"Because you've always been bright," Won Tae-in's heartfelt message sends touching support to Moon Dong-ju, who is about to undergo surgery

*This content was translated by AI.

The friendship between two right-handed aces carrying the future of Korean baseball is touching the hearts of baseball fans. Samsung Lions' Won Tae-in (26) recently sent sincere support to Hanwha Eagles' Moon Dong-ju (23), who announced he would undergo surgery due to a shoulder injury. Although there is a three-year age gap, the two are known to have built a close bond both on and off the field as fellow right-handed starting pitchers.

On the afternoon of the 4th, the Hanwha organization officially announced, "Moon Dong-ju received a medical opinion following a detailed examination that surgery is necessary due to damage to the right shoulder labrum." Moon Dong-ju, who started against Daegu Samsung on the 2nd, was forced to leave the game voluntarily after complaining of shoulder pain after throwing only 15 pitches.

Moon Dong-ju, who has struggled with shoulder injuries since his debut season, appeared to make a comeback by securing 11 wins in the 2025 season and leading the team to its first Korean Series appearance in 19 years, but ultimately his chronic shoulder issue struck again. Notably, this injury site is the same one that Moon Dong-ju's role model and senior teammate, Ryu Hyun-jin (39), once struggled with, heightening fans' concerns. Hanwha is reportedly seeking a second opinion from the U.S.-based "Jobe Clinic" to establish a precise surgery and rehabilitation plan.

It was "senior" Won Tae-in who left a comforting message in response to this heartbreaking news. Shortly after news of Moon Dong-ju's surgery became known, Won Tae-in posted a touching message along with a photo of the two together on his social media. Won Tae-in wrote, "I believe you will return in good health. Because you've always been positive and bright. I will throw with all my might, even for your share."

Although they do not play on the same team, this moment was filled with genuine "fellowship among aces." Won Tae-in and Moon Dong-ju are particularly aces known as So Sok-tim-eul (CEO). Won Tae-in is even nicknamed the "Prince of Daegu," while Moon Dong-ju is called the "Prince of Daejeon." The two also revealed their deep affection for each other while preparing for the WBC (World Baseball Classic) last January.

The connection between these two representative right-handed aces of the league is bringing quiet emotion to the baseball community, which is disappointed by the injury news. Won Tae-in's promise to pitch even for his younger brother's share, and Moon Dong-ju, who will return carrying that sincerity. Although it will take considerable time before these two representative right-handed aces face off again on the mound, the trust and encouragement they have shown are leaving a deep impression on fans even amidst this adverse injury situation.

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

*This content was translated by AI.