"We have always overcome difficult times well" Park Jin-man's belief-driven leadership → Secures Samsung's first championship in 12 years [Samsung V9]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

It was immediately after Game 4 of the previous playoffs. Following a painful comeback loss to the KIA Tigers, caused by a critical error by infielder Kim Young-woong (23) and bullpen struggles, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man (50) instilled a firm sense of pride in the hearts of his players, who could have easily sunk into despair. And the unwavering "belief" planted by the skipper that day ultimately led to the glorious fruit of a moving Korea Series championship after 12 years.

Samsung secured its championship with a final series record of four wins and one loss, defeating KT Wiz 12-1 in Game 5 of the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (KS · best-of-seven)" held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 8th. It was a moment to reclaim the Korea Series throne after a full 12 years since the 2014 season.

The finale of the championship was overwhelming, but Samsung's autumn journey to reach this point had been a continuous walk on thin ice. In particular, the most painful moment was Game 4 of the playoffs held at Gwangju KIA Champions Field on October 30. Starting pitcher Chris Fiddick delivered a valiant performance, pitching 5⅓ innings and allowing one run despite the burden of pitching after only three days of rest and his weakness against KIA. However, a painful error by third baseman Kim Young-woong in the late game combined with bullpen struggles, causing them to frustratingly surrender a victory they had nearly secured. The series record tied at two wins and two losses from 2-1. Because it was a shocking comeback loss suffered with Korea Series advancement within reach, the team's atmosphere could have collapsed uncontrollably.

However, Manager Park Jin-man, who appeared for an official interview after the game, instead awakened the players' resilience. When asked about a message he would leave for his players, Manager Park emphasized, "Our players have always overcome difficult times well. It was the same during the regular season, and although we were evaluated as inferior to our opponents while playing in the postseason over the past two years, we overcame it all."

Manager Park continued, "Our players are well aware of that point and have sufficiently overcome crises so far. If they rest well tomorrow and refresh their mindset, they will be able to rise with a better performance in Game 5," demonstrating strong trust.

The heavy trust handed over by the skipper instead of blame immediately summoned a miraculous turnaround. The reorganized Lion Army fully revived in Game 5 held at home, securing a ticket to the Korea Series, and that momentum swallowed up the Korea Series stage as well. Young lions, including Kim Young-woong who appeared with his hair cut short after the error, became tougher on the ground, and combined with the dedication of veterans, they decisively defeated KT four games to one.

Manager Park Jin-man's tenacity in showing belief rather than scolding his players with "We have always overcome it well" at the most precarious cliff edge. That unwavering "belief leadership" flung wide open Samsung's championship door, which had been firmly closed for 12 years.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original