Ryu Hyun-jin Leads Hanwha Eagles to Victory: How ‘Wolf’s Blessing' Ended the Losing Streak

Baek Gil-hyun | 2026.04.19

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Ryu Hyun-jin of the Hanwha Eagles (left) entering the dugout after pitching in the game against Lotte on the 18th[Provided by the Hanwha Eagles. Resale and DB prohibited][Provided by the Hanwha Eagles. Resale and DB prohibited]

Was it a blessing from "Neukgu"? Neukgu fled Daejeon's O-World on the 8th and returned safely in the early hours of the 17th — ten days later. After its return, both of Daejeon's professional teams ended their losing streaks. Oddly, while Neukgu was missing, Daejeon's pro sports clubs fell into slumps. The Hanwha Eagles dropped six straight home games, from their April 10 matchup with KIA through the April 16 game against Samsung. Daejeon Hana Citizen lost at home to Gangwon FC on the 12th, extending their skid to three games. Both losing streaks occurred at home in Daejeon. Neither the baseball nor the soccer team managed a win during Neukgu's absence. Shortly after the mascot returned, both clubs recorded victories. Hanwha beat Lotte 5-0 at Busan’s Sajik Stadium behind ace Ryu Hyun-jin’s dominant start. Ryu went seven innings, issued no walks, allowed just four hits and kept Lotte off the board, snapping the Eagles' six-game slide. K League 1 side Daejeon also picked up a needed result, holding on to Yoo Kang-hyun’s 16th-minute winner to beat league leader FC Seoul 1-0 and end their three-game losing streak. For Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23, Baek Gil-hyun (white@yna.co.kr)