MVP Kim Do Young is really here. I asked the fans for their determination…Why did I become mature

Aug 03, 2025

MVP Kim Do Young is really here. I asked the fans for their determination…Why did I become mature
The match between the KIA Tigers and the Hanwha Eagles at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 2nd. Kim Do-young of KIA is doing batting training. Gwangju = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.08.02/



"Fans always tell us not to rush when we return. I know it well because I've matured. I hope you cheer for us when we come back."

KIA Tigers' flagship hitter Kim Do-young is back. When I asked the fans for a word of determination, they came back. It meant that he was fully aware of the fans' concerns about him, who was away due to two hamstring injuries this year alone. He used the expression 'mature' to mean that he is not a young player who simply wanted to play again without considering his physical condition and returned quickly. Fans asked for their support because they will do their best for the team's 5th round in good health.

Kim Do-young was registered in the first division entry ahead of the match against the Hanwha Eagles in Gwangju on the 2nd. It's been 66 days. Kim Do-young injured his hamstring while trying to steal a base against the Kiwoom Heroes in Gwangju on May 27, and he was diagnosed with the second-degree damage for eight weeks, which shocked KIA. Kim Do-young is indispensable to KIA's fall baseball.




KIA held out pretty well before Kim Do-young returned. Although there were crises such as losing seven consecutive games recently, it changed the atmosphere well by reinforcing the bullpen with a 3-3 trade with the NC Dinos. KIA, which has recently won two consecutive games, has 48 wins, 4 draws and 47 losses in the season, rising from seventh to fifth.

Kim Do-young conducted batting and defensive training at Kia Champions Field for the first time in a long time on the 2nd. Maybe because it's been a long time since I stepped on the ground, I looked nervous and excited. I wanted to stand in front of fans for the first time in a long time even as a pinch hitter, but the return match was canceled as the ground was ruined by two heavy rains ahead of the start of the game.

MVP Kim Do Young is really here. I asked the fans for their determination…Why did I become mature
The match between the KIA Tigers and the Hanwha Eagles at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 2nd. Kim Do-young of KIA is doing batting training. Gwangju = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.08.02/
MVP Kim Do Young is really here. I asked the fans for their determination…Why did I become mature
The match between the KIA Tigers and the Hanwha Eagles at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 2nd. Kim Do-young of KIA is doing batting training. Gwangju = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.08.02/
Although the timing of his return has been earlier than scheduled, it is not an unreasonable or rushed decision. KIA initially set aside Kim Do-young's rehabilitation period. The injured area was completely cured. This is why Kim Do-young came forward and explained to the voices of fans who were worried that they might have come to the first team in a hurry. He is healthy enough to express that he can steal again.

Kim Do-young said "As you know, the club has set a relaxed return schedule, so his hamstring is completely better." I came ready to run. But of course you will tell me not to run. I'm ready whenever I get an autograph," he said with confidence.

I have deactivated my personal SNS for a while because I know the fans' concerns even if I don't have to check them. This is my second rehabilitation this year alone, so I wanted to build up my body again strongly.

Kim Do-young said "I honestly thought I couldn't help it when I got hurt this time. Closing SNS was good because I did dopamine detox when I closed it before (lol). Then, I accidentally activated my account, but I closed it because I was worried that it would weaken my heart after seeing the comfort of the fans. I just thought that I should pay attention to recovery quickly."




Kim Do-young hit 0.330 (33 hits in 100 at-bats) with seven home runs, 26 RBIs and an OPS of 1.008 in 27 games this season. At least one game in a season since his debut in 2022 has already been confirmed. KIA is currently fighting a fierce five-way battle, and although it was delayed from playing as much as it could right after the MVP season, it is about to start now.

Kim Do-young said "It is natural to contribute as much as he is out due to injury. I can't wait to find a good batting sense and contribute to the victory. I don't know how I feel yet. He needs to gain confidence while training. I think I'm a player who can change the atmosphere a little bit. I think I should be that kind of player in the second half of the year," he said emphatically.

MVP Kim Do Young is really here. I asked the fans for their determination…Why did I become mature
KBO League match between Samsung and KIA at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 25th. KIA Kim Do-young hit a first solo home run against Samsung's Won Tae-in in the top of the first inning. Kim Do-young, who is being congratulated by his teammates in the dugout. Daegu=Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.05.25/




This article was translated by Naver AI translator.