The background of Jo Sang-woo's second-tier trip to the championship team → KIA manager Lee Bum-ho will continue to have the same results as his current psychological state

Jul 31, 2025

LG-KIA match held at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 22nd. KIA gave up additional points in the top of the ninth inning due to shortstop Park Chan-ho's mistake in throwing to the first base when Moon Bo-kyung grounded out to the second base with one out and runners on the first and second bases. Jo Sang-woo is being replaced. Gwangju = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.7.22/

A game between KIA and Lotte at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 27th. Cho Sang-woo, who allowed a two-run double to Jeon Joon-woo with two outs and runners on second and third bases in the bottom of the eighth inning, is regretful. Busan = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.7.27/

KIA Tigers Cho Sang-woo eventually went down to the second division. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho diagnosed it as a psychological problem.

KIA adjusted a large number of first-team entries ahead of the 2025 KBO League Doosan Bears match at KIA Champions Field in Gwangju on the 31st. KIA eliminated Lee Joon-young, Cho Sang-woo, and Park Jae-hyun. I called up Kim Ki-hoon, Yoo Ji-sung, and Park Jung-woo.

The most prominent player is Cho Sang-woo. Cho Sang-woo is a resource recruited by KIA as a 'Winning Companion', but his performance this year did not meet expectations.

KIA missed Jang Hyun-sik, a must-winner who became an FA last winter. Kia's alternative was Cho Sang-woo. He made a cash trade with Kiwoom. KIA paid 1 billion won in cash and 1 billion won for the first round of the 2026 rookie draft.

Cho Sang-woo recorded a 5.02 ERA with 4 wins, 6 losses and 24 holds this season. In the last 10 games, he has been sluggish with 10 earned runs in 6 ⅓ innings and a batting average of 0.433. He has lost four consecutive games. In the match against Doosan Bears in Gwangju on the 30th, he made an error in throwing to the first base on an ordinary pitcher's ground ball.

Director Lee Bum-ho said, `Cho Sang-woo and Lee Joon-young seem to have been shaken psychologically. In the current psychology, I thought the same result would be achieved even if I took the mound, so I rather let him rest. I decided that it would be better to put Sung Young-tak in Sang-woo's seat and set it up again", he explained.

Coach Lee Bum-ho pointed out that Cho Sang-woo should overcome it on his own.

Manager Lee Bum-ho said, `It may have been psychologically withdrawn because I was beaten by a situation where I came to a new team and tried to do well anew and Blon did it. But you have to overcome it. I came and held a lot. He's been good at preventing important situations," he said, consoling.

A game between Hanwha and KIA at Hanwha Life Ballpark in Daejeon on the 10th. With two outs and runners on first and second bases in the bottom of the eighth inning, KIA Cho Sang-woo is being replaced. Daejeon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.07.10/

Cho Sang-woo is expected to return after 10 days of re-registration.

Manager Lee Bum-ho said, `It must have been psychologically difficult to go out and score points when there was a runner. That's the scariest thing. If he recovers from cooling down his head and comes up, he will be able to show good pitching."

It's an opportunity for other pitchers.

Manager Lee Bum-ho said, `Kim Ki-hoon has gained a lot of speed. I was looking at the timing to call up. "If young pitchers come and throw them bravely, the stagnant team atmosphere will also be revived," he predicted.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.