'Even when losing, there's no reason to give up' Hanwha Manager Kim Kyung-moon on video review controversy: "It's all the manager's fault" [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hanwha Eagles Manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) directly accepted criticism regarding the video review controversy the previous day (16th).

On the 17th, ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium, "It's all the manager's fault", Kim said.

Earlier on the 16th, during the Daejeon Samsung Lions game, with Hanwha trailing 1-6 in the bottom of the 9th inning with one out and no runners on base, Chae Eun-seong's hit fell in front of center fielder Kim Ji-chan. The initial call was out. The replay showed the ball appearing to hit the ground before entering Kim Ji-chan's glove. Chae Eun-seong requested a video review from the dugout.

Players in the dugout waited for the decision on the video review request, but ultimately did not proceed. The broadcast even captured players looking toward where Manager Kim Kyung-moon was standing. At that moment, Hanwha still had a video review remaining. Moreover, the decision came after pitchers Jung Woo-ju, Kim Jong-soo, and Jack Cushing had entered the game in succession, making it feel particularly regrettable.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon later revealed, "Of course, I asked the coach. Even when we're losing, how could the manager not ask in that situation? But the call was out".

He then added, "In fact, when the team keeps losing and falls into a negative situation, we shouldn't have created unnecessary controversy. The very fact that such talk arose is the manager's fault. There is no need to blame anyone. It is the manager's fault", bowing his head.

Meanwhile, the game scheduled for that day was canceled due to heavy rain. The retirement ceremony for Jung Hoon (39), which was also scheduled to take place before the game, was postponed. On the 18th, Lotte started Jeremy Wisler, while Hanwha announced Ryu Hyun-jin as the starting pitcher.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.