"(Kang) Min-ho, next time" vs "(Woo) Gyu-min, I'll give you one of my rings": Tension already high ahead of KT-Samsung's first-ever Korea Series [KS Media Day On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

There is no backing down starting from the first game, where a 73.8% championship probability is at stake. KT Wiz, aiming for their first unified championship in five years, and Samsung Lions, challenging to reclaim the top spot after 12 years, engaged in a lighthearted rivalry ahead of the Korea Series (KS, best-of-seven).

KT and Samsung attended the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series media day held on the 2nd at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. KT was represented by Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60), Jang Sung-woo (36), and So Hyoung-jun (25), while Samsung sent Manager Park Jin-man (50), Koo Ja-yuk (33), and Won Tae-in (26).

Most importantly, the first game is crucial. In the history of the Korea Series, the team that won Game 1 went on to win the championship in 31 out of 42 instances, a rate of 73.8%. In Game 1, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park, KT's Daniel Davis (29) and Samsung's Choi Won-tae (29) will face off as starting pitchers.

Davis posted a record of five wins and two losses with an ERA of 2.13 in 10 games during this year's regular season. He has not faced Samsung before. Choi Won-tae recorded seven wins and five losses with an ERA of 4.68 in 24 games, but struggled against KT, going 0-1 with an ERA of 6.94 in two appearances.

KT, which secured first place in this year's regular season with a record of 90 wins, five draws, and 49 losses, is challenging for its first unified championship since 2021. Samsung, the second-place team in the regular season, defeated KIA Tigers in the playoffs after going to Game 5, winning the series 3-2. In their head-to-head matchups during the regular season, Samsung led with a record of nine wins and seven losses.

The managers of both teams highlighted different strengths. Manager Lee Kang-cheol stated, "A team that has climbed up from below has its batting form peaking. The first-place team must rely on pitching to hold on in Games 1 and 2," adding confidently, "I think we have a significant advantage in our starting rotation."

Manager Park Jin-man did not back down either. He countered, "Our strength is defense. In the batting lineup, our left-handed hitters are an advantage, so I think we are better than KT. To break down KT's good pitchers, our left-handed lineup needs to hit well."

The rivalry among the players was even hotter. KT captain Jang Sung-woo joked about his close friend, Samsung catcher Kang Min-ho (41), who does not yet have a Korea Series championship ring: "Hyung (Kang) Min-ho keeps saying, 'Let's just put on one ring.' Today, he jokingly asked me to let him win once." He laughed and added, "There is no such thing in the world of competition. I'm sorry, but it seems a bit difficult for him to get a ring this time as well."

The managers of both teams also joined in. Manager Lee Kang-cheol joked to Kang Min-ho, "I hope it can be for next time. We have to do our part too. I'm sorry." Conversely, Manager Park Jin-man mentioned KT veteran Woo Gyu-min (41), with whom he once shared a team at Samsung, saying, "(Woo) Gyu-min was my roommate when we were on the same team, but I will give him one of my six rings and we will win. I want Kang Min-ho to wear this year's championship ring," firing back.

Expectations for each side also emerged in response to a question predicting who would hit the first home run of the Korea Series. Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, "I hope batters 1 and 2 get on base and An Hyun-min hits one." Jang Sung-woo added, "I hope Hilliard, who was close to winning the home run title this year, hits it." Won Tae-in predicted, "Given the atmosphere, I would like (Kim) Ji-chan to hit an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, but realistically, I think Koo Ja-yuk will be the one to do it."

The two managers also revealed their candidates for the Korea Series Most Valuable Player (MVP). Manager Park Jin-man said, "I think Won Tae-in will receive it. He is a player who can deliver a final roar."

Manager Lee Kang-cheol responded, "It is a question I had not thought about at all. Not every player can become the MVP, but I hope every player performs well so that anyone could be the MVP." However, he added, "If we really perform well as Team KT and win, I would like Park Young-hyun to take it with four saves."

Won Tae-in also stated his resolve: "I have a huge desire to always be on the pitcher's mound at the final moment of a championship. If I am the starter in the game that clinches the title, I want to finish it with a complete game shutout victory; if I am in the bullpen, I want to close it out with a save."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original