[Breaking News] Oh no! Kiwoom's Lee Ju-hyeong ruled out for the season: "Judged to need sufficient time → Will also undergo surgery to remove bone fragments from the elbow"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' key outfielder Lee Ju-hyeong (25) ultimately could not shake off the cruel curse of injury and has been ruled out for the season. A devastatingly precise medical examination result was delivered to him, who collapsed again just one inning after his return game.

A Kiwoom club official officially announced on the 26th ahead of the NC Dinos game at Changwon NC Park that "outfielder Lee Ju-hyeong, who was substituted due to right hamstring pain during the game against KIA at Gocheok on the 25th, was diagnosed with a right biceps femoris injury following two rounds of detailed examinations on the 26th."

Lee Ju-hyeong made a brilliant return appearance as the starting center fielder and second batter in the home game against the KIA Tigers held at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 25th. However, he was immediately substituted out after only playing defense in the top of the 1st inning and batting in the bottom of the 1st. He felt pain again in the area where he was injured last May.

Commander Seol Jong-jin, Kiwoom's manager, revealed before the game that he had instructed players not to sprint at full speed if a normal ball was hit, but to run at about 70% capacity. However, the player's diligent instinct to always do his best ultimately led to the injury. Manager Seol also expressed regret, saying, "His habit of working so hard is ingrained in him, so it seems he ran instinctively."

Ultimately, the worst-case scenario that had been feared became reality. Detailed examinations confirmed that the injured area had been re-injured, making a long-term absence inevitable.

The club stated, "We judged that it is necessary to take sufficient time to treat and rehabilitate the injury to prevent recurrence and ensure complete recovery," and added, "Surgery to remove bone fragments from the right elbow will also be performed during the treatment period." This plan aims to resolve the chronic elbow pain that had caused persistent discomfort all at once during this current absence.

As a result, Lee Ju-hyeong will be unable to appear on the field for the remainder of the 2026 season. The club added, "Player Lee Ju-hyeong plans to focus entirely on injury treatment and rehabilitation for the rest of this season." The club intends to spare no support to allow the player to devote himself completely to treatment and rehabilitation.

Lee Ju-hyeong, who joined the Kiwoom Heroes through a 1-for-3 trade with the LG Twins and has been a core member of the Hero Army, is now facing the devastating news of being ruled out for the season due to 'trying too hard.' Both the manager and Kiwoom fans are expressing regret.

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*This content was translated by AI.