Park Jin-hung removes his cap in front of Busan fans: "With gratitude for my Lotte days, I greet you → I will do my absolute best at Kiwoom"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes relief pitcher Park Jin-hung (32) bowed his head to greet fans of his former team, Lotte Giants, where he played until the 2025 season, creating a touching moment of reunion. It held even greater significance because while he had visited during spring training in March, this was his first appearance in the regular season. Although it was his first visit to Busan in the regular season after switching uniforms through the second draft, he showed a fierce competitor's side on the mound and did not forget his loyalty to his new team.

Ahead of the game against Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 29th, Park Jin-hung met with reporters and shared his impressions of facing his former team the previous day (the 28th). On the 28th, Park appeared in the bottom of the 8th inning with his team trailing 2-5, retiring Jeon Min-jae, Lee Ho-jun, and Jang Du-seong all on ground balls to pitch a perfect scoreless inning. Appearing in relief again on the 29th, Park held the opposition scoreless over two innings, becoming the winning pitcher for the first time in five years since 2021.

As Park Jin-hung took the mound to the familiar cheers on the 28th, thunderous applause erupted from the stands. Park removed his cap on the mound and politely bowed to the Lotte fans. He said, "I suddenly heard the cheer music, so I thought I should greet them quickly and focus on the game," and added, "I wanted to convey a message that I am doing well without any injuries at Kiwoom, expressing my gratitude for the support I received during my Lotte days."

After the greeting, Park Jin-hung completely transformed into a pitcher for the 'Hero Corps.' Regarding his duel with leadoff batter Jeon Min-jae, who was showing excellent batting form, he recalled, "I checked the scoreboard before stepping onto the mound. Although Jeon Min-jae was in good form, having hit three hits earlier, I thought that since I was now a Kiwoom pitcher, there was no room for me to back down. I tried to engage in a direct confrontation."

It was also confirmed that he had perfectly integrated into Kiwoom after leaving Lotte, where he had spent a long time. Park Jin-hung said, "When I came during spring training, it felt strange to look at the third-base dugout, but now I have fully adjusted and feel nothing unusual. I am very comfortable now," and smiled.

Regarding his goals for this season, he said, "Most importantly, I am satisfied that I can continue to pitch without any injuries," and emphasized, "I want to show the Lotte fans that I am still doing well, and I want to clearly show the Kiwoom fans that I am working very hard and performing well."

Park Jin-hung further added, "If (Manager) Seol Jong-jin tells me to come out, I will always come out without hesitation. I will always do my best to ensure the team wins," solidifying his resolve for victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.