“We used to be the last-place team, yet now we’re waiting for our Korea Series opponent” — The 10.7 billion won guardian of Jang-anmun: Why Ko Young-pyo was moved by Suwon’s Korea Series despite his championship experience [KS3 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Ko Young-pyo (35), a KT Wiz franchise star and the “Guardian of Jang-anmun,” shared his overwhelming emotions while reflecting on the Korea Series (KS) held in Suwon.

Ahead of Game 3 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series against the Samsung Lions, held on the 6th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Ko Young-pyo met with reporters and candidly shared his feelings: “I have played for KT for over 10 years. In the past, we were a last-place team and a weak squad. Now, however, we are a team that advances directly to the Korea Series first and waits to see who our opponent will be. That was truly a moment of mixed emotions.”

Previously, Ko Young-pyo started Game 2 on the 4th at Suwon KT Wiz Park, pitching seven innings with seven hits allowed, no walks or hit batters, four strikeouts, and one run allowed in a strong performance. Samsung’s starter Chris Fiddix matched him with seven innings and one run allowed, resulting in a fierce pitcher’s duel. In particular, his handling of the bases-loaded threat with one out in the top of the sixth inning was impressive. Ko retired Ryu Ji-hyuk on a double play executed by first baseman Kim Hyun-soo and catcher Han Seung-taek, ending the inning without allowing a run. However, despite Ko’s excellent pitching, KT lost 2-3 after a close game that went to the 12th inning of extra innings.

Ko Young-pyo said, “I was very disappointed that the team did not win. I don’t think my pitching content was that good either. I should have managed the innings more stably, but there were crises.” He added, “My command details were lacking compared to our regular season games against Samsung. My control wasn’t good, so I threw many pitches on the opposite side of the plate. When the catcher called for high pitches, I threw low and allowed long hits to Go Jae-wook and Diaz. That part is regrettable.”

Nevertheless, there was a separate reason why this Korea Series was special for Ko Young-pyo. He is a player who has been with KT since its inception. After graduating from Hwasun High School without being drafted into the pros, he attended Dongguk University and wore the KT uniform after being selected 10th overall in the second round of the 2014 rookie draft. He debuted on the first division stage in 2015, recording a 3-4 record with an ERA of 5.68 in 46 games.

He was not an ace from the start. Beginning in the bullpen, he transitioned to the starting rotation in 2017 and grew into a top-tier pitcher in the league after completing his military service, recording an 11-6 record with an ERA of 2.92 in 2021. That year, KT claimed its first-ever combined championship (winning both the regular season and postseason titles). Ko Young-pyo also contributed by appearing in three games as a relief pitcher instead of a starter in the Korea Series, pitching 4⅔ innings with two runs allowed and recording two holds.

However, that Korea Series was held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome rather than Suwon due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, they faced the LG Twins in the Korea Series and played home games in Suwon, but the series began with Game 1 at LG’s home ground in Jamsil. 2026 was different. With KT winning the regular season title for the first time in five years, the Korea Series opened in Suwon. It was the first Suwon home-opening Korea Series experienced by founding member Ko Young-pyo.

Ko Young-pyo recalled, “It wasn’t a game I started on the first day, but I felt very emotional when the national anthem was played.” He continued, “In 2021, we played the Korea Series at Gocheok Dome, and in 2023, we played games in Suwon, but we couldn’t start at home. This time, the feeling was different.”

It was also meaningful that former head coach Jo Beom-hyun (67), KT’s inaugural manager, appeared as the ceremonial pitcher for Game 2. Ko Young-pyo said, “I started the franchise together with Manager Jo Beom-hyun and played baseball under his leadership. At that time, I pitched as a middle reliever and learned a lot. Memories of the past came back to me.”

In the meantime, Ko Young-pyo’s status has changed. In 2024, he signed a non-FA multi-year contract worth up to 10.7 billion won over five years, the first of its kind for KT. He also solidified his position as a franchise star by earning the nickname “Guardian of Jang-anmun.”

For that reason, the home base city of Suwon Special City is also special to him. KT players will wear the King Jeongjo Special Edition uniform in all games of this Korea Series. This carries the meaning of sharing the Korea Series with the citizens of Suwon. It is the first time for KT to wear only one uniform throughout the Korea Series this year. Furthermore, KT wearing the King Jeongjo uniform rarely lost. Since first wearing the King Jeongjo uniform on September 8, they have recorded a 20-3 record with two draws in 25 regular season games. Their winning percentage, excluding draws, reached an impressive .870 prior to the Korea Series.

Ko Young-pyo explained, “This year is the Year of Visiting Suwon. Also, wearing the King Jeongjo uniform and achieving a winning percentage above 80 percent, we have made it to the Korea Series. I think we carry good energy, and having ‘Suwon’ written on our chests gives us pride.”

This year, he also played as an ace, recording a 15-7 record with an ERA of 3.28 in 29 regular season games, along with 172⅔ innings pitched and 183 strikeouts. He tied for first in wins and ranked third overall in strikeouts. Thus, he stepped onto the Korea Series stage for the third time. In 2021, he played as part of the championship team, and in 2023, he started two games, pitching 10 innings with seven runs allowed (six earned). This year, he showed ace-like form by achieving a quality start plus (seven or more innings pitched with three or fewer earned runs) with seven innings and one run allowed in his first appearance.

Despite missing a victory on a special stage, the Guardian of Jang-anmun’s gaze has already turned to his next appearance. Responding to reports that Fiddix praised him after their matchup in Game 2, Ko Young-pyo said, “If I had given an interview, I would have praised Fiddix as well. A good pitcher’s duel is created only when both sides perform well.” He then added with a smile and determination, “In the next game, I will praise Fiddix while giving the winning pitcher interview.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original