reported as a list to continue tracking and management for unexpected situations. Additional tests will also be conducted as the roster can be set up for up to 35 people.

The biggest topic is the elimination of players who left a big mark on the first-team stage. Shim Jae-min, a left-hander from the Lotte Giants, Kim Dong-yeop with 92 home runs in the KBO League, switch heater Kook Hae-sung, a catcher from Lotte, and Gong Min-gyu from the Samsung Lions were unfortunately not listed on the list of successful candidates.

Instead, a large number of "talented players" such as Bae Sang-kwon and Shin Joon-woo (hereinafter Kiwoom Heroes) and Lotte pitcher Kim Do-kyu joined the team, while young players seeking to re-enter the professional stage took the opportunity. Pitchers such as pitcher Kim Do-kyu, who played for the Lotte Giants, left-hander Nam Ho from the LG Twins, and Jo Jae-young from the Doosan Bears have also been reinforced.

Infielder Park Min-seok, who was suddenly released from KT Wiz in December last year, was also notified of his acceptance. They suffered from being released by professionals, but a new opportunity called Ulsan Wales set the stage for their return to the KBO League.

In addition, two Japanese pitchers will also join Ulsan and Wales in the 2026 season. They are Jui Kobayashi (25) from the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks and Akita Okada (33), a right-hander from the Hiroshima Toyokaf. In particular, Okada is a player who has drawn great attention as he has even played for the Japanese national team.

Ulsan and Wales, which had 26 out of 230 applicants, recorded a high competition rate of more than 6 to 1. The club is scheduled to begin team training on February 1st for successful applicants. It will make its official debut to Ulsan citizens in the opening game of the 2026 KBO Futures League in March.

<Status of successful applicants>

- Infielders (7): Kim Soo-in, Choi Bo-sung, Oh Hyun-seok, Park Min-seok, Shin Joon-woo, Lee Min-seok, and Noh Kang-min.

- Outfield (4 players): Bae Sang-kwon, Kim Si-wan, Park Jae-yoon, and Han Chan-hee.

- Pitchers (13): Akitake Okada, Jooi Kobayashi, Kim Do-gyu, Jin Hyun-woo, Kim Jun-woo, Nam-ho, Min Seung-ki, Lee Sang-yeon, Jo Se-young, Seo Boseok, Lee Seung-geun, Park Tae-hyun, and Lee Seo-jin.

- Catchers (2): Min Sung-woo, Park Je-beom.

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*This content was translated by AI.