"Doosan, I was honestly very disappointed." Former KIA 80 billion won FA makes a heartfelt remark, then visits his former team after transfer → The sincerity behind the 'surprise gift' and a 90-degree bow

*This content was translated by AI.

The first time Park Chan-ho visited Gwangju-KIA Champions Field after donning a Doosan Bears uniform. Before stepping up to bat for the first time in the top of the first inning, he bowed 90 degrees toward the third-base side where KIA Tigers fans were gathered, then toward the press box, the first-base side, and finally the outfield. In response, he was met with a wave of enthusiastic applause. This is the story of Park Chan-ho (31), now wearing a Doosan Bears uniform.

Recently, Park Chan-ho opened up in an interview about thoughts he had long kept to himself. In an interview with a broadcast network after the SSG Landers game at Jamsil Stadium on the 10th, when asked about "communicating with young players," he said, "I tend to nag quite a bit. I'm not the type to offer many compliments. I think younger players might find it unpleasant."

When commentator Cho Sung-hwan asked about the Doosan he saw from the outside versus the Doosan he saw from within, he replied, "Honestly, I was very disappointed." He continued, "The Doosan I had imagined was a team full of fighting spirit, with players playing actively. I came with high expectations for that kind of energy, but I didn't see it. I was frankly disappointed by that." He added, "That's probably why I've been nagging more. Even though there are many young players, the team's atmosphere and direction feel more like a team with many veterans," clarifying his perspective.

Did Park Chan-ho's remarks awaken the young players? On the 12th in the Gwangju-KIA game, Doosan secured a 5-1 victory. The young players shone. 'Second-year pro' Park Jun-soon hit a decisive three-run home run in the sixth inning. He also attempted a head-first slide toward first base and, in defensive plays, showed his fighting spirit by touching the base directly with his glove despite an injury. Additionally, Park Ji-hoon's full-speed sprint leading to a triple in the third inning, Kim Min-seok—who, though he didn't get a hit that day, continues to display the spirited play of a new 'Hurst-Do,' and Choi Seung-yong, who finally recorded his first win of the season after seven attempts—all played as one. Ultimately, Doosan surged to three consecutive wins under stable pitching management.

Park Chan-ho did not record a hit on this day, striking out in the third inning, grounding out to the shortstop in the seventh, and flying out to center field in the first. However, he once again demonstrated his strength in stable infield defense and effectively led his younger teammates.

In fact, Park Chan-ho personally prepared a meaningful gift before the game. According to Doosan officials, he purchased 1,200 rice cakes, which have recently become extremely popular in the Gwangju area, and gifted them to fans visiting the stadium, as well as to KIA Tigers players and staff. The rice cake packaging bore a heartfelt message from Park Chan-ho: "It was happy to be with you, and thank you."

Park Chan-ho said, "I have received immense love from KIA Tigers fans for 12 years since my professional debut. Although it may seem small, I prepared this to return even a little of that love. I wanted to distribute it myself, but it was difficult due to circumstances. I am grateful to the KIA club for their cooperation in the delivery. Thank you all once again."

The KIA club warmly welcomed him. KIA's official SNS posted photos of Park Chan-ho and the rice cakes, stating, "Park Chan-ho prepared 1,000 sets of rice cakes to express his gratitude to the fans. He also prepared 200 sets for the players and club staff, totaling 1,200 sets to be gifted. The prepared rice cakes will be distributed upon entry through gates 4 and 5." The message concluded, "Park Chan-ho, thank you. We were also happy to be with you."

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*This content was translated by AI.