"(Moon) Dong-ju always emphasizes character." National team ace personally guides Gwangju Jinheung High captain, who emerges as a top 1st-round prospect: "I will shine a light on our school's name in the pros." [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Min-hoon (18), the ace and captain of Gwangju Jinheung High, hopes to follow in the footsteps of senior Moon Dong-ju (23, Hanwha Eagles), who has cared for him like an older brother, and bring honor to his school.

Kim Min-hoon is a right-handed pitcher expected to emerge as a first-round candidate in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, scheduled for September this year. Standing 187cm tall and weighing 100kg according to the Korea Baseball and Softball Association (KBSA), he possesses a sturdy build and is anticipated as a starting pitcher thanks to his quality breaking balls and stable control. In particular, his sharp slider and his unique kick changeup are known as pitches that are difficult to hit even at the high school level.

A KBO team scout evaluated Kim Min-hoon, stating, "Kim Min-hoon has the stamina to pitch long innings as a starter and possesses excellent game management skills. He knows how to control the pace and throws a changeup, curve, and slider. His kick changeup against left-handed batters is particularly attractive."

Kim Min-hoon is considered the first Jinheung High player expected to be drafted in the upper rounds since Moon Dong-ju. After Moon Dong-ju was selected in the first round of the 2022 KBO Rookie Draft by Hanwha, Jinheung High did not produce any upper-round draft picks within the first three rounds for a while. Therefore, Kim Min-hoon, who is set to lead Jinheung High following in Moon Dong-ju's footsteps, holds a special place. Coincidentally, Moon Dong-ju also trained at the same private training center that Kim Min-hoon has attended since middle school, deepening their bond.

Kim Min-hoon said, "The training center I attend is the same one where (Moon) Dong-ju trained, and we grew close there. Before he went to the U.S. for shoulder surgery this time, he even gave me two pairs of cleats as a gift. Last December, he spent about a month doing volunteer work at the school before the spring camp and took good care of us."

He mainly emphasized mindset as a player. Kim Min-hoon revealed, "He always stresses that character is important to become a pro player. He said that explaining mechanics might cause confusion, so he mainly taught me game management strategies."

He is putting that guidance into practice at school. Kim Min-hoon serves as both ace and captain, which is rare for a high school pitcher. On the mound, he is a calm ace, but off the mound, he is a reliable captain who energetically looks after his teammates and juniors. Kim In-ho (59), Jinheung High's head coach, praised him, saying, "Min-hoon has been known for his diligence since middle school. In fact, starting pitchers have a lot to prepare before a game, but Min-hoon takes care of the kids first. If you are on the field, you can hear Min-hoon's voice caring for the children echoing all the way outside."

Kim Min-hoon responded, "Honestly, I felt I should take on the role of captain. I have been comforting the first-years as an intermediate student since my sophomore year, and even after becoming a senior, I volunteered to take the lead. Fortunately, my friends and coaches said it would be fine if I did it, so I took the role. I have a serious style of doing things decisively when necessary. My role model is Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers). Not only is his skill outstanding, but he is also exceptional outside of baseball, so I have him as my role model."

Last month, news of Moon Dong-ju's shoulder labrum surgery was also upsetting for the young pitcher. Kim Min-hoon said, "He was always a brother who took good care of me like an older brother. We occasionally had video calls, and even after he had surgery in the U.S., he told me it hurt a lot, so I felt the same way. When he returns to Korea, I plan to contact him again. I am always cheering for him," expressing his sincere feelings.

Unlike many other promising baseball players these days, Kim Min-hoon follows the KBO League more than the U.S. Major Leagues. Kim Min-hoon said, "I think the physical attributes in the Major Leagues are different from ours, so I watch the KBO League a lot. I cheered for KIA during my childhood. Back then, I liked hitting more, so I admired player Kim Ju-chan. I am a bit cautious, but since it is my home team, I want to go to KIA the most. I also want to go to Hanwha where my senior Moon Dong-ju is, but in fact, if any team calls me, I plan to work hard for whichever team it is."

He added, "It is true that our school has been struggling for the past few years. However, that is exactly why I think it is important to go to the pros in a good round and make a good impact in the first division as early as possible. I want to become a player who can shine a light on our school like (Moon) Dong-ju," expressing his ambitious aspirations.

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*This content was translated by AI.