*This content was translated by AI.
Kim Kwang-hyun (38, SSG Landers), who played through shoulder pain last season, suddenly found himself on the operating table as he approached his 40s. While showing a satisfactory recovery pace, he could not hide his guilt toward his teammates and conveyed his feelings with a special gift.
On the 24th, Kim Kwang-hyun sent a food truck and a coffee truck to Incheon SSG Landers Field, where the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against KT Wiz was held.
Kim Kwang-hyun successfully completed about a month of rehabilitation in Japan after undergoing shoulder surgery on March 27 and returned to Korea, immediately preparing this gift for the team upon his return.
A food truck was prepared to provide the SSG team with a hearty meal before training began, and a coffee truck was also gifted as part of the present. Kim Kwang-hyun personally selected all the menu items to add special meaning. He prepared a variety of foods and drinks, including the team's favorite, bulcho-sashimi (spicy beef sushi).
Kim Kwang-hyun said, "I feel most guilty that I couldn't sweat on the field with my teammates this season. Although I am away, I wanted to let them know that I am always cheering for our team from afar. I hope they eat well and gain strength. I will also quietly do my part to prepare for the day I return to the mound in good health," expressing his gratitude.
Oh Tae-gon, who took over the captain's armband in Kim Kwang-hyun's absence, said, "Thanks to Senior Kim Kwang-hyun's surprise gift, the mood of the team has become really bright even before training. Since he always thinks of us first, even from afar, the players will unite as one and show even better performance," conveying his appreciation.
Position player Park Seong-han also said, "I was already craving sushi, but I couldn't eat it due to the continuous road games. So, I enjoyed it very deliciously today and was able to start the day in a good mood. With Senior Kim's encouragement, I will continue to show good games." Park then hit a double in the first inning against the Bank of Korea, extending his record for consecutive hits after the opening to 22 games.
Speaking with reporters, Kim Kwang-hyun smiled, saying, "They say the surgery went well both in Japan and here in Korea today. The recovery is worryingly good. Some players have pain for up to six weeks after surgery, and there is usually pain for about four weeks, but my range of motion is better than other players, and I have less pain. They saw the video here in Korea and said the surgery was done very well."
Although he had many concerns about the surgery itself, Kim Kwang-hyun said, "It was a surgery to cut off overgrown bone. I am not a doctor and don't know much medically, but when I saw the video, I could see the bone had grown. Once it was shaved down, I felt relieved. I think it won't hurt even if I throw now. I feel light-hearted."
At an age where retirement would not be strange, he could not help but worry about spending more time recovering through surgery. "The Japanese medical staff also said that because of my age, recovery might be slower than others. There are many young amateur players, and while surgery recovery can be slow, my current condition is actually better than theirs. They told me not to worry. However, they said it's better to go slowly and that those players are aiming for five months, so I should think beyond that. I plan to build my body so that if anything feels even slightly off, I can rest and return fully," he revealed his plan.
His current physical condition is too good. Kim Kwang-hyun said, "It's a perfect 100 out of 100. It's too good. I think the moment I throw the ball will be the most nerve-wracking. As I go through the rehabilitation stages, I think the catch-and-throw session will be the most nerve-wracking. It will feel like the moment I went out in the 13th inning of Game 6 of the Korean Series. I feel both excited and worried."
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*This content was translated by AI.
