'23 hit-by-pitch, 5 strikeouts' Another top catcher emerges in 1R after two years! Gangneung High School's Won Ji-woo: "Boldness in both leading and batting is my strength" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Another top catcher has emerged from Gangneung High School following Lee Yul-ye (20, SSG Landers).

Won Ji-woo is a right-handed batter and right-handed catcher who transferred to Gangneung High School for baseball studies after graduating from Samil Elementary and Suwon Buk Middle Schools. According to the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA), he stands 181 cm tall and weighs 85 kg. His compact swing and bold catching leadership, derived from his sturdy build, are his strengths.

KBO club scout A said, "Won Ji-woo has been known as a catcher with batting talent since his time at Suwon Buk Middle School. Since joining Gangneung High School, he has shown steady growth in both offense and defense, to the point where some even describe him as closer to a defensive-type catcher. While he may not yet match what Lee Yul-ye displayed during his time at Gangneung High School, he has the potential to grow just as much."

Another KBO club scout B stated, "Won Ji-woo hasn't improved his skills as much as he did from his first to second year, but he is the most stable catcher. Additionally, he has accumulated extensive game experience at Gangneung High School, which is a significant factor when evaluating catchers."

Won Ji-woo confidently started as the high school all-star team's catcher at the 2026 4th Hanwha Eagles Cup High School-University All-Star Game held on the 8th at Daejeon Hanwha Life Volleyball Park. Meeting StarNews in Daejeon, Won Ji-woo smiled brightly, saying, "When I was selected for the all-star game, I thought of Senior Lee Yul-ye. Although I wasn't fully satisfied with my leading today, I think it was a good experience. I was happy to be able to show my baseball in front of so many spectators."

He had no trouble answering any question. When asked why he chose to become a catcher, Won Ji-woo replied, "I started playing catcher from the fifth grade of elementary school. I didn't particularly favor any specific catcher; I just liked being a catcher. I felt I could do it best, and the idea that I would lead everything, from the flow of the game to its management, was appealing."

Like his senior Lee Yul-ye, Won Ji-woo played in many games starting from his first year, and he also showed signs of awakening to his batting skills in his third year, similar to Lee Yul-ye. This year, Won Ji-woo recorded a .396 batting average (53 at-bats, 21 hits), 1 home run, 18 RBIs, 20 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases in 18 games. His on-base percentage was 0.579, slugging percentage 0.509, resulting in an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 1.088. Notably, even as a type of player who aggressively seeks pitches, he drew 23 hit-by-pitches (17 walks, 6 hit-by-pitches) while striking out only 5 times.

His defense also became increasingly stable, leading Gangneung High School to the semi-finals of the Golden Bat Tournament. His strong arm, with an average 2-base pop time of 1.9 seconds, served as an advantage in a tournament where every point matters. Won Ji-woo stated firmly, "In defense, I am most confident in my arm, and in the batter's box, my strength is swinging the bat boldly. I believe that if I make solid contact, extra-base hits will come naturally, so I don't worry about whether I am a middle-to-long distance type or a contact type."

He focused on the present rather than an uncertain future. Won Ji-woo said, "I don't have any specific players I want to meet or face in the KBO League. It was enough for me to have Hyeon Seung receive my pitch today (8th). His fastballs were great, and the breaking balls that could maximize them were also good. Other pitchers also had excellent overall control, so it was a pleasant time for me as a catcher."

This year, there are many catcher resources across high schools and universities who are considered ready for the professional stage. On the high school level, alongside Won Ji-woo, Seol Jae-min (18) of Deoksu High School, Yoo Je-min (18) of Hwimun High School, Kim Sun-bin (19) of Gwangju Il High School, and Im Tae-kyung (18) of Baejae High School are all evaluated as candidates for selection within the first five rounds.

Won Ji-woo said, "My strength is being bold in everything, whether it's playing or leading. My goal this year is to perform even better, get invited to the draft, and join the youth national team. Until then, I will just run hard without any worries."

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*This content was translated by AI.