Why did national team coach Ryu Ji-hyun leave for Ulsan, where promising players gathered, refusing to be semi-PO

Oct 13, 2025

Sportschosun DB

Why in Ulsan.

Ryu Ji-hyun, head coach of the South Korean national baseball team, didn't have many days to sleep at home this year.

There is no national team game, but the busiest person in baseball was Ryu.

Ryu announced the 35-man entry to play in the warm-up matches against the Czech Republic and Japan in November on the 12th, and then embarked on his trip to Ulsan on the 13th.

KBO has been playing the 'FALL League' in Ulsan since last year. After the season, promising professional team players, college, independent league players, and overseas players will experience the league.

This year, the competition will be held in Ulsan for 19 days from the 14th. But why did the national team coach, who has a lot to do in preparation for the warm-up match, go to Ulsan, where promising players gather.

A game between Samsung and Doosan held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 27th, President Hu Jie-yeon and baseball team coach Ryu Ji-hyun, coach Kang In-kwon and Kim Won-hyung, and chairman of the Korea Electric Power Reinforcement Committee Cho Gye-hyun. Jamsil= Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.27/

This is a move that makes you curious. In fact, it could have been better to watch the semi-playoff match between the Samsung Lions and SSG Landers, which are full of players called up to the national team. There is only one reason. It was because of the opponent's analysis. When asked if there are any players among the promising players to check, coach Ryu explained that it is good to see our players, but there is a clear purpose for this trip to Ulsan.

Melbourne Aces will represent Australia in this competition. a strong Australian league team. That's why it includes players who play for the Australian national team. Ryu replied "I'm going down to see the players."

South Korea was in the same group with Japan, Taiwan, Australia and the Czech Republic in the first round of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March next year. Japan and Taiwan should be on the lookout, but the recent Australian baseball is also a no-brainer, so analysis of power is essential.

Sportschosun DB

Coach Ryu is traveling all over the country to watch KBO League games this year, as well as going back and forth around the world. He went to the U.S. to explore the WBC participation of major leaguers, and before that, he traveled to Guam and Saipan early next year to recruit training sites. He also went on a business trip to Taiwan in the hot summer to analyze Taiwan's electricity.

All of this is preparation for only one WBC competition. Manager Ryu, who has a meticulous personality, has put his life and death on the line. Coach Ryu's will and passion are revealed by his reluctance to take steps to Ulsan to see a few Australian national players in person.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.