What about Kim Kwang Hyun? Did I choose a two-year contract instead of a lifetime? I'm very nervous these days...I want to try for the remaining 2 1/2 years and 200 wins.

Jun 13, 2025

photo courtesy of SSG Landers

"I think we can reach 200 wins if we work really hard and do well for the remaining two and a half years."

SSG Landers Kim Kwang-hyun promised '2 years later'

Kim Kwang-hyun signed an extension contract with SSG for two years and 3.6 billion won on the 13th. As it is an extended contract, it is considered to have chosen 'Maintaining Qualifications' rather than an FA contract according to the regulations.

Kim Kwang-hyun is 37 years old this year and has been in the 18th year since he became a professional player in 2007. Why is he "two years".

Kim Kwang-hyun, who met with reporters at SSG Landers Field, said, `I never thought about going to another team," he said with a loud smile.

"I joined the team and kept playing for only one team. Even on my way back from the U.S., I was imagining '200 wins' in my head. (St. Louis) Wainwright, who was a teammate, quit after 200 wins, and I want more than 200 wins. Rather than being evaluated by the mayor, I want to win 200 games as a player and get another evaluation."

Kim Kwang-hyun has four wins this year. About half the season has passed, at least six wins must be added and at least 10 wins must be added for two consecutive years to reach 200 wins.

Kim Kwang-hyun said, `I'm not the only winning pitcher who is good. We need the help of defense, hitting, and bullpen. Honestly, I have to be lucky," he stressed. "So I can't help it on days when I throw, but on days when I don't throw, I cheer hard in the dugout and energize myself. Then we will be able to win more."

photo courtesy of SSG Landers

"I still remember my first victory in Gwangju. At that time, I pitched six innings well and came down, and I was shaking for three innings...These days, if you win when you come down, you pray when you come down. Before I went to the U.S., I felt comfortable if the team was winning, but I'm nervous these days. "(Thinking about winning 200 games) Honestly, I'm getting greedy."

Kim Kwang-hyun will start against the Lotte Giants on the 14th. It is a showdown with Lotte ace Alec Gamboa.

It is also the official retirement ceremony of legendary Choo Shin-soo. Kim Kwang-hyun said, `Honestly, I'm burdened. "I've been to both the first game of the Korean Series and the season opener, and it's the first time anyone has started at the retirement ceremony," he said. "I met Choo Shin-soo again today, and wouldn't it have been more burdensome if he had told me something?" I know everything I know. I'll do my best," he smiled.

With this contract, Kim Kwang-hyun's total amount of multi-year contracts (including FA) has reached 25.7 billion won. After Choi Jung and Yang Eui-ji, they are third in professional baseball history and first among pitchers. From SSG's point of view, it is symbolic that it is a team that has all the top pitching hits, and Kim Kwang-hyun also deserves pride.

photo courtesy of SSG Landers

Kim Kwang-hyun said, `I never thought I would get paid this much," he replied. "But the value of the currency will continue to rise, and the record will be broken."He laughed at the audience by saying, `There will be a junior who will receive more annual salary.'

"Performance is also a grade, but I think it means to use it for juniors, for fans, and for youth baseball." Even so, we have a small event every year. Maybe it's the amount of money the club put into it."

Do you have any thoughts on a future leader. Kim Kwang-hyun said, `It's too early. It's a lie if you're not greedy, but signing a two-year contract doesn't mean you'll retire in two years. As a player, my last goal will be to play for another year."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.