"Do-young-hyung, please meet me in good health." National team catcher heading to AG remains cool on Taiwan provocation: "I won't pay attention"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Geon-hee (22), a catcher for the Kiwoom Heroes who has been selected for the 2026 Nagoya·Aichi Asian Games (AG) baseball national team, expressed his overwhelming feelings about wearing the Taegeuk mark for the first time in his life and looked forward to meeting KIA Tigers 'superstar' Kim Do-young (23), who will join the national team after recovering from a nasal bone fracture. He also directly shared his thoughts on Taiwan's provocation.

Kim Geon-hee, speaking to reporters at the scene ahead of an away game against the Samsung Lions held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 11th, honestly said about his state of mind as he prepares for national team call-up on the 14th: "I am excited to wear the national team uniform for the first time, but as the tournament date approaches, my nervousness keeps growing." Kim Geon-hee is scheduled to share responsibility for the home plate with SSG Landers catcher Jo Hyung-woo (24) on the Ham Kke (CEO) team.

As the only player from Kiwoom Heroes transferred to the Lee Beon (CEO) team, he deeply internalized a senior club member's weighty advice. Kim Geon-hee said, "A senior player from our club told me, 'Push forward with your head up. Since it will be a different atmosphere from the baseball you've played so far, don't get swept away; dedicate yourself to what you can do.' He promised to play with dedication worthy of the weight of the Taegeuk mark."

He expressed special expectations regarding the atmosphere of the Lee Beon (CEO) team, which is mainly composed of young players. He explained that although he was nervous at first because most of the seniors were not close acquaintances, he quickly blended in thanks to seniors from various clubs who approached him first and said, "Please take care of me," while carefully looking after him.

In particular, it is reported that he sent sincere concern and support upon hearing news of Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers), a key hitter for the national team and an older brother figure. Kim Geon-hee said, "I contacted him directly and joked, 'What kind of bunt does a batter who hits 40 home runs do?' He accepted my concern kindly, so he must have been worried too. He is truly a superstar. Because he carries a heavy burden and has a strong sense of responsibility to perform well." He conveyed an affectionate message: "I really hope we can meet soon in good health."

In contrast, regarding the provocative remarks by Taiwan national team batter Liu Zhi-hong reported ahead of the Asian Games opening, he dismissed them with a firm yet cool reaction.

Earlier, Liu Zhi-hong revealed his intention to block South Korean players' military service benefits through gold medals in an interview with Taiwanese media, stating, "We have all served in the military. So, we must send South Korean players to the military as well." Liu Zhi-hong has shown strong confidence against the South Korean mound, including hitting a home run against Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions) at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC).

Regarding this, Kim Geon-hee said, "I came across that remark through articles and such, but I am not paying much attention to it. I believe it is not something one should easily say as a public figure." He drew the line: "Rather than wasting emotions on such provocations, we will ignore them and focus only on what we have prepared. In the end, if we win at the stadium, that's all. We just think we must win."

Finally, Kim Geon-hee said, "Even before this, I learned a lot by watching from the side how you guys approached baseball with serious attitudes and game immersion while playing together during the July All-Star Game," and added, "At this Asian Games too, I will breathe in harmony with the best players to contribute to the team's victory and return with a beautiful gold medal." He expressed his firm resolve.

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*This content was translated by AI.