'Tong Again' Choi Hyung-woo and Samsung's 8-game winning streak achieved after 12 years — a remarkable 4,373 days since 2014.

*This content was translated by AI.

It is indeed a strange parallel theory. With the return of Choi Hyung-woo (43), the "problem solver" who symbolized the "dynasty era" of the Samsung Lions, the lion squad has climbed to an 8-game winning streak for the first time in 12 years, dominating the league. The 8-game winning streak has been replicated following "Tong Again."

Samsung, led by manager Park Jin-man (50), secured a decisive 9-1 victory in an away game against the LG Twins at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 12th in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League." With this win, Samsung recorded a season record of 22 wins, 1 tie, and 14 losses, surpassing LG to take sole second place.

Samsung's 8-game winning streak is the first since the May 22, 2014, game against the Lotte Giants in Pohang, when they built the pinnacle of "four consecutive championships." At that time, Samsung achieved an impressive 11-game winning streak (including one tie) from May 25, 2014, until the Nexen Heroes game held at Daegu Citizens Stadium.

Among Samsung fans, Choi Hyung-woo, known for his nostalgic appearance resembling actor Yoo Tong, is called "Tong Again" (Yoo Tong + Again). As he returned to the field in the blue uniform ahead of the 2026 season and took his place in the core batting lineup, Samsung's winning DNA was awakened. Coincidentally, as Choi Hyung-woo began leading the team's offense, Samsung surged forward with an unstoppable 8-game winning streak reminiscent of their past dynasty era.

The Samsung starting lineup for the May 22, 2014, Pohang Lotte game was as follows: Navarro (second baseman), Park Han-i (right fielder), Chae Tae-in (first baseman), Choi Hyung-woo (left fielder), Park Seok-min (third baseman), Lee Seung-yeop (designated hitter), Jung Hyung-sik (center fielder), Lee Ji-young (catcher), and Kim Sang-su (shortstop). The starting pitcher was J.D. Martin, followed by Cha Woo-chan, Sim Chang-min, An Ji-man, and Im Chang-yong. As of the 2026 season, Choi Hyung-woo is the only player from that lineup still active in Samsung.

Approximately 12 years later, on the 12th, Choi Hyung-woo started as the third designated hitter and contributed to the 8th-game winning streak with 2 hits in 5 at-bats (including one double) and 1 RBI. As of the end of the game on the 12th, over 36 games, he recorded a batting average of 0.372 (129 at-bats, 48 hits), 7 home runs, 28 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 1.088. These are truly top-tier numbers in the league.

Furthermore, Choi Hyung-woo's presence extends beyond mere statistics. Even past the age of 40, his intense focus at the plate and rigorous self-management serve as a great role model for younger Samsung players. As the sole survivor who personally experienced the "dynasty era," he maintains the team's center firmly, even amidst the potentially euphoric atmosphere of a winning streak.

Choi Hyung-woo, the "sole survivor" who led the blue lions during their golden era 12 years ago. As long as his bat continues to deliver, Samsung fans' clocks are ready to flow once again toward championship time. Now, Samsung fans' attention is turning toward an 11-game winning streak and beyond.

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*This content was translated by AI.