KIA's Kim Do-young: "He grabbed me by the collar..." Who on earth is he? Finally heading to the AG representative team together [Daejeon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

The three players honored with selection to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games representative team for KIA Tigers are infielder Kim Do-young (23), outfielder Park Jae-hyun (20), and pitcher Sung Young-tak (22). Coincidentally, all three are yet to fulfill their military service obligations.

On the 11th, ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away match against Hanwha Eagles at Daejeon Hanwha Life Volleyball Park, Kim Do-young met with reporters and shared his feelings about being selected for the representative team.

Kim Do-young smiled and said, "I don't think I was that nervous ahead of the roster announcement," before adding, "I'm really glad to be going with my close younger teammates."

He continued, "If I had gone to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) as the youngest member, this time at the Asian Games, I'm going with more seniority and experience than other players. I think I should also share what I can with Sung Young-tak and Park Jae-hyun who are going with me."

Regarding Park Jae-hyun, Kim Do-young said, "I have high expectations for him, and I think he also felt a strong desire to go. His recent form has dipped slightly, so I had some worries, though not serious ones. Still, I'm truly relieved as a senior that he made the team. I need to make good memories with the representative team and return."

While Kim Do-young was being interviewed in the dugout, Park Jae-hyun also came out to the dugout for his upcoming interview. He then sat beside Kim Do-young, gazing at him with eyes full of affection and offering a lovely smile. Recently, during a match against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome, Park Jae-hyun had imitated Kim Do-young's batting stance right in front of him, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

When asked about the relationship between Park Jae-hyun and himself, Kim Do-young laughed and said, "We are really close. So close that he grabs me by the collar." He added, "This could become controversial, so just understand that we are that close. As for me, I'm curious about Jae-hyun: what kind of synergy effect can he produce when he goes to such a stage (the Asian Games)? I'm looking forward to it," expressing his trust.

Park Jae-hyun then took the interview. Regarding Kim Do-young's mention of worry, he said, "Rather than worrying about being selected for the Asian Games, I've been thinking about how to improve my current poor form. Honestly, while the Asian Games is important, first and foremost, I am playing as a KIA Tigers player. That comes first."

He continued about Kim Do-young, "He doesn't share his batting secrets very well. (Laughs) Also, if I can't hit well nearby, he comes over and teases me. He seems to help more in terms of mental strength than technical aspects. When my batting feel is poor and my expression turns bad, he comes close on purpose to tease me and make me laugh. On the other hand, when my batting feel is extremely good or I'm too excited, he tells me to 'calm down now' and helps me maintain the right balance. He helps a lot to keep the tension at an appropriate level."

Indeed, what kind of chemistry will the two display at the Asian Games? KIA fans' expectations are growing even higher.

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*This content was translated by AI.