Ryu Hyun-jin Reflects on His Final Game: What He Learned from the 2026 WBC

[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu] Ryu Hyun-jin, who has decided to step away from the national team, reflected on his final WBC appearance.

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun’s Korea national baseball team returned to Incheon International Airport on the 16th on a charter flight.

The team had planned to arrive late on the 15th, but a delayed departure forced a stopover in Alaska, and they landed the morning of the 16th.

South Korea defeated the Czech Republic and Australia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic first round, advancing to the second round for the first time since 2009.

Although Korea was eliminated after a 0-10 cold-game loss to tournament favorite the Dominican Republic in the second round, the way the team battled through the first round illustrated the depth and grit of Korean baseball.

One of the tournament’s storylines was that this was Ryu Hyun-jin’s final appearance in a Team Korea uniform.

On the 14th (Korean time), Ryu started against the Dominican Republic in a WBC quarterfinal at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. He was charged with the loss after allowing three hits, two walks and three runs with one strikeout over 1 2/3 innings.

After that final outing, Ryu said, "I’m disappointed I couldn’t stay until the very end. It’s a real regret. It was an honor to wear the national jersey and to play alongside the younger players."

He added, "We faced a lot of very talented opponents. I think the 29 players on the roster learned a great deal just by watching."

Ryu, who will retire the Taegeuk mark after this tournament, reflected on his time with the national team: "Playing for Team Korea is what allowed me to keep playing baseball. There were great moments and moments I wish had gone differently, but I have so many good memories from representing the country."

The global game has trended toward high-velocity pitching, and many critics argue that Korean pitchers have lagged behind.

On that topic, Ryu said, "I’ve never been a power pitcher. Ideally, pitchers have both velocity and command, but first you have to know what you do well. Finding your own style comes first. Then you need to refine it."

Asked to give advice to younger players, Ryu offered, "I think the players understand what they need to do. The KBO season is important, but they should continue to raise their level so they can compete on the international stage. Still, it was great spending time with them."

When asked which player impressed him most, Ryu pointed to Sánchez, who started for the Dominican Republic in that game. "He threw really well. I was a bit envious — his velocity was high, and his offspeed pitches all showed excellent command. That’s what stuck with me most," he said.

[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
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