*This content was translated by AI.
KT Wiz high school graduate rookie Lee Kang-min (19) made a proper mistake from the first game of his professional debut.
Ahead of the opening game of the 026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 28th, Lee Kang-min said, "Jamsil Baseball Stadium is a baseball stadium that I have visited a lot when I was a child. It's a baseball stadium with a lot of memories, but it's so nice to run like this," he said with a bright smile.
Lee Kang-min, who was selected as the 16th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 KBO Rookie Draft after graduating from Yushin High School, was selected as the main shortstop early on. With soft defense and excellent double production ability reminiscent of manager Park Jin-man, KT became the first high school starting rookie in eight years since Kang Baek-ho in 2018.
I envied my friends who played the opening game at home, such as Oh Jae-won (19, Hanwha Eagles) and Shin Jae-in (19, NC Dinos). Lee Kang-min said, "I told (Oh) Jae-won and (Shin) Jae-in that it would be good for you to all be home." Then, Jae-in said, "If it's Seoul, it's not far, but it's not even close."
He continued, "I'm excited that what I've dreamed of is being accomplished one by one. I try to play the game with the mindset of challenging one by one while enjoying it as much as possible. I hope it will be a game where rookie Lee Kang-min can be known to KBO fans a little more," he said.
I succeeded. Even if I did well, I did so well. In the top of the first inning, Lee Kang-min hit a timely two-run hit against Yoni Chirinos, who had a major league career, for the first pitch from his first at-bat with one out and runners on first and second bases. KBO's best center fielder Park Hae-min chased him, but he was far away because he did not expect a long hit and eventually allowed a hit.
Lee Kang-min, who met with reporters after the game, said, "I thought I would like to have one hit within today, but I was lucky to be on my first at-bat and first hit. As soon as I got hit, I felt like a hit, but I wondered if Park Hae-min was running. Still, I was happy to fall out," he recalled.
After that, the hit streak continued. In the top of the third inning, he hit a left-handed hit next to the shortstop with two outs and a runner on first base. In the seventh inning, he also came out as a leadoff hitter and hit a midfielder to complete a three-hit game. Lee Kang-min's three hits are the second three hits in KBO history since Jang Sung-ho, a member of the Haitai Tigers, had three hits against the Ssangbangwool Raiders at Mudeung Stadium in Gwangju on April 13, 1996.
Coincidentally, a few minutes later, his friend Oh Jae-won reported a hit and became the third main character. In response, Lee Kang-min said, "I found out after the game, and I'm so honored," adding, "(Oh) Jae-won is a really close friend, so it's fun to say that it's a competitive structure." I want Jaewon to hit it (with Oh Jaewon's four-hit chance). If Jaewon is good, I'm good too. I'm rooting for you," he said with strength.
Behind the high school rookie, there were fans who desperately hoped for the young fielder prospect's debut in the first division. Lee Kang-min's official cheering song, which used balloons from popular songs in the past, rang loudly in Jamsilbeol, lifting the spirits of young rookies. The balloon sung by the band Five Fingers in 1986 was remade by boy group TVXQ in 2006 and became well known. The remake version is not familiar to Lee Kang-min, who was born in 2007.
Lee Kang-min said, "I think the coach highly appreciated the part where rookies do their own things without shaking. "I'm grateful for your continued praise and comments," he said. "The cheering song was very loud, but when I first heard the double, I was really thrilled. It's a song I've heard a few times when I was young, and I really appreciate your loud support," he said.
He said, "I'm glad I got off to a good start. Fans are also looking forward to it, but I'm trying to live up to that expectation. Please pay more attention," he said.
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*This content was translated by AI.
