How many points did you rate yourself as a player in 21 years? Oh Seung-hwan's retirement press conference was held and a beautiful period of 21 years

Aug 07, 2025

The Samsung Lions Oh Seung-hwan's retirement press conference was held at the Orakai Hotel in Songdo, Incheon on the afternoon of the 7th. Oh Seung-hwan, who is being congratulated by his colleagues. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.08.07/

Samsung Lions 'Leader of the End' Oh Seung-hwan held a retirement press conference.

On the afternoon of the 7th, a press conference for Oh Seung-hwan of the Samsung Lions was held at the Orakai Hotel in Songdo, Incheon. Oh Seung-hwan held a meeting with Lions owner and CEO Yoo Jeong-geun at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu over the weekend and expressed his intention to retire at the end of this season.

Oh will end his 21-year professional career. Oh Seung-hwan's back number 21 will be designated as the Samsung Lions' fourth permanent number after 22 (Lee Man-soo), 10 (Yang Jun-hyuk), and 36 (Lee Seung-yeop).

Oh will be accompanied by the first-team squad for the rest of this season without a separate entry registration. After consultation with KBO and other teams, the Samsung Lions decided to proceed with Oh Seung-hwan's retirement tour and prepare a grand retirement game at the end of the season. Samsung has also decided to support overseas coaching training if Oh Seung-hwan wants.

The Samsung Lions Oh Seung-hwan's retirement press conference was held at the Orakai Hotel in Songdo, Incheon on the afternoon of the 7th. Oh Seung-hwan at the press conference. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.08.07/

Oh Seung-hwan, who wore the Samsung Lions uniform in the second round (5th place) in 2005, served as the closing pitcher from his first season and played on the professional stage of Korea, the U.S. and Japan for 21 years as the greatest closing pitcher in KBO league history.

He recorded 47 saves in 2006 and 2011, recording 427 saves, 19 holds, 44-33 losses, and a 2.32 ERA in 737 KBO league appearances.

After leading the team to three consecutive losses in the 2013 season, he signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Japanese professional baseball and advanced to the NPB. He also played as a closing pitcher in Japan with 80 saves in two seasons.

Oh Seung-hwan, who moved to MLB in the U.S. Major League Baseball, then returned to the Samsung Lions during the 2019 season after playing as a finisher and setup man in St. Louis, Toronto, and Colorado, with 42 saves, 45 holds, 16-13, and a 3.31 ERA.

The Samsung Lions Oh Seung-hwan's retirement press conference was held at the Orakai Hotel in Songdo, Incheon on the afternoon of the 7th. Oh Seung-hwan is receiving a congratulatory bouquet from general manager Lee Jong-yeol. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.08.07/

Oh Seung-hwan, who recorded 549 saves in his career among Korea, the U.S., and Japan, decided to retire after much consideration. As a pitcher, I was happy to play so many games in various leagues. In the meantime, many people have been cheering for us. I appreciated everyone, and I won't forget after retirement," he said.

When asked to rate his professional career for 21 years, he would like to give a score of 20 out of 21. I'm going to complete the other one in my second life," he replied with a bright smile.