Coach Kim Hyun-wook, who revived Hyun Do-hoon who had been frustrated in the third division, said, "Let's start over from the beginning."

*This content was translated by AI.

"He was the one who held me up during those truly difficult times."

Lotte Giants right-handed pitcher Hyun Do-hoon (33) credited coach Kim Hyun-wook (56) for his emotional first victory in his ninth year as a professional.

On the 28th, with the score tied 2-2, Hyun Do-hoon entered in the sixth inning and pitched two innings, allowing only one walk without giving up any runs, earning the win. This marks his first victory in nine years since joining the Doosan Bears as a development player for the 2018 season. It was his 21st appearance on the first division stage.

After securing the victory, the name that came to Hyun Do-hoon's mind was none other than coach Kim Hyun-wook. For Hyun Do-hoon, coach Kim Hyun-wook holds a meaning far beyond that of a mere instructor. Their connection dates back to the 2025 season, when Hyun Do-hoon was separated from the first division and remained in the third division. Amidst repeated releases and a life as a development player, Hyun Do-hoon was physically and mentally exhausted. At that time, coach Kim, who was in the third division, reached out to him, saying, "Let's start over from the beginning."

In an interview with StarNews, Hyun Do-hoon recalled, "It was during my time in the third division in 2025. Coach Kim Hyun-wook taught me everything from the basics again. For a year, he closely watched over me from the sidelines and became a great source of strength."

Especially, coach Kim's advice was decisive in Hyun Do-hoon's ability to wield breaking balls with great effect on the first division stage recently. Hyun Do-hoon said, "I spent a long time with coaches Jin Hae-soo and Kim Hyun-wook in the third division. The coaches emphasized that one needs the 'courage to throw gently' during games. As a result, thanks to their advice, I gained confidence in my breaking balls and was able to see results. I think the synergy was truly great while the two coaches and I were in the third division together."

The bond between master and disciple extended beyond the mound. Hyun Do-hoon shared that immediately after the victory, he received a warm encouraging text message from coach Kim Hyun-wook saying, "I knew you could do well. Let's do even better in the future." In a phone call with StarNews, coach Kim Hyun-wook also humbled himself, stating, "(Hyun) Do-hoon is a disciple I have trained with for a long time. I didn't do anything special; I just gave him strength," and instead praised his disciple's efforts.

Hyun Do-hoon also reiterated his gratitude toward his family who stood by him alongside coach Kim Hyun-wook that day. He said, "After the article about 'I love you' was published, my wife cried, saying she had worked so hard." He added, "I had always only imagined being interviewed as a winning pitcher, so I am grateful to be able to thank my wife through this interview."

Hyun Do-hoon, who rose as a first division winning pitcher after overcoming the bitterness of the third division. His confession, never forgetting the mentor who helped him during difficult times, is once again reminding us of the true meaning of the master-disciple relationship.

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*This content was translated by AI.