'An Woo-jin, so polite' — KIA ace Yang Hyeon-jong receives high praise, and here's his reaction...

*This content was translated by AI.

An Woo-jin (27), regarded as the KBO League's top ace, offered a polite and gracious thank-you in response to high praise from KIA Tigers ace Yang Hyeon-jong (38).

Yang Hyeon-jong made a start in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game between Kiwoom Heroes and KIA Tigers held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 24th. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, issuing 4 walks, recording 4 strikeouts, and giving up 3 earned runs, securing his fifth win of the season (5 losses).

With Yang Hyeon-jong's strong performance, the team secured a decisive 10-3 victory. It would not be an exaggeration to say he laid the foundation for a win in the game on the 25th as well.

And the pitcher who faced off against Yang Hyeon-jong that day was none other than An Woo-jin.

However, An Woo-jin took the loss after pitching 5⅓ innings, allowing 5 hits, issuing 3 walks, recording 9 strikeouts, and giving up 6 earned runs.

After the game, Yang Hyeon-jong spared no praise for An Woo-jin. While An Woo-jin was an opponent from the rival team, he was also a junior player who would carry on the legacy of Korean baseball's aces following in Yang Hyeon-jong's footsteps.

Speaking about An Woo-jin, Yang Hyeon-jong said, "In the early innings, he mainly relied on fastballs, but later mixed in various breaking balls such as curveballs and sliders. His aggressive pitching style stood out, and watching him, I truly felt he was remarkable."

He continued, "I have been watching him since he joined the team, and I once again realized that he is not just a pitcher with a fast fastball. I saw him using his head while pitching. Although he gave up runs, I could feel that he has grown significantly as a starting pitcher," offering more praise.

How did An Woo-jin respond to Yang Hyeon-jong's high praise?

An Woo-jin said, "Even though I was disappointed with the game content personally, I am truly grateful that you viewed it so kindly. It is an honor just to be in the same lineup as Senior Yang Hyeon-jong. I am learning a great deal by watching him," showing a highly polite demeanor.

He added, "As a senior I have respected since childhood praised me, I will strive to become an even better pitcher," looking forward to the future.

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*This content was translated by AI.