President Li Praises WBC's Noh Kyung-eun "Most of all, the reason why so many people were moved is because he..." [WBC]

*This content was translated by AI.

President Lee Jae-myung (62) delivered a message of encouragement to Noh Kyung-eun (42, SSG Landers), who showed the dignity of a veteran at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) competition.

President Lee said on his official social network service (SNS) on the 16th, "Thank you for your hard work Noh Kyung-eun player," adding, "In the Asian qualifying round for this WBC tournament, the scene of Noh Kyung-eun, a 42-year-old veteran pitcher of the national team, left a deep impression."

President Lee said, "Shortly after the starting pitcher went down the mound due to a sudden injury in the last match against Australia in the group qualifying round, Noh Kyung-eun rushed to take the mound and kept two scoreless innings, leading the team to a 7-2 victory."

"At the time, Korea's chances of advancing to the quarterfinals were less than 5%, and the pitch became a miraculous starting point for a reversal, and the national team eventually succeeded in advancing to the finals dramatically," he added.

"Most of all, the reason why many people were moved is that he is a veteran who has trained himself without giving up despite the age of 42," President Lee said with emphasis.

President Lee said, "Even in an era dominated by fast balls over 160 kilometers per hour, 150 kilometers per hour, he has done his role brilliantly with experience, moderation, and a long-established sense. This scene went beyond a simple match and felt like a message to 'don't give up because it's late,' he stressed.

He continued, "Since there are not a few people in our society who are frustrated for various reasons or are contemplating giving up, I believe that the constant challenges and great courage shown by the Noh Kyung-eun will inspire hope and determination for many people."

President Lee said, "The Republic of Korea is the only country that has achieved both industrialization and democratization among countries liberated from colonies. Korea, which is now on par with advanced countries, was possible because there are people who constantly learn, learn, and challenge themselves. It is a difficult situation at home and abroad, but we will not give up, we will move forward, we will overcome, and finally achieve," he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Korean national baseball team, led by head coach Ryu Ji-hyun, returned home via Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 16th. The Korean baseball team achieved the feat of advancing to the second round for the first time in 17 years since the 2009 WBC tournament. The national team made a good start by winning the first round 11-4 against the Czech Republic in this tournament. However, they lost the Korea-Japan match 6-8. He then lost 4-5 after an extra-inning battle with Taiwan, and the disaster of elimination from the first round for four consecutive tournaments seemed to be approaching.

However, the national team won the final match of the first round 7-2 against Australia, breaking through the miraculously slim probability of "more than five points, less than two runs." It was possible because of Noh Kyung-eun's good pitching in relief in a sudden situation. Although they suffered a cold game defeat in the seventh inning with 0-10 showing their difference in skills in the quarterfinals against the Dominican Republic, fans applauded generously.

Head coach Ryu also picked Noh Kyung-eun as the MVP. When asked to pick one MVP in particular in an interview after returning home, coach Ryu said, "If I had to pick one, it would be Noh Kyung-eun," adding, "The oldest Noh Kyung-eun has done so many things." He showed exemplary cases, ranging from bad things to results. As a coach, I was a very resonant player," he applauded.

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*This content was translated by AI.